WORKING DURING NURSING SCHOOL |Can You, Should You, and Best Jobs

[@whoKENDAMAwho]

I am so grateful for having supportive parents that let me live with them while i'm in college. I've seen so many single parents at my school that have to work full time, go to school full time and take care of their kids. My deepest admiration goes out to those single parents kicking ass in school while also raising children and supporting themselves.

[@NurseLiz]

I'm always crazy impressed by single parents doing all the things as well. Thats awesome that you can save some money and sanity and live at home!

[@katherynne8241]

Worked full time through...: LPN school, LPN to RN, RN to BSN, and now NP school. Not working isn't an option. It's possible, just not a great time.

[@NurseLiz]

Exactly. All that hard work will pay off soon!

[@-yny-5563]

katherynne , How long does it take from LPN to be RN ?

[@katherynne8241]

@@-yny-5563 That really depends on where you go to school & what their requirements are!

[@Ilovechickpeas24]

katherynne you’re inspirational. I have work full time through my program. If you can do it I can too!

[@MrRay231rockets]

Going down the same route... working full time.. LPN, LPN to RN, RN to BSN, PMHN. Kinda nervous, but I know it'll pay off.

[@anamaepon416]

It's doable. I worked full-time time, weekend program as patient care tech while in nursing school. I've learned to study smart and learned to manage my time. Last month, I passed my NCLEX on the first try at 75 questions. My care plan were crappy, but hey I passed with 3.4 GPA with my BSN. So yeah it's doable.

[@NurseLiz]

Congrats on passing the nclex!! Also..care plans are dumb haha.

[@janirahramos7655]

Can you give study tips ?

[@s.elissa9209]

Omg congratulations!! I need your secret !! I am on my way soon to the program and need to maintain bills of course .

[@jtouchxperience8018]

Congratulations!!

[@clementjoshua9883]

I started as a waiter at the start of nursing school. Later, I worked 36 hours a week for the last two semesters. I worked weekends, 12 hour night shifts as a CNA at the local medical center. Yes, it was tough, but I was also 40 years old with most of the usual expenses that a 40 year old has. No one paid for my schooling, living expenses. etc.. It can be done, but I sure wish I was younger. If you can avoid it, not working would be the best option, Do it while you are young and probably still at home.

[@dudeguy323]

I'm a nursing student in an accelerated program and I just got a job as a CNA, part-time. These night shifts are gunna hurt, pray for me lol

[@NurseLiz]

Hang in there! Congrats on the new job!

[@marissachapman1022]

Get your rest and listen to your body.

[@Heavy8963]

Michael Viart how are you doing?

[@yesimtakeoffcantstopmenow2663]

I’m gonna work midnights at Amazon Edit: only lasted 2 days

[@PinkNinjas24]

How are you doing now?

[@itsbittersweetest]

I went to school Mon thru Fri and worked nights Sun thru Thurs for 1 yr. Slept between 4 and10 I was single and had no life.😊

[@joelfalconi7168]

sounds nice to me : )

[@NurseLiz]

But you did it!!!

[@tinasanchez6175]

where you able to study during your night shift? Jw.

[@marissachapman1022]

Exactly why I’m so happy that I am single. One less thing to worry about. I am also moving out of state and will not know anyone where I am going. It will cut out the distractions.

[@jujularson]

I am going to be 45 next month, and back in the day, I was a first-generation high school graduate. Today, I am a first-generation college student. I started all my prereqs 3 years ago (while working), and now I have two semesters left of nursing school, and I will continue working. I am working about 26 hours as an editor/writer, so... I'm not in the medical field yet. Although, I was a CNA 25 years ago. Does that count? Haha! This has been doable for me since I have the benefit of doing all of my work from home. I raised my kids, and here I am... on my next adventure. As a wife, mom, and a grandma of 3 little ones, life is very busy. Plus, I am the kind of learner who needs to hear things over and over--and in multiple ways--in order to retain it and be able to apply it to a situation/scenario. It seems to take me double the time it takes other people, but I love it. I get so excited about all the things I'm learning. I know I will cry my eyes out when I graduate as I reflect on this amazing journey. It's been exhausting and energizing all at once. I am planning on being a hospice nurse, and I am incredibly grateful for everything this rewarding and humbling experience has taught me so far.

[@NurseLiz]

Your future patients are so lucky to have you!!

[@MyLifeInTheDesert]

Wow! Good for you! This is amazing. I am 45 and went to graduate school to be a counselor but I’m really interested in going to school again for nursing. I am trying to sign up for pre-reqs now

[@gabrielcummings1243]

I just started Nursing school, ADN. I'm working full time as a CNA 12 hour shifts Thursday through Sunday and school Monday through Thursday. I'm constantly tired but it's doable

[@NurseLiz]

You are doing a great job!

[@NursingWithBenomi]

I worked as a CNA PRN during nursing school (ADN). I was still living at home and was able to pay most of the way through all my nursing school. Graduated with no debt! So glad I did. While I was on break from school I would work a lot to save. My first nursing job was at the nursing home I worked at as an aide.

[@ellierami1268]

hello! I am trying to find a CNA PRN job. Do you mind telling me how that whole thing works about his job? I work in a facility, but being a CNA PRN gives a bit more money right? I will need that as I go to school.

[@polynefrancis6594]

This all l needed to hear started my Nursing Program this fall and will be working part-time as a Nursing Aide. God help me and all those getting to their Program and need to work.

[@PrettyRyanTravels]

Worked full time 8-4pm M-F. ADN “blended” program so lectures were online and labs/clinicals were around 4pm or weekends. Totally doable thanks to my job (worked in the business side of a hospital) being flexible. I cried 2x a semester only lol and gained 25 lbs though.

[@NurseLiz]

That's awesome!! None of the programs around me are like that, which is such a bummer because that seems so reasonable!

[@Lexusfordd]

I can’t do night shift once I get to nursing school. I’ll have to go prn because me failing nursing school isn’t an option.

[@NurseLiz]

PRN is an amazing option!

[@Lifeasleslieivy]

I personally work PRN in the ER and I am able To pick up shifts almost everyday and as many hours as I want. They call me “flip flop” at work because I work all kinds of shifts

[@tgrey4827]

I've learned to handle it quite well but on the other hand I probably have more wrinkles and darker circles under my eyes than most 23 year olds 😂

[@Hummingbird554]

“There’s just some of us who are just really good at self punishment” 😂

[@marissachapman1022]

Naruto S loves that part. 😂😂😂 I am definitely one of those people. I felt that in my soul. Lol

[@perfectlyimperfect4508]

Oh my God me working full-time I think is what has held me back from not starting nursing school. I have use that excuse for several years now and I’m still working full-time and I’m finally Taking the steps to start nursing school. This year my goal is to start nursing school because I can no longer put it off thank you so much for this video I appreciate you

[@MichelleD10S]

I was working as a CNA for a while in nursing school and I got super burnt out since I did extra shifts and pulled multiple 12s in a row. I left the job and took a bit of a break for mental health reasons from school/Work and now I'm working as a pharmacy tech and the hours are much more manageable/flexible then I thought. Also I'm learning about pharm in the process so woohoo!

[@erinwalsh7602]

Thank you so much for making this video. I’m going into my nursing program in January and I’ll be 26, and I HAVE to work and so many people are like OH NO YOU CANT WORK!!! But I don’t have a choice! I don’t have kids (only furry ones) but i still have to care for them and keep my house taken care of and my husband works as a chef 60-80hrs/week so I was nervous but this video makes me feel so much better to know it can be done. Thank you for existing Liz ❤️

[@tonerstummy5680]

You can do it. I just graduated and had many classmates that worked during school.

[@NurseLiz]

Honestly I've found that people love to tell you what you can't do, and try to scare you about nursing programs. With time organization and the maturity to just buckle down and get stuff done, you can ABSOLUTELY do it. People can be...dramatic. haha

[@timothyburrows9622]

Worked full time through my ADN, BSN, and will be doing it for my NP.

[@NurseLiz]

You got this!

[@jessrene2350]

Omg wow that’s amazing

[@cynshereem5]

I truly appreciate this particular video so much! I start nursing school on 8/26. Technically, the program has already begun because we have A LOT of pre-work with due dates scheduled. I WAS working a full time 9-5 job in a doctors office but since the program is pretty much M-F I had to find a new job. I just got hired as a Unit Secretary in a hospital. I think this job is another example of a great job to have because of the exposure you get on an actual unit and how close you get with the nurses. MOST nurses love students and are willing to help.

[@NurseLiz]

You will definitely get a ton of exposure with that! Congrats on the new job and nursing school acceptance!

[@Broadwaystar1234567]

I am currently working while in nursing school. For my first year and a half I had a retail job that was super flexible, but I just recently got a job as a tech at a hospital. I’m per diem, and my commitment is one weekend day a month, and I get to schedule my self so it is super flexible.

[@NurseLiz]

Per diem is the best!! Congrats on your new job!

[@Lifeasleslieivy]

Rebekah Nida that’s how I’m currently working! PRN is the way to go especially in the ER where we are always short so I can hit 40 hour weeks however I can !

[@kalahking1221]

I’m not a nurse but I’m working to become a dental hygienist and I have a really good job working as a receptionist three days a week while I take online courses. I’m blessed to have found a job that is so good to me!

[@NurseLiz]

Thats awesome that you've found something that works with your schedule!

[@raver2be]

I live alone and need to support myself, so working full time is a necessity. I'm somehow surviving, but I have gone 30 hours without sleep multiple times throughout this journey. I know it isn't sustainable, but it's only temporary.

[@NurseLiz]

Oof. I know that life. No fun. But it will end like you said. Hang in there!

[@amyc4406]

Thank you for doing this video! I work full time 3-11pm at a nursing home. I finished my pre requisites and currently am studying for my TEAS exam. I need to work while going to nursing school but was second guessing things. I really needed to hear that I can do this and it’s only temporary. 💋

[@NurseLiz]

You got this!

[@sallycarr3332]

@@NurseLiz Thank you I needed that talk

[@Linda19816]

Keep going! I have a little child, I work and I am in nursing school. The hardest part is the time I am away from my child. The rest is doable!

[@raisingthemsimply]

I am so lucky with my employer. I am a CMA and I only work 16hrs/week (to get benefits) with evening hours at an urgent care. Works perfect for me!

[@NurseLiz]

That's perfect!

[@lakisha137]

I know this video is old but I will be attending a night time nursing program next fall. All the pre-reqs are completed beforehand and classes are held at night. Clinicals are on the weekends. It’s designed for those of us who are career changers or who need to work full-time during the day.

[@mssha1980]

I wish we had this in my area. Good luck

[@shaunakaymclean8923]

I wish this was in my area

[@mateonoesfeo6857]

Thanks so much for this! I work in an emergency room in registration and start nursing school this fall. I've been so worried trying to figure out how I can work full time and go to school full time without having a nervous breakdown lol. I'm thinking of switching to overnights, getting the shift differential, and working less hours. I'm terrified but I know it'll all be worth it in a couple years!

[@taylorvaughan1943]

My program (ADN) has night classes and a 12 hour clinical on Saturday. It is more for the 9-5 ers.

[@PrettyRyanTravels]

Taylor Vaughan sounds like my program. We call ours blended and we have classes at 4pm.

[@NurseLiz]

Thats awesome!! I'm glad they have programs like that because I feel like so many people want to go back but work traditional hours.

[@taylorvaughan1943]

@@PrettyRyanTravels Mine start at 5p and go to 10p. Exhausting, but really nice if you have to work.

[@taylorvaughan1943]

@@NurseLiz it is so true. What is unfortunate is that this college has 8 campuses and only one offers the night program so it is insanely competitive. More of these programs should exist. What is also great is that after your first semester you get your CNA, so if you want to transfer to a job more within your field and have more flexible hours you can.

[@5260lalaw]

That's awesome. Curious as to what state/city your program is in?

[@paige6094]

I love this and I appreciate your videos. I am completely self sufficient and I need to work in school. I love hearing that I can do this. I start nursing school 8/26 and I am beyond excited. I need this. I have been going through a hard time and I am ready to focus on my education. Thank you for all you do!

[@NurseLiz]

Congratulations on your nursing school acceptance!! Glad you can focus on you a bit :)

[@jessrene2350]

Paige Frantz hi I start my pre reqs on aug 20th before I can do the nursing program are you doing rn to bsn or the 4 yr university ? I’m so nervous I have 3 kids single parent

[@aishatunis2527]

Seriously! I don't have a choice. I have to take care of my bills ( live alone n care 4 myself 100%). I'm deciding b/w an ABSN and an ADN because of the cost. Don't know if I should take the risk and get private loans 😣.

[@DrAdnan]

If you can make it work, major props 💪

[@MたいしS]

I’ve worked full time up until now in my last semester. The ATI exams, comp predictor, and all these unit exams with next generation type questions put a stop with me working

[@omigod420]

I’ve watched this video multiple times for encouragement. I’ve also read the comments for inspiration and support from others who have been or are going through this journey. Im also 45 yrs old like some of the ppl who commented here. I was an orthopedic medical asst/orthopedic technician for 15 yrs before i decided that nursing is what i wanted to do. I was recently hired as PCT in a telemetry step down unit at a local hospital. My hours for school would be Monday thru Thursday 9-5 while working full time nights and weekends. School starts in August. I feel like I am more than ready to begin this adventure. After reading these comments im inspired by all of you who have already been through it. If you guys can do it I can sure as hell do it to. 🙏🏼

[@gailsherman6159]

Yes Liz, I worked as MA for a group of Drs. very part time, Monday & Thurs night and Sat mornings. Worked out great with nursing school.

[@NurseLiz]

That's awesome!!

[@SwiftNeo9]

Thank you I really needed to hear this. I just got my acceptance letter yesterday from my dream nursing school after 4 years of trying. I currently work full-time in an emergency room as a registration rep and I was super worried about not being able to support myself financially while in school. I definitely will be having to leave my full-time position and hopefully switch to Per Diem. I am single and have no kids and thinking of how I am going to support myself with just a part time job is a scary thought. Definitely will look in to a restaurant position as an alternative. Thanks!

[@carlaperezrivera2691]

I just found this video and thank you, every video I found is “omg it isn’t achievable” or they scare you out of it. So thank you!

[@nicholeknight1893]

Thank you. I'm watching this video for the second time. I'm in accelerated program and work minimum 40 hours a week. I think to myself this is temporary and I can do this.

[@pinknikkij]

I have to work too and thanks to hubby due to me having a 2 and 4 year old, was able to drop to 32 hours a week. I’m nearing the end of my first semester and am oddly doing better than some of those not working. I work in customer service over the phone for a bank and can study some in between calls. My job is mostly flexible as the center is open 24 hours

[@NurseLiz]

I think when you have to work it just makes it so you HAVE to be really organized and motivated. Where as when you have some free time you can easily get distracted. Also I found there was sometimes a maturity level difference that played a huge effect into how well people did. GO YOU for balancing all that with kids!

[@Hummingbird554]

I learned in my psychology class that people who work tend to do much better than people who don’t work. I think it’s because we know we don’t have as much times as those who do. So people who don’t work tend to procrastinate even more. Good job, girl!

[@BellsOnHand]

I plan to work nights on the weekends in my L&D job while pursing my DNP. I have four kids under 6...so we will see how everything goes. I also worked as a medical assistant through my undergraduate degree.

[@NurseLiz]

If you have four children you can do anything. Just saying

[@ninaj84]

I'm a graphic designer/art director and looking for a complete career change..nursing looks so appealing and knowing I'll actually be helping people makes me really want to do something like this.

[@claytonrogers9290]

I did a second degree weekend program! Class Friday 5-9pm and clinical Saturday/Sunday. I taught 5th grade M-F my first year and the second year I was a CNA on a medical surgical floor 3 nights/week during the week. I was very fortunate my manager let me do week days during the semester and then I took all the weekend shifts on my breaks from school to be “fair” to the other CNAs! It’s doable but it sucked! LOL I didn’t have kids at the time so that helped a lot!

[@NurseLiz]

Thats awesome that they had clinical on the weekend! Thanks for sharing your experience :)

[@fafanayo7300]

Can you please tell me the name of the school you went to. I like that weekends clinical part. Thanks.

[@bugga179]

I kinda have a similar aspect on this situation...like “let’s just get through this! GO!”. I did that middle school through high school. I hope I can do that to get through nursing pre and my TEA’s exam for the program.

[@NurseLiz]

Fingers crossed for ya! You'll be just fine!

[@ayawovi6363]

You video puts all these other nursing videos to shame. Wow I truly TRULY appreciated this.

[@yarimorales5908]

I'm currently in nursing school. Since I am a single mother of three wonderful boys working isn't an option. I had a professor tell me I was not going to make it but so far I'm doing ok. Will showing him how much he was wro g later. I am an interpreter for a health system. I work 2 days a week plus about 10-15 on call shifts a month. Since classes are 2 days and my normal work hours are also during the traditional work week I have most weekends and evenings off, unless I'm on call. This allows me time for the boys. Well to take them places. I have studied at the pool, during their sports practices on vacation you name it. I don't take much time off but when I drained I rearrange my schedule to breathe. I also work one day a week on campus. This is very mindless and give my time away from home life distractions to study. Ok I never actually had to write that and I'm tired from the explanation... lol. I have been ok doing this and I know when things get harder I can scale back a bit from work.

[@NurseLiz]

Go momma!! I don't know about you but when my professors told me I wouldnt be able to stay in school because I was having a baby, it made me WAY MORE determined to prove them wrong. You are doing an awesome job!

[@meloscrazyworld]

😭😭😭😭single mom here! pray for me! I have to work full time during the day and go to school at night. 🙏🙏🙏

[@pattyhidalgo7134]

Hey melo, when did you start? I'm in the same boat here, I'm so scared to start.. im a phlebotomist at the moment.. but I'm so scared tho.. scared of not passing all those exams..

[@meloscrazyworld]

@@pattyhidalgo7134 I'm taking the Teas test on April 10 and God willing, of I pass, I plan to start in the next round. Of classes in October. I JUST started a new job and I need to be with it for 6 months before the education benefits kick in. So I guess it gives me time to prepare and make plans and get it all straightened out. What about you? What city do u like in? I'm in the Bronx, NYC.

[@meloscrazyworld]

Hit me up on IG @Melos_crazy_world

[@pattyhidalgo7134]

@@meloscrazyworld hey.. thanks for replying back.. ugh girl I'm barely gonna start my prerequisites lol.. Wow. Good luck its almost here . Have u been studying for ur teas? Sure ill look for you on IG I live in California in the valley ..

[@meloscrazyworld]

Yes I have ... sort of. The schools in NYC are very competitive and expensive and hard as hell to get in. Everywhere was full and have massive wait lists or crazy overall tease score expectations. I gave up and ended up searching for schools in the neighboring state of New Jersey ! The one I found seems like I can get in. Either way, the course work will be hard and challenging and juggling single mother hood and full time work with going to school nights weekends while also having to travel from one state to the next every day is gonna be bonkers. But all worth it in the end.

[@Winterseve86]

I am finishing up my LPN program now. 1 month left! I work full time, Monday thru Thursday, 8am to 5pm. My LPN program is a part time, 21 months (ew) but it is good for us folks that have to work. It is tough. We do clinicals every other weekend, Class/lab on Fridays, and a lot of independent study during the week. I couldn't have gone back to school without it. Now I'm trying to figure out how to do an ABSN program without thousands in loans.

[@MelissaReist]

I started working at Wendy’s my senior year of high school. I didn’t work during the school year because I would work 50 hours every week during the summer. I would come home during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break and work too. Looking back, I wish I would’ve worked part time during college and enjoyed the breaks from college more. Also, Wendy’s was my only job before I got hired as an RN. I was really worried about this, but it never came up in any of my interviews. Thanks for the video!

[@NurseLiz]

That's awesome that they were flexible with you! Honest question. Can I continue to eat frosties? Because they are delicious. But always questioned their sanitation after working at Chili's and seeing our shake machines haha

[@MelissaReist]

Nurse Liz I will still eat anything from there (but definitely ask for fresh chicken or fish if it’s after 10pm). We used to break down our frosty machines and clean them every night. Then we got a new general manager and got remodeled and since we were so much busier, the new GM said we only had to break them down and clean them once a week. Case in point - keep on eating, and I highly suggest dunking fries and nuggets in them.

[@taylorpowers1233]

i start nursing school in august, so i am so happy that you made this video!! super helpful!! thank you!!

[@NurseLiz]

Congrats on your nursing school acceptance!!

[@jaimerellergert2358]

Thank you for this! I have to work during school and this video made me feel better knowing there are others like me!

[@shemakesmehappy85]

You are not alone!! Good luck!

[@brittanyvictoria8712]

This video was def helpful , trying to figure out what to do with my schedule for work if I am going to go from my full time day shift as a respiratory therapist to a part time ish full time night shift therapist while also starting a full time accelerated nursing program in fall & than also juggling being a mom

[@deirdrestephens3011]

I really needed to hear this! I've got one last year for nursing school, and graduate in September. I've been a CNA since I was 18 and will graduate at 22 next year. I have to work at least 4 days a week or so (I'm PRN and work the end of the week), which I have to do but I have always managed to study at work after doing what need be. I've always been able to be great at time management, so I am worried but not as much now. Watching this made me feel more content, thank you for this so much!!!

[@teresabenedict2920]

I am so happy I found your channel! I am in my first semester of a dual degree nursing program and taking A&P2 and Patho 2 so I’m a little overwhelmed. I also work as a waitress and I love the work , it helps my communication skills immensely. Thank you again for your videos and I can’t wait to be a nurse!

[@NurseLiz]

I feel like everyone needs to be a server for a little while in life. It teaches you a ton of life skills. That is an insanely overwhelming combination. One day at a time! HOpe the rest of the semester goes well!

[@delmathews384]

As someone who has to work full time and will be starting my program at the end of the month... this really made me feel better. Just breathing while I can.

[@bikelola]

Great video - thanks! My area (Twin Cities, MN) had a few evening/weekend nursing programs but they've mostly gone by the wayside, I think. I had heard that weekend clinicals were getting harder and harder to arrange, and I would guess the clinical instructors weren't super keen on that schedule for themselves. The "work or not work" question is so interesting. I'm very very fortunate that I do not have to work during my accelerated program, but I also feel pretty judged for not working. I've been working since I was 13 - so, for 27 years - so taking 18 months off to focus on school feels like a luxury, and I appreciate it every day. Thanks husband and smart saving!

[@NurseLiz]

So glad you can just focus on school! never thought about the teacher/clinical instructor side of it, but you are totally right. They probably aren't super into being there those hours.

[@DH-en4th]

I currently host karaoke 6 nights a week at various places in my city. Singing has always been my passion and I’ve developed a number of positive, healthy relationships with regulars of my shows. It’s incredibly fulfilling, but doesn’t really pay the bills or offer long term security. My other passion in life is health and wellness. I haven’t decided if I would ultimately like to become an M.D. (D.O./N.D.), N.P., P.A., or R.D. but I want to start as an R.N. and go from there. In every job I’ve had I’ve truly only been satisfied when I know I am helping people and continuously learning. I think Nursing could be what I’ve been wanting from other jobs. But if I pursue this, I’ll have to work more than I do now or switch to a higher paying pt job. I really would feel like I’m letting a bunch of people down if I had to quit karaoke entirely. Did you know other students that had night jobs and no help going to school? I have been trying to get input from all of the people I know who work in medicine and education. I’ve also been looking at people’s experiences on KZbin. Nurse Liz you are by far my favorite. You are incredibly detailed, informative, funny, and empathetic. I feel like our personalities are similar based on what you’ve shared, so it really encourages me to hear how you have overcome struggles, that I am still trying to figure out, and have made it all the way to N.P., kids and all!

[@NurseLiz]

Aww thanks! I don't know if I've personally known anyone who worked nights. I worked in the evning though and supported myself and it was ok! A lot of work but doable. You can do it!

[@marissachapman1022]

Nursing will be a second career for me although I did become a CNA in high school (it was my original path now I’m back haha). While working on my undergrad degree I worked as a CNA in home health. I worked full time and attended school full time and I started with a 9 month old son. I cried some nights because I did not have a set schedule and had to pull all nighters. I just did what I wanted randomly. Lol I had a life (I was young 21-22) and that definitely kicked my butt a lot. Do not procrastinate. Knock things out right away like assignments before going out with friends or having fun. Use those things as rewards for yourself after studying or completing your work. Home health is an awesome choice while in nursing school because it is more flexible and you can work short or long shifts. Also you have one patient and I got a TON of downtime. There is no way that I would have completed my undergrad if I did not work in home health. I had a client that would allow me to do homework whenever she did not need me. I worked overnight and even got to sleep there. I worked 12 hour shifts overnight. I would do homework and still have time to get sleep before getting off of work (haha) and when I got home I was awake for my son all day. It worked out so perfectly. I hope that I have this type of luck while working on my nursing degree. Lol I do plan to work full time as I would have to for health insurance and other benefits. I plan to work a 9-5 while working on prerequisites and then go back to working as a CNA/Tech once I am in the program just because it is more flexible.

[@NurseLiz]

This is so helpful! Thank you!

[@rockNrolla661]

I received a job offer an an EMT but it is full time and we would be on on call for the last ten minutes of the shift so we would be forced to do overtime. I wanted part-time but they only offer full time. I would have to work someone's shift for training for 5 weeks( meaning I could either be doing day or night shift) before I can choose my schedule witch most likely would be night shift. I don't have a support system so for me it would be challenging, I am married and I have two children. God Bless all you mommas making it work despite all the obstacles thrown at you.

[@dannyp9090]

I'm starting a Medical Scribe/Nurse Assistant part time job soon because i want some experience in the healthcare field before going to nursing school 😊 I will take the traditional nursing route

[@NurseLiz]

You'll learn so much as a scribe!! And as a nursing assistant too obviously. But I always thought scribes got to see such a neat aspect of healthcare nurses don't usually get to see.

[@JuliaBuglia]

Working currently in the ABSN program. 0.6 FTE (2 shifts per week) and still benefits eligible. I am a PCT at the hospital and have assigned weekends, every third weekend. The rest I have to switch with people to get the weekends, but it usually works out well. Except for monday morning exams. But it's still doable with proper time management like you mentioned

[@NurseLiz]

Sounds like you have a good schedule figured out. Time management is everything!

[@serinagarcia5772]

Your video is the most helping video I found on nursing school and working. I’m a CNA waiting to get into nursing school but I live with my grandparents who you can call very toxic and negative. Most of the time I’m at the library studying or hanging out with my best friend. I’m really determined to move out on my own to a small place I can finally call home so I can have some peace when in nursing school (coming home to a peaceful place is all I want) but I am nervous about working and doing nursing school. Thinking about doing PRN. Any advice ??? ❤️

[@NurseLiz]

I lot of people love PRN! If you can swing it financially it is definitely flexible which is awesome

[@MR-fe7st]

Amen girl. Moving out of my parent's house on Monday. I am renting a room with a single old lady. Rent a room. Do whatever you need to do to stay sane.

[@LifeByLexx]

This is so appropriate, today is my first day of my new night shift job that I took so that I don’t have to stress about my school schedule and I just really don’t know what days I should work and what not. I’m super stressed/getting depressed about basically not having a weekend for the next three years or so (if I decide to work Fri,sat,sun) I’m just very overwhelmed! Thanks for the video!

[@NurseLiz]

Congrats on the new job! But I totally feel you. It's super overwhelming to think about no weekend for a long time. I remember that feeling.

[@theseagoat7842]

I’m working my way through LPN school. At first I thought I would only be able to work part time but my school is so laid back I work full time. I just passed my dosage cal exam. 9 more months to go 😎

[@RyanTooClutch]

Alright.. Imma jus say it. I'm thinking about working during my Nursing Program.. But only DoorDash & Instacart; where I'm my own boss and choose where to go. Pretty good pay.. I've made $41 in 48 mins.. Obviously, not everything is going to be like that, but you see the potential

[@guylyfrenchie3307]

Unfortunately I am alone in the US so I can’t afford not to work. Fall is my last semester before applying and I am so scared of not being able to afford my rent etc...

[@mfamilia84]

I work a 9 to 5 and got accepted into a part time program. Single mom and mother of a 10 year old. Will start in September. Not sure how things will work out with clinicals but (so far) it seems like my supervisor will work with me so I can make the hours and pay rent 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@NurseLiz]

Flexible and understanding employers make all the difference. Go you momma!

[@Astronomical1]

I worked restaurant industry.. I just scheduled myself heavy if it was the day I will have already taken the test earlier that day. I would schedule myself light the weekend before the test.. After I got my lvn it didn't matter because I would just work all weekend doing homehealth while finishing my adn bridge

[@Dee-oq5ms]

I did HH as an LPN while getting my ADN as well, HH is a blessing for those of us who need to work.

[@NurseLiz]

Did you find that doing home health was fairly flexible?

[@Astronomical1]

@@NurseLiz yeah..you can either have a permanet patient or pick up when you felt like it. It depends on the company but they will email you or text you what shift/patient/times available. It was heaven sent because its only ONE patient, you sit with one patient 10-12hr and lots of down time to study (depending on the acuity)

[@Dee-oq5ms]

@@NurseLizLiz yes HH was very flexible and beneficial to work-life balance, imo.

[@beingkeshia100]

Love hearing your story. I’m trying to take my pre classes for nursing school to apply. I work full time now has a tech in a hospital I will be doing to school part time. My question is since I’m not in nursing yet and not going to school full time right now and also living on my own and paying for bills could I be ok doing that only talking like 2 or 3 classes till I get done with my pre classes ik it might take a while to get where I want but to me this is the best option for me right now.

[@NurseLiz]

for sure! Take it at whateveer pace you need! The only thing to watch for is make sure that your pre req's dont "expire" before the program. SOme programs want you to have certain classes like statistics within a certain amount of time before the program. You got this!

[@annak7598]

I love yOur personality. I watch Alyssa all day channel and she has mentioned you a couple of times so I decided to check out your channel too. Glad I did x

[@kerenhaiweha6257]

I am about to finish my bachelors degree in Public Health in the summer of this year and I’m hopefully starting nursing school in the fall. I recently got married and with covid 19 things have been a little crazy. I worked for every semester except my first during my bachelors, and I generally took 18 Credits a semester and I worked full time for a year, full time + part time for a few months, then part time for a year. It was brutal for me but doable.

[@nicholeknight1893]

I watch your videos over and over again. They help so much. Thank you again. 😊

[@joytolentino4265]

I fortunately didn’t have to work during nursing school. My mom was awesome and just pretty much said focus on school. 🤗 soOo yey. I initially got my ADN via a junior college because I didn’t want to get a loan. Loans aren’t a bad thing like you said if that’s what you need to do to ultimately achieve your dream job then by all means do what you need to do 🙂. I was lucky enough to be able to get into the program. Once getting my RN license I got a job working 7A-3P then went back to school during the night to get the additional classes I need to transfer to get my BSN. Once I finished my classes needed to transfer to a 4 yr university I applied to a California state university and received my BSN. Fortunately the school I went to to get my BSN had an online RN to BSN program so that was a plus! I was able to keep a full time job and take part time classes to get my bachelors. I can’t stress the important of PART TIME classes to help with my sanity because for one of the semesters I did a full load of classes and I powered through them but I was mentally and physically exhausted. Now I’m back for graduate school and hoping to be a future FNP🤞. I think it helped that I don’t yet have kids so I devout all of my days off on school. Love your videos totally relatable and helps all our future Nurses get glimpse of the life of a nurse 🤗🤗🤗

[@samanthawilliams6885]

What RN job did you get that was 7A-3P?

[@joytolentino4265]

Hi Samantha, at that time I worked at an adult day healthcare center. It wasn’t my ideal work but it worked out for me since the hours was good and not a stressful job. Skilled nursing facilities also have 8 hr shifts and I think home health is a little more flexible with the hours. You can also work for an agency where you dictate the days you’re available to work. One of the cons for working for an agency or home health is that you’re being assigned to different facilities or different homes (home health). I’ve never worked through an agency because I like consistency with work and hate traveling far 😜.

[@NurseLiz]

That's awesome!

[@MzShonuff123]

Ha-I worked at Starbucks through undergrad #BaristaLife You are perfect! I just quit my FT 9-5 job (yikes! My health insurance!) to finish out my clinicals this year and I am panicked. I have an emergency fund and am a homeowner whose mortgage is thankfully cheaper than any Chicago rent. I don't want to take out loans (I'm almost done paying off my loans!) but my school schedule is also a disaster. I have a side hustle that I can do from home and am hoping that will be good enough to get me through the next four semesters.

[@NurseLiz]

Clinicals FOR SURE throw a wrench in things. They're so weirdly unpredictable. YAY for the caffeine jobs! Go side hustle go!

[@MsSushi1982]

Very useful Tips🙏

[@lorelaimercy848]

Worked full time five days a week in a high responsibility professional job as a paralegal and went for RN in evening and did clinical on weekends. The BSN programs in my area did not accommodate full-time working students due to schedule. So I then went directly into BSN program as new grad and did that working full time as RN nightshift .9. Now I am still nightshift.9 and in MSN, FNP. I am looking forward to not working FT and going to school anymore but I have no choice and now I am used to it.

[@caitlynmartin4020]

Props to you! I worked last semester taking patho, medical terminology, art, and pharm. I had to drop pharm sadly bc it was just too much with my new job to balance along with patho. This motivated me so thank you!

[@nawaralam1539]

I’m currently studying for the TEAS and am starting a nursing program either in the oncoming spring or next fall and I’m so so nervous. I fell behind in getting my prereqs done and I’m desperate to finish but I’m also considering working during that time and it’s stressful just thinking about it!

[@NurseLiz]

you got this!

[@aspensky5]

i have to work 11pm to 7am then i have classes MWF from 9am to 2pm with breaks in between to nap lol. I also commute an hour to school and back. Yes i’m superhuman btw

[@dahianarodriguez126]

This video was more helpful than I thought it would be. You covered all my concerns and questions. Thank you!

[@pinknikkij]

My program also has a nights and weekends program

[@NurseLiz]

That's awesome!

[@araceliorozco8919]

Which is your program. I have to work and Im not flexible. I work from 8am to 3pm and I can't find a program that could work with me.

[@dxonnie1571]

Im going into a Medical assistant program this fall and I intend on keeping my job. Im cutting down to 20 hours a week plus every other weekend. Im working my butt off now to save up money to have a safety net so that I can delay loans as long as I can. Just keep swimming!

[@NurseLiz]

Awesome!! Just keep swimming for sure.

[@HeatherB81]

Thank you for such amazing info and tips!! You are awesome!!

[@cheyennethomason4634]

I work as a resident assistant from 11pm-7am I’m nervous about this. I have no children & I’m married so working is a must for me. But I’m so worried about starting school this fall

[@johnguillen68]

I live alone and have bills. I think I would get a huge loan to cover all my bills if I were to get into nursing school. I would try to get into an accelerated program because I really don't want to stay in school forever. I'm 55 years old and don't want to keep going to school. I would like to save money and work peacefully for the remainder of my career.

[@marenawheatley5260]

I’m lucky to have savings and a low cost of living, not to mention access to an affordable nursing program, but I need to work because being alive is expensive. I’m working on the prerequisites for the nursing program and interviewing for CNA jobs at the local hospitals. I am avoiding loans at all costs.

[@sezeef]

Thank you. I was telling everybody that it is good to get a job gets you some contact with the people in the hospital so You gain experience and networking. And this is what I’m doing now. Im getting my CNA certificate and applying for nursing schools. My plan is to work one or two days weekends.

[@NurseLiz]

Sounds like a great plan!

[@trinhphan6769]

Thank you so much for the video. It answer all of my question. You’re wonderful!!!

[@NurseLiz]

So glad it was helpful!

[@brittanyrmc96]

Literally the hardest thing I’ve had to do! December can’t get here quick enough 😂 I don’t think I’ve had a full day off since September and it’s definitely wearing on me, but like you said, it’s temporary! I won’t know what to do with myself after graduation.

[@NurseLiz]

That burnout with no days off is so real. You are doing a great job!

[@jaclyntiffany5367]

Awesome video! New subscriber 😊 Trying to figure out what jobs I should be seeking once I start my nursing program. I live in Vegas so luckily there are so many options for food and drink service. Also, one thing I see a lot of in these nursing videos are horror stories of nursing students breaking up with their partners and honestly....that scares me haha. Like dang - I wanna see more stories of couples staying together during school and how the experience made their relationship stronger!!

[@NurseLiz]

Any job in the service industry is honestly fine! If you want some healthcare experience you can always apply for nursing assistant jobs. But I was a waitress and LOTS of skills transferred over from that!

[@gemdaadel2750]

I desire to study nursing in the United States and Permanently work and stay there, please what can i do? Asking cause i know a student visa is different from a green card. 2) and will love to school and work there as well, this vid is so encouraging was calculating how that is possible. I pray i succeed coming there coming there

[@ChocolatexCherries3]

if you get good grades, schools have a tutoring program that pays you to study basically when you dont have students to tutor (most of my shifts are paid study sessions)! I HIGHLY rec this for anyone who qualifies!

[@rebeccablon7937]

Great advice! thank you :)

[@1shonice]

I am trying to get into nursing now. I am an LPN. I work 12 hours night shift and I’m already struggling with just being in my core classes. I did apply for a doctors office position which is 8-5 mon-fri. Because it’s day shift and I’m not happy at my current job. I also thought about finding something outside of nursing like at a restaurant or a clothing store part time. Because there are no part time position available for an LPN where I live everyone is wanting full time. What are y’all thoughts? Part time restaurant job or full time mon-fri 8-5 job? I’m still trying to get into the program so I’m like in a limbo right now. I still need time to study with my core classes and take my nursing entrance exam. It’s hard to do that right now if I’m working night shift and picking up extra shifts because we are super short.

[@NurseLiz]

I don't think there is a right or wrong answer! Whatever gives you the flexibility to get what you need to get done honestly. If anyone ever asks why you quit your LPN job, you could very honestly answer that you needed part time and flexible employment to excel in school, and nobody will fault you for that. I'd wait and see if you get into the program before making any huge changes though! Fingers crossed for ya!

[@prostotanya933]

OMG, I needed to hear this. Thank you so much! I want to get into radiology program. Fingers crossed 🍀🍓❤️

[@NurseLiz]

You got this!

[@jenniferpesta9319]

I am scheduled to start nursing school in September. I have a part time / flexible job working from home doing medical transcription.... but i also have 4 kids. I go back and forth on if i can pull this off all the time :(

[@NurseLiz]

If you can parent 4 children, I'm convinced you can do anything. You got this! One day at a time

[@anthonycortez2952]

Thank you for this video I have to work but I want to be nurse so bad

[@CJack14dt]

I'm trying to figure out this right now. I am doing pre-reqs right now for nursing because I want to become a foster father for kids on hospice and being an RN will help better their end-of-life care. I have a 8-4 that is pulling almost 6 figures and I'm single. I also have my MBA and just got debt free. Clinicals are the big wrench in the equation and I just don't know how I'm going to bridge that. :(

[@NurseLiz]

That sounds like such a wonderful goal! I'm so sorry clinicals are throwing things off. It can definitely be rough to figure out, but I hope you find a balance that words for you!

[@paulaphillips2784]

I work overnight as a private caregiver at a hospital and go to school full time I get the experience and its really good for quiet time so I literally have 30 hours on the clock where 25 of those hours are quiet time for studying (and sometimes I get a short nap) Is sleep weird ? absolutely... I'm wondering if I can keep it up next semester for my first semester of nursing school

[@kenziiefaith]

i was thinking of working as a PCT two days a week since they’re typically 12 hour shifts near me. i actually just got a job st starbucks :) i’m 19 and i start nursing school (ADN) in january. I pay my phone bill, credit card bill, car insurance, gas, and other small bills. i’m about to move out in a while and i’m worried I just can’t do it. I might wait to move out :/

[@NurseLiz]

Nothing wrong with waiting to move out!! If I lived near home I totally would have moved back in with my parents during nursing school. No lies.

[@velvetstorm4563]

If home life is good, you should just stay with your parents. See if you can handle the work load first

[@소피아-q1d]

Lucky your parents let you stay at home :( once I turn 18 in January I have to move out during high school...

[@sheripetersen5936]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been struggling with this very issue lately. I'm 48 and have been doing nursing prerequisites for 2 years while working full time as a medical transcriptionist and having 2 days off a week. My kids are now grown, and I'm starting nursing school on Sept. 4! Yikes! My current job is not going to work, so I've been putting in applications in the customer service/food service industry, but no luck yet. I think I need to change my resume somehow because these employers scratch their heads and wonder why I want to work at a grocery store when I'm overqualified (yet, I'm underqualified for entry level hospital jobs because my last customer service job was 30 years ago, although medical terminology is like a second language for me now, so I feel I could be a unit secretary or something like that after I get some customer service experience). I honestly think it'd be easier to find a job if I hadn't been employed for the last 30 years. Do you have any words of wisdom for me?

[@NurseLiz]

Ugh thats so frustrating! Have you tried going in and talking to the managers at the places so they could understand the situation a bit better?

[@sheripetersen5936]

@@NurseLiz I haven't, but I think I might work on a new cover letter to address the issue and maybe follow that up with a personal visit.

[@Seddysaid]

I’m working 8 to 5 Monday through Friday, and go to school 530 to 930 everyday except Sunday and Monday. Currently dying.

[@NurseLiz]

Hang in there! You got this!

[@kseniahawkins4149]

Do you think getting certified as a phlebotomist before nursing school is a good idea? And work as a phlebotomist during.

[@NurseLiz]

I think it would depend on how much those programs cost. It would give you a very set skill, which is good, but if it costs a lot to do the program (time and money) it may be more worth it to have a different job that doesnt require training. If that makes sense. Since being a phlobotomist isn't your long term goal.

[@MyXdChiick]

Ksenia Hawkins I’m thinking of doing this also. We have a weekend course in my area that I’m considering doing. Let me know what you end up doing!

[@KimberlyStein11]

I’m considering nursing school... I have a BA in a different field and am currently working 9-5. I would need to work to pay a few bills and have health insurance. Would a restaurant job like you mentioned cover that?

[@NurseLiz]

I think it would depend on the type of restaurant job and where you live/how much rent and bills are. I had a roomate and lived in a terrible apartment haha. So it was doable for me!

[@maryw6259]

What are your thoughts on working as an RN while getting your masters? Sort of the same things you covered in your video?

[@NurseLiz]

I'm have a whole video on that that will come out in a few weeks. But pretty much everyone I knew worked while in their masters program. My program was part time, and most people worked full time.