Working Woman Who Wants To Be A Nurse

springchick1, ADN, RN · Jan 17, 2016

I am highly frustrated and have to vent. I live in the Maryland area and I received my bachelors two years ago. i want to become a nurse but I keep running into dead ends. Every program that I come across are daytime programs. I look for accelerated or online programs and they say you can't work (which I have to, no questions asked) or that they online admit students in that particular area. Im frustrated because how can I do nursing school when I can't even find a program that fits for individuals who HAVE to work. Someone please help me!!!!

Have you considered moving out of state? I went to a program that was nights and weekends. I worked full time. Your other option is to get a night shift job and go to class during the day. That's what a lot of people have to do.

kirsten8177 · Jan 17, 2016

Hi Springchick1. I have considered it. Ive been offered a few jobs in the NJ/NY area but its not much there either.

heb06004 · Jan 17, 2016

Having just been through an accelerated program, I can say that it is possible to work if all your ducks are in a row (even when schools tell you that you can't work). I worked part time (as did many of my classmates), but I had a classmate that somehow managed to survive while working full time overnights. It honestly depends on what you do, if your job can be flexible in their scheduling, and if they can't be flexible would you be willing to switch to a more flexible job?

You didn't mention what you do for work, just that you can't do a daytime program with your current job. If you're able to find a nights/weekend school the would be great! But if not, maybe adjusting your current work schedule and cutting down your personal costs to limit how much can you need to work may be another route to go.

The way I figure is that if you want it bad enough you'll find a way, even if it's not as clear cut as you'd want it to be! Best of luck! :)

heb06004 · Jan 17, 2016

Oh and I forgot to add - although my program was a "day" program, we only had class one day a week. Lab was also during the day, but only through first semester. For clinicals there was almost always an evening option or two for each area. I'm sure some day programs in your area might be similar!

kirsten8177 · Jan 20, 2016

Im currently in the Maryland area but plan to attend in the Northern New Jersey/New York area.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jan 20, 2016

There is reason they tell you not to work. I would not expect to work while doing an ABSN program. Those are usually around 20 credits a semester. A few people in my ASN program work. But they all work as some type of PCT where the working hours are flexible. There are very, very few night RN programs out there and I think they are all ASN.

Chrissygraduatenurse, LPN · Jan 23, 2016

Hello, Lasalle University in Pa has evening classes. it is accelerated for people who hold a Bachelor degree in another subjected. You attend for 1 year and you will receive BSN.