Working while in nursing school isn’t advisable, but it may sometimes be financially necessary. First, learn what to expect in nursing school. Spend a couple of weeks as a student to get a better idea of your schedule. Then, look for a flexible job that may fit into your schedule.
If you’re considering nursing, you may wonder what the curriculum is like in school and whether it’s possible to work at the same time. Depending on whether you enroll in a traditional or accelerated program, nursing school can be a full-time commitment.
At Madonna University, our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program leverages your past education to streamline your transition into a nursing career. Madonna’s faculty and staff work hard to help motivated students successfully graduate, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and land their first nursing role.
Working while in nursing school is possible, but it’s generally not recommended during an accelerated program due to the fast pace and compressed timeline. Let’s look at what to expect and how to manage your responsibilities.
Can You Work While in Nursing School?
Nursing school is like a full-time job. Between coursework, labs, and studying, students often spend 40 to 60 hours a week on their studies. This makes working while in nursing school challenging and requires careful planning.
Sometimes working while in nursing school is financially necessary, however. If working is necessary for you, consider a few important aspects, such as time management and the type of job.
Considering a nursing career? See how you can pay for nursing school.
Why It's Not Recommended to Work While in Nursing School
In nursing school, you learn in online or in-person classrooms and labs for many of your courses. Your time outside class and labs is an opportunity to study and complete coursework. At Madonna University, the ABSN curriculum is divided into three components:
- Simulation and skill labs that teach hands-on nursing skills
- Online coursework that provides instructive teaching
- Clinical Rotations that build real-life experience
Keeping Up with the Rigorous Coursework
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most nursing schools require courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, social science, and behavioral science. Each of these classes requires time, dedication, and studying. It can be difficult to balance a career and nursing school.
Accelerated Nursing Program
Returning to college for four years might not be necessary to earn a nursing degree. If you meet the admissions requirements at Madonna University, you can earn your degree in as few as 16 months with our ABSN program. Applicants must transfer with a minimum of 60 of the required credits or with a baccalaureate degree and all prerequisite courses and labs completed.
The online coursework in our ABSN program can support your ambitions by providing some flexibility to your schedule. The accelerated curriculum, however, can add additional challenges to keeping up with coursework if you are also working while in nursing school.
Tips for Time Management
Time management is a crucial skill if you want to work while in nursing school. Here are some strategies to improve your time management during nursing school.
- Write in a planner to organize your schedule with events, tasks, and homework.
- Prioritize urgent, important tasks and events over minor ones.
- Create simple, clear to-do lists of tasks to be completed.
- Avoid procrastination by completing each challenging task in a timely manner.
Balancing work with an accelerated program requires intentional planning. Once you map out your weekly commitments for classes, clinicals, and studying, you’ll have a clearer sense of what work schedule is most sustainable for you.
Are you curious what a typical nursing school week looks like? Here is what to expect from an ABSN program.
If You Must Work: Jobs to Consider for Nursing Students
If your circumstances require working while in nursing school, here are some options you can pursue while completing your nursing education.
Find a Flexible Job
Search for a part-time job with flexible scheduling options. Make sure your supervisor knows you’re a nursing student, so they know your education takes priority. Since scheduling work times while in nursing school is difficult, it is best to communicate and be upfront with your manager about your availability. That way, you can avoid any scheduling conflicts.
Look for Remote Work
Consider applying for a remote part-time job. A remote job could allow you to work on your own schedule and save time commuting. For example, depending on your experience or education, you might work as a remote graphic designer or customer service representative.
Complete Freelancing Work
Another possibility that offers flexibility is becoming a freelancer. Skill-specific freelance work can often be completed remotely. For example, if you’re good with writing or proofreading, you may be able to land some related freelance work.
A similar option is gig work, which allows you to work only when you want to. Examples include delivering takeout food, dropping off Amazon packages, or rideshare driving.
Gain Experience in a Healthcare-related Position
Some nursing students pursue healthcare-related jobs while working toward their degrees. This builds relevant skills and exposure to the situations you’ll encounter in your future career. They can also add more work experience to your nursing resume. However, these positions typically require more attention and qualifications. Some positions may require extra certifications or training.
Some entry-level positions include:
- Home health aide
- Medical scribe
- Surgery technician
- Cardiac monitor technician
- Patient service representative
- ER or ICU waiting area reception desk
Begin Your Nursing Career through Madonna University’s ABSN Program
Can you work during an accelerated nursing program? With the right balance of dedication and time management, it is possible to find success in your job and education. Plus, Madonna University supports students with help from academic success coaches who provide coaching and resources to work past the challenges of a nursing education. Assisted by the Franciscan values embedded in our university culture, Madonna offers an uplifting environment to prepare for your future career.
Contact an admissions representative today to see how Madonna University can help you reach your nursing career goals.