Working a 9-5 and starting NP Program

Published

I'm just curious as to whether or not its at all feasible to work a 8-4/ 9-5 while enrolled in an NP program. I was initially accepted to the online program at South University but had to decline when I realized if I kept my current position there was no way I'd be able to complete my practicum hours for the FNP program as my availability to complete these hours would be weekends only. I'm not even sure if I were to use my PTO that it'd be enough to accomplish this. (Not looking to switch jobs as I'm relying on the tuition reimbursement for assistance).

Has anyone faced a similar dilemma? If so, how were you able to complete the program?

I am receptive to any feedbacks or comments

Thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi i am doing it...i found places open on weekends and i have been blessed with a great boss..i use my PL time..i was with south and ended up transferring. I could not find a preceptor..i mean any for womens health and kept sitting out...now i found out planned parenthood is available..i am now with kaplan who requires 160 hrs as opposed to 180 with south..it can be done..it just takes hard work and prayer and connections

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi i am doing it...i found places open on weekends and i have been blessed with a great boss..i use my PL time..i was with south and ended up transferring. I could not find a preceptor..i mean any for womens health and kept sitting out...now i found out planned parenthood is available..i am now with kaplan who requires 160 hrs as opposed to 180 with south..it can be done..it just takes hard work and prayer and connections

Thank you for your response. That was my biggest concern besides the cost being able to complete those hours on weekends only. I suppose urgent care centers may also be used to fulfill that requirement as well. I will also look into applying to Kaplan. Thank you once again.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care and ED.

I'm in a similar position. My boss has been very flexible allowing me to work remotely to attend classes for the past 2 years, but my clinical year is approaching in January and I'm going to have to ask her again just how flexible she's willing to be, otherwise it's back to clinical shifts for me until I graduate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I currently work 8-4 and will begin the FNP program at Frontier next month. I am saving up every possible hour that I can to prepare for clinicals because I am fearful that I won't be able to complete clinicals. The nurse that I replaced in this office was actually going to South and had to quit because she couldn't complete her clinicals.

I have already lined up one preceptor that has a family practice and sees everyone, she will be my primary but I'm hoping to line up another preceptor that works weekends.

My manager has said that she will work with me. My office stays open late on Wednesdays and a nurse comes in 30 minutes early to do QCs, so I could do both of those and give myself 4 extra hours of time off each week. It is doable but sometimes you have to think outside the box to come up with a solution.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult Nurse Practitioner.

I'm going to stick my neck out...The majority of clinical practices work Monday through Friday daytime. The important thing to remember is this is like an internship...this is where you REALLY learn about evaluation, assessment, diagnosis, and planning. To "short change" yourself and choose a school because it has fewer clinical hour requirements can do more harm than good. Some schools count the time spent in the clinic while other programs count actual patient time. The more patient time you can get, the more you learn. The more you learn, the more you can pull not only in taking the certification exam, but also in practice. Throughout my clinicals, it was not uncommon for me to have nearly 100 more hours than required. I understand many nurses must work while going to NP school, but the goal is to become a NP, and one should strive to be a GOOD NP. Just my 2-cents worth.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, telemetry.

It also depends on your school's policy too. Mine will not let us do clinical on weekends or mostly on night shift. Sorry if you already addressed that. Like someone else mentioned, many clinics do operate only on a M-F basis, so that may even further limit your potential preceptors. I will add in there that I'm full-time at a hospital working 3 a week, and even just 3 a week with clinicals has been a little rough with the amount of work in the courses. My first semester, I didn't have clinicals, and some weeks were tough adding in the schoolwork and studying I needed, but most were fine. I started clinicals my second semester and then I noticed a big change in workload overall. That is just me though! Everyone's programs are different. I'm sure up until clinicals, 5 a week is more doable.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

Would your job be up to you taking so many clinical days? I am actually stressing about this but I'm thinking I may need to cut down to part-time hours and pick up on weekends.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Retired Military.

Hi-I was wondering if I could chat with you about Kaplan? I am starting the Post-Graduate Certificate PCNP program in August. I am curious to know what your experience is thus far.

Thanks,

Melissa

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What school do you attend? I'm considering applying to frontier but worried about working full time and having a kid and being able to handle the workload.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, telemetry.
What school do you attend? I'm considering applying to frontier but worried about working full time and having a kid and being able to handle the workload.

I'm not sure if you are asking me or not, but thought maybe since you mentioned full-time work. If so, I attend the University of South Carolina.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion