It' s hard to go to school and work too but it can be done and in alot of cases it has to be done. By your age, I'm guessing if you have any children, they are grown. So you won't have to deal with that issue. Alot of us had to work and raise a family while attending nursing school. Talk about hard!! Perhaps you could work weekends or 2 or 3 days a week- or maybe evenings? If you want to do this bad enough you'll find a way to make it work! Nothing worth having is ever easy!!

Often, nursing schools make that suggestion and I didn't work during school and was fortunate not to have to. HOWEVER, many in my class worked as CNAs, developed invaluable clinical experience in their new field. When I graduated, I felt that I was lacking in practical application of the theory I'd learned, in spite of school clinicals.

Guess what I'm saying is; yep, nursing school is tough and adding work to that makes it tougher, but the long-run picture is a well-rounded, disciplined nurse and you learn to focus, prioritize, organize: all things necessary for practice. 26 years later, If I had to do it over again, I'd work during school.

arual4 said:

I believe we all have to ask ourselves are we willing to sacrifice in order to get what we want. When it comes to giving others our time ie.children, spouses we don't hesitate. When it comes to taking care of ourselves and pursuing the things we want we question and doubt. I had to work on the weekends double shifts (32 hrs) and even though I had a husband it is funny when you do something for yourself how people "support" you. I made some sacrifices. I didn't see my kids as often but beleive me it was worth it. I plan to return to school early next year to get my RN (online). My suggestion for you is to surround yourself with lots of support, and go for it.

I thought about going for the LVN Program first so that I can accomplish something within the field faster and then apply for jobs to work in clilnics on the weekends or something. At least LVNs get paid more than CNAs in my geographical area (California). I cannot afford taking on a CNA's salary. Would I be back-tracking by going for the LVN Program since I already have a Bachelor's Degree? I know that my current degree is not the same as a BSN.

I recently completed an Associate Degree Course for RN through Excelsior College. You have to have a medical background to be admitted to it. I had a previous Associates for Respiratory Therapy, practiced as an RRT for 13 yrs, and have been a Paramedic for the past 20yrs. My clinical time was my time providing patient care on the med rig. After taking all of the necessary courses, which are totally independent study & passing the exams, I took the CPNE: A 3-day clinical exam, with a proctor watching all of your patient care in a hospital. The exam included all areas of patient care, care-planning, evaluation and documentation. Any mistakes, and you failed the "PC". We were required to do 2 adult and 1 pediatric patient, with one retest if needed for the ped and adult. Very stressful, but very needed to give the program credibility. About 65% fail the CPNE the first time around, and most of it is from poor care plans, and poor documentation. About 85% of their students pass the NCLEX first try, which is along the national standards.

I have to work also. I am trying to get a job a hospital so that I can succeed, however, that has not been working out to well. I have to work my tail off to do well. I have no free time and no like. But, one day it will all be worth it.