Would you work during nursing school if you didn't have to?

medhead · Apr 27, 2007

I'm in the same situation where my husband makes enough that I don't have to work myself and I absolutely would NOT start a job now before I start nursing school in the Fall if I didn't have to. I would like to pursue an externship while in nursing school, but that's a year or so away and only under the condition that I've established myself and am doing well as a nursing student. At this point, learning the basics of nursing is my priority and not getting hospital experience. There'll be plenty of time for that!

catzy5 · Apr 27, 2007

I have two friends that I take classes with...all of us are entering the nursing program this Fall. The three of us are married and are fortunate to be in the position of having spouses where working during school is an option and not a need...for which I am forever grateful.
However, the other two are significantly younger than me, one is 21, and the other is 22, I'm 36. We met at school, they are very serious students, so despite the age difference, I have no problems meeting them for lunch or dinner to study for some pre-reqs we are currently taking. It has helped all of us.
The three of us, have about the same study habits...I just quit my part-time job b/c of an upcoming summer class (API & II) which will run from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 pm....M-Thurs and run for 10 weeks, of which they are attending as well.
Both of these young ladies have, within the last two weeks got a job at a local hosptial...one is a Patient Care Technician and the other will be doing admissions...one is working 30 hours a week, and the other 20.
My concern is neither one of them was working before, and I cannot even imagine working even one day a week with the upcoming summer course load, and nursing school starting this Fall.
Maybe I'm being mother hen...but I was like, "Are you SURE you guys want to do that?"
No doubt, working in a hospital would be beneficial...but I just couldn't imagine working during this program if you had the option not to.

I think in this instance working is part of their education so I think its great, if its too much they can leave and devote more time to studies. I am finishing up my pre reqs this semester I have 3 kids and a husband but I plan to look for a hospital job while waiting to get in, and I also plan on working part time to gain more experience.

Honeychild · Apr 27, 2007

NO!!!

I have to work now and I HATE it. I really love my job ( I am a tutor at the college I attend) but can't stand the constant struggle for time. The only day that I do not have school or work is Sunday, which is the only day my DH has off, so it's family day. I rarely have time to do anything but study, etc.

BUT, only 6 more weeks and that will be over. Just a full time job then. (And studing for the NCLEX of course) :balloons:

Zanibo · Apr 27, 2007

I personally worked a 40+ hour a week job during most of my pre-reqs (including ALL of my sciences) and I did just fine. That being said, I have since become a stay-at-home mom and will stay that way through nursing school, which I start in the Fall. The course load and time that is required to study for nursing school is outragous and our school highly recommends that you don't work during it. I think once they get a few weeks into it, they'll probably realize it wasn't such a good idea. They just might have to realize that for themselves.

RNMom2010 · Apr 27, 2007

I have been working 32hrs a week during my pre-reqs and have done fine. I however do have the ability to study while I am at work, so that has really helped. After I get into the nursing program I will be quitting my job as my FI is in the position to support us without me working. I feel extrememly lucky to be able to not work as many student nurses are not granted that luxury. There are people out there that are amazing and can work full time, hold a full class load AND care for their families and I really admire them!!

Jules A, MSN · Apr 27, 2007

Are you sure they have the option? I could have quit my job, lived off my husband's salary and spent savings for my tuition but just the thought of losing a couple of years income makes me panic. If I couldn't have done both I would not have gone to school.

The good news is that the people in my class that worked did as well and in some cases better than some that didn't work. I found that I was forced to get things done asap and use every spare moment to study so I stayed focused and organized. I wish them the best.

MikeyJ, RN · Apr 27, 2007

I have had to maintain a job since I was in high school (sometimes two jobs while in college) and I have done excellent in school. I actually find that students who do not work or participate in extracurriculars during school do somewhat poorly in their classes. Working during school forces students to learn time management, and it gives them an idea of how to manage money (unfortunately most of those students still live at home with their parents, so any money they earn go toward nice cars, nice clothing, etc.).

Perhaps my biasm stems from jealously.. lol. I have always been "jealous" of those students who don't need to work and are able to live with their parents -- I've been supporting myself since I was 18 (including living on my own, paying car insurance, car note, credit cards, etc.). I have also found that because of these experiences I am far more matured then my classmates.

prettyrio · Apr 27, 2007

I salute:bow: WORKING STUDENT!!!

God Bless You All...

allnurses Guide · Apr 27, 2007

I didn't work - we were advised to work as little as possible.

I did work in the summer part-time as a MA in a doc's office and one summer I worked part-time at a mexican restaurant nearby.

We were poor but it helped me tremendously to NOT work during school. 3 kids, one husband, 70+ miles to drive to school . .. . .plus being 38.

steph

elisabeth · Apr 27, 2007

Things will be tight for us once I start nursing school (hopefully in September), but I've run my own daycare in our home full time while taking my prereqs. I'm looking forward to the time when school will be my official "job."

My mom has Lou Gehrig's disease and I have to spend time with her for at least 5 hours on the weekend. If I had to work and go to nursing school and clinicals and try to have time for my family, I'd go nuts!

ceraleigh · Apr 27, 2007

I dont have to work yet and I'm so very thankful for that. I have the mindset that with a 7 month old I'll go as long as possible not working so I can spend my spare time with him and "be there" while he grows up.