[shavas]

I'm a 32 year old male currently working as a Community Support Worker and will be starting RN school in August. I really enjoy my current job but will need to work while I'm going to school. At the most, I could work Fridays - Monday but am wondering what other peoples experiences have been with working while going to school and what people have found is the most they can work and still stay sane and top of their studies. I prevously completed Mechanical Engineering years ago and did work a couple days a week for one semester but I was much younger then and not as focused. Any advice is great.

Thanks, Steve

[Private Ryan]

I am also very interested in this. (Found my answer to my previous question, most community colleges have the long wait, but universities are much easier to get in. No waiting list, but you must apply)

The not being able to work trauma may be what keeps me out of the field. We have 3 children, just bought a house, I have the health insurance..etc. I was hoping I could do most of the classes at night, but apparently that is not true. The University that I called has a 3 year during-the-day program.

Is there any kind of 2nd shift program that anyone has heard about?

[cassioo]

how much you can work depends on you. I worked Friday, Sat and Sunday some 16 hour days between 2 hospitals while I was in school. I also had 3 kids when I finished kids were 9, 7 & 6. I did the school during the day and had evenings with them. I was lucky enough I didn't have to study much and still got good grades.

[shavas]

Sounds like you're an ironwoman cassioo! I hope I could do so much and still keep my wits about me!

[LisaST]

I worked full time while attending my RN classess. I now have my Assoiciates Degree and I am currently working on my BSN. I have one semester left. I did manage to stay sane while going to school. It is something that I really wanted. I am married and have one child. They did not feel like they were being neglected. It will be worth it.
Good luck.

[Forshae]

I quit my job as an accountant and worked weekends as a CNA to go to nursing school. I was making headway and my wife was disabled. I dropped out and took the LPN program, in order to just stay afloat of the bills and keep on going. I am going back to get that RN now that the finances are falling back into shape. My way is very round-about. The main thing is that I'll get my RN eventually.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you really want it. You can find a way to do it. If you can't do the RN program now, try the LPN and get some work experience in. The skills will be valuable and the education will give you a background to draw from in the classrooms later. Just be sure though that on skills check-offs, you do what it says in the book, and not what you learn on the job. LOL

Good luck,
Tony