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

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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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 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 took A&P I & II last summer while working 5 nights a week. It wasn't easy but I made it and made A's in each course.

Specializes in Palliative Care, NICU/NNP.

Nope!

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 am in the same fortunate situation. I admire anyone who can manage to work and do this at the same time. I know that when we have to do something, we can usually amaze ourselves at what we can handle.

If I had to work to do this, I can guarantee you I would. If they can handle it, they'll manage. If not, they'll figure it out soon enough. I certainly understand your concern; I'd be the exact same way! I wonder if they're working to maintain some sort of tuition agreement with their employers; maybe they don't realize how much work they're in for. Either way, they'll have more than enough to occupy their time once school starts in the fall.

I dont have to work, and I am not working, but I really cant wait to get through so I can go back to work. I miss working.

I do too. I hate feeling like some sort of, well, sometimes I feel like a freeloader, and I feel bad because my husband's working and I'm not. Maybe that makes me sound like a snob, but it's true - sometimes I feel horrible. I think that's why I stress about grades so much - I feel like if I don't do well, he's wasting his money and time. I never worried about grades before now, and even though I'm doing well, I worry that I won't.

Fortunately I didn't have to work when I was in nursing school, it was difficult enough managing the kids schedules, school and the dreaded care plans!!! Some of my classmates worked and they did fine. What ever you choose good luck, and remember you won't be in school forever.

I do too. I hate feeling like some sort of, well, sometimes I feel like a freeloader, and I feel bad because my husband's working and I'm not. Maybe that makes me sound like a snob, but it's true - sometimes I feel horrible. I think that's why I stress about grades so much - I feel like if I don't do well, he's wasting his money and time. I never worried about grades before now, and even though I'm doing well, I worry that I won't.

LOL. I know what you mean. I feel more useless than anything else. I like to be bringing in money, not worrying over it all the time. I am watching my savings go fast. :bluecry1:

Heck no I wouldn't work during school if I didn't have to....

But my family is on my benefits so unfortunately this is not an option :o

Specializes in Geriatrics.

I am just taking pre-reqs and work full time, also a single mom with 2 girls, not a real choice on not working. When I enter the program (spring semester) yeah!! I will have to give up my office job and find something else. Hoping to find something that will at least pay the housing/utilities/gas to avoid getting into debt.

It can be done, its more a matter of time management as many have said than anything. I am sure they will do fine, I have seen some of the younger girls working 2 jobs and manage 2-3 classes.

My school strongly encourages us to NOT work during the program and clinicals however I know that many do with possibly the exception of the accelerated program. THAT would be suicide. :trout:

It is amazing what we can do when we put our minds to it though.. Wish them the best of luck and they have a nice friend in you who cares about their success and well being. !!

I absolutely would not work and go too school if i didn't have too. Im still hopeing i win the lottery i don't play so i can just go and not have to worry about anything lol.

Unfortunately i have rent and bills to pay, I also have to try to maintain my health and dental benifits and my job also offers tuition reimbursement (about 80%) which I hope will help with me not racking up anymore obnoxious debt while in school.

I hate being a grown up sometimes.

If I had the luxury of not working while in school I would, but unfortunately for me I don't have that luxury, I have rent, electric, groceries etc...and helping take care of my mom and 2 sisters.

While I was taking my pre-req's I've been able to hold down 2 jobs and go to school fulltime...it's all about time management and I took my books with me everywhere so that any spare minute I had I could study. I'm sure it will be hard to work and go to nursing school but it has to be done and I'm ready to tackle anything that comes along head on.

If you don't have to work, then don't. Just study!

Specializes in ICU.

I was fortunate to not have to work during school, either. But I knew that right when school ended, I would have to find a job and work as a CNA until I had my LVN license.

I signed up with an agency that places me in hospitals. I tell them when I want to work and then they schedule me, so it's been very flexible. Some weeks I work 5 days, some weeks I don't work at all. I've worked as a CNA, tech, transporter, and sitter. I've worked on all kinds of floors: med-surg, telemetry, ICU, ER, ambulatory care, diagnostics, oncology, medical psych, rehab, etc.

It's been the best experience ever. Of course you see what the diseases and conditions look like that you study in school, and I've found that most nurses and doctors are supportive and willing to answer questions when they have time. I've seen a lot of interesting procedures, too. Some of the things I've seen on the job were on my NCLEX, and I wouldn't have known the answers to those questions if I hadn't seen them in practice.

For me, probably the most helpful thing about working for an agency is the opportunity to go to a variety of floors and to get a feel for the different energies out there. I know what out-of-control chaotic floors feel like and I know what fast-paced but well run floors feel like. I've seen places where nurses truly work together as a team, and places where it's every nurse for themselves. I've seen what the difference is between *excellent* nursing care vs. just kinda getting the basics done.

I also have a much clearer idea now of the patient populations I'd like to work with than I ever did in school. And I have a better idea of what areas of nursing would be a good match for my own personality.

So, even if you don't absolutely have to work while you're in school, I'd recommend working a little if you can fit it into your schedule. You'll learn a lot, and at least in my case, I know I'll be a better nurse for it.

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