WORKING WHILE IN RN SCHOOL (ONLY) Samuel Merritt/ and National University ABSN

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Good Morning,

I have seen a couple of posts asking but never get a real answer.

Are there any students here on allnurses.com that attended an ABSN Program while working Full-Time????

Two schools I am looking at so far and that is the ABSN Program here in LA at National University or if I move back home next year the ABSN Program at Samuel Merritt. I am debating the two. They problem I have is I am a single mom with 2 kids and not working is impossible but I want to get my RN license. Is it that impossible? Are there any students here who did it themselves????

If you worked and schooled, How did you do it?

I am working on getting more into my Real Estate to be able to work my own hours and quit the job, but in case I can't quit, I want to know if it is doable.

This will help alot.

Thanks so much!!!

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I would think working full time would be near impossible unless you are able to work a night shift somewhere. If you do real estate, with your own hours, perhaps it's possible.

With National (I'm starting in nov) it would be hard because you never know what your schedule will be until a month or so before the start of class.

Best of luck to you!!!

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Thanks so much for responding. I did attend National's Nursing Forum and hated to hear that they don't want you to work fulltime.

It is kind of disappointing to hear so many schools want you jobless. So discouraging for a Single Mom who have to work for a living with no one to pay bills but her.

The only school I have found that works with working individuals is Western Governors University here in SO CAL.

Thanks again!

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Specializes in Women’s Health.

Hi,

I start the nursing program next month and plan on working about 35 hours a week as long as I can or until med-surg. The schedule is not what I'm worried about (that's what sick and vacation time is for, LOL). I'm more worried about balancing work and the study load.

I've read from past students that working is definitely doable before med-surg you just have to MANAGE your time.

I'm a little nervous but not working isn't an option right now, plus I have a great job... So hopefully it will work out but I am familiar with National's format and know what I am in for.

I will keep you updated. But still apply. The not being able to work thing almost keep me from applying. I ended up applying on the deadline date and got in! If it is meant to be God will make it possible. Good luck.

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I'm an SMU ABSN student right now, in my 4th month.

The answer is not full time.

There are a few people who have continued to work some during school, like one shift on Friday night, or stay on per diem with their former job. I'm not working and I couldn't imagine even slipping in an 8 hour shift once a week. The workload is strenuous and even the best students, basically all of us (we essentially all had 4.0s in pre-reqs) were/are overloaded with school responsibilities. This isn't like pre-reqs and your focus needs to be on school. Some of the parents in the group lament how our ABSN program is effecting their relationship with their kids. You essentially eat, breathe and sleep this program for twelve months.

I should also add that another big obstacle to working is that your school schedule changes every 5 or 6 weeks, including clinicals and there is little to no wiggle room for when you attend clinicals. This is primarily why the schools don't want you working because their schedule changes so frequently and can change at a moments notice.

I would say that once you figure out the best ways to study, improve studying efficiency, etc. the crush of school lightens a little bit, but I'm not running out to pick up a part time job.

This probably isn't the answer you were hoping for, but I think you need to hear something honest.

Now back to my care plan....

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Hi ladies,

I decided not to attend neither one. I am attending National for science classes but they sucked and I did not do well. I have been in school the last 6 years and I am burned out. I realized it after going through these 3 classes. I am going to take a break and start over in January. I will take A&P and Micro over again. Cant do bad grades.

I am going to enroll in Western Governors University when Im done with the sciences next year. I need to have patience so I am taking a break.

Good Luck on your programs. I know yall will do great!

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Specializes in Women’s Health.

Wow Sweetcorn, 12 months!?! I wouldn't work either. I know our program is going to be intense but I don't think it will be as intense as yours. National's program is 23 months, so almost twice as long; that gives me hope that I will be able to do it for at least a little while. This might be a lame question but what does SMU stand for?

ShondaJ,

I looked into WGU but was told the earliest I could start was July of next year and then I got into NU. I'm sorry your experience here wasn't the best. Good luck on your journey; as long as you are determined you will accomplish your goal.

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SMU stands for Samuel Merritt University.

Thanks. I will keep it going.

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