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Should I work while I'm in college?
I'm currently a senior in high school and I have a job as a Merchandise supervisor at California's Great America. As a supervisor I get more and more hours, although I learned how to manage my time with school and work. I worry I won't be able to do the same in college. So would it be recommended for me to keep on working while in college.
Some insight I'm going to major in Nursing.
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Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Brandon,
Should You Work While in College as a Nursing Major?🤔
The short answer: It depends on your situation, but it’s definitely possible with the right balance. Since you’ve already been managing work and school as a high school student, you’re ahead of the game. College is different, though—especially in a demanding major like nursing—so long answer.....
Pros of Working in College
Financial Stability – Even part-time income can help cover expenses, reduce student loan debt, and give you financial independence.
Time Management Skills – Juggling work and school teaches discipline, which is a must for nursing school.
Work Experience – Even if your current job isn’t healthcare-related, it’s still valuable. Later on, getting a part-time healthcare job (like a CNA, phlebotomist, or hospital receptionist) could give you clinical experience before nursing school gets intense.
Networking & Career Growth – If you can get a healthcare-related job, you’ll build connections that might help with internships, recommendations, or future job opportunities.
Challenges of Working While in Nursing School!
Heavy Course Load – Nursing isn’t an easy major. Once you start clinicals, your schedule will be packed with labs, exams, and hospital shifts.
Burnout Risk – Overloading yourself with work and school can lead to exhaustion, lower grades, and mental stress.
Unpredictable Schedule – Some nursing classes and clinicals have odd hours, which might conflict with work shifts.
How to Decide If You Should Work?🤔
Ask yourself these questions:
Can you handle the workload? If you struggled with balancing school and work in high school, it might be tougher in college. But if you’ve already built good time management habits, you may be fine.
How many hours are realistic? Some students work 10-15 hours a week and manage fine. If you’re doing 30+ hours, that might be too much.
Do you need the money? If finances are tight, working might be necessary. If not, you could focus on school and pick up work during breaks.
Can you find a job that benefits your nursing career? A hospital job (even in a non-nursing role) is better than a retail job if you want experience.
Best Work Options for Nursing Students is, If you want to work, look for flexible jobs that allow time for studying:
Healthcare Jobs: CNA, phlebotomist, medical scribe, ER tech, home health aide (These give great experience and connections!)
Campus Jobs: Library assistant, tutor, research assistant (Less stress, built-in study time)
Remote Jobs: Freelance work, virtual assistant, customer service (More flexible schedule)
Seasonal Work: Work full-time in the summer, focus on school during semesters
Brandon, First semester: Focus on adjusting to college. See how demanding your classes are before committing to work. Everything is about handling on the first stages so just focus on that for now.
If you need to work: Start with 10-15 hours per week. Increase if you can handle it.
If you feel overwhelmed: Prioritize school. Nursing is tough, and grades matter.
Consider healthcare jobs early: They help you build skills and connections for your future nursing career.
So, If you can balance both, go for it! If it starts affecting your grades or health, don’t hesitate to cut back. Your priority is finishing nursing school strong. Stay dedicated and passionate and you will just do perfectly fine. Good luck! 🤗
Should You Work While in College as a Nursing Major?🤔
The short answer: It depends on your situation, but it’s definitely possible with the right balance. Since you’ve already been managing work and school as a high school student, you’re ahead of the game. College is different, though—especially in a demanding major like nursing—so long answer.....
Pros of Working in College
Financial Stability – Even part-time income can help cover expenses, reduce student loan debt, and give you financial independence.
Time Management Skills – Juggling work and school teaches discipline, which is a must for nursing school.
Work Experience – Even if your current job isn’t healthcare-related, it’s still valuable. Later on, getting a part-time healthcare job (like a CNA, phlebotomist, or hospital receptionist) could give you clinical experience before nursing school gets intense.
Networking & Career Growth – If you can get a healthcare-related job, you’ll build connections that might help with internships, recommendations, or future job opportunities.
Challenges of Working While in Nursing School!
Heavy Course Load – Nursing isn’t an easy major. Once you start clinicals, your schedule will be packed with labs, exams, and hospital shifts.
Burnout Risk – Overloading yourself with work and school can lead to exhaustion, lower grades, and mental stress.
Unpredictable Schedule – Some nursing classes and clinicals have odd hours, which might conflict with work shifts.
How to Decide If You Should Work?🤔
Ask yourself these questions:
Can you handle the workload? If you struggled with balancing school and work in high school, it might be tougher in college. But if you’ve already built good time management habits, you may be fine.
How many hours are realistic? Some students work 10-15 hours a week and manage fine. If you’re doing 30+ hours, that might be too much.
Do you need the money? If finances are tight, working might be necessary. If not, you could focus on school and pick up work during breaks.
Can you find a job that benefits your nursing career? A hospital job (even in a non-nursing role) is better than a retail job if you want experience.
Best Work Options for Nursing Students is, If you want to work, look for flexible jobs that allow time for studying:
Healthcare Jobs: CNA, phlebotomist, medical scribe, ER tech, home health aide (These give great experience and connections!)
Campus Jobs: Library assistant, tutor, research assistant (Less stress, built-in study time)
Remote Jobs: Freelance work, virtual assistant, customer service (More flexible schedule)
Seasonal Work: Work full-time in the summer, focus on school during semesters
Brandon, First semester: Focus on adjusting to college. See how demanding your classes are before committing to work. Everything is about handling on the first stages so just focus on that for now.
If you need to work: Start with 10-15 hours per week. Increase if you can handle it.
If you feel overwhelmed: Prioritize school. Nursing is tough, and grades matter.
Consider healthcare jobs early: They help you build skills and connections for your future nursing career.
So, If you can balance both, go for it! If it starts affecting your grades or health, don’t hesitate to cut back. Your priority is finishing nursing school strong. Stay dedicated and passionate and you will just do perfectly fine. Good luck! 🤗
Updated
Caleb’s Answer
Hi Brandon,
Thank you for asking such an important question.
I am currently a CNA a small rural hospital here in Indiana and I also work as a teaching assistant for Anatomy and Physiology at Indiana University, so I know many nursing students, and although I am not one myself, I feel that I can still provide some insight into your question based on my interactions and conversations with nursing students.
A good portion of the nursing students I know have a job while in nursing school, whether that be a clinical job as a CNA or PCT, or in customer service at a Chick-Fil-A or a local cookie shop. So, I would say that it is definitely achievable to work while in nursing school. However most of the students I know work PRN (short for as needed, which is often 1 shift/week) or part-time (often 2 shifts/week).
Given your circumstances as a supervisor and having to work more hours, that may put a strain on your studies. From the nursing students I have met with, nursing school often requires 9-hour days dedicated to clinical rotations and study for courses like anatomy and physiology, so depending on your work schedule as a supervisor, this could prove difficult. I would recommend reaching out to your management to discuss adjusting your work hours to provide you more time to study and do clinical rotations. You can also speak to the nursing advisors at your school to discuss how to best accommodate your schedule. If that is not possible, you may consider finding another job that allows for more flexible hours.
If possible, I would recommend you work while in nursing school in a hospital/healthcare setting to build on what you are learning in your nursing classes. From the students I have talked to, they greatly benefited from working while in nursing school because it provided them with income and a greater depth of clinical experience. However, you don't have to work in nursing school to become a great nurse, there are just as many good nurses who focused on their studies in nursing school rather than getting a job.
I wish you all the best in your nursing journey! Like my colleagues above me have stated, make sure you take care of yourself first. I know from experience that if you cannot take care of yourself, you cannot take care of patients. If you have any other questions, we are always here to help!
Thank you for asking such an important question.
I am currently a CNA a small rural hospital here in Indiana and I also work as a teaching assistant for Anatomy and Physiology at Indiana University, so I know many nursing students, and although I am not one myself, I feel that I can still provide some insight into your question based on my interactions and conversations with nursing students.
A good portion of the nursing students I know have a job while in nursing school, whether that be a clinical job as a CNA or PCT, or in customer service at a Chick-Fil-A or a local cookie shop. So, I would say that it is definitely achievable to work while in nursing school. However most of the students I know work PRN (short for as needed, which is often 1 shift/week) or part-time (often 2 shifts/week).
Given your circumstances as a supervisor and having to work more hours, that may put a strain on your studies. From the nursing students I have met with, nursing school often requires 9-hour days dedicated to clinical rotations and study for courses like anatomy and physiology, so depending on your work schedule as a supervisor, this could prove difficult. I would recommend reaching out to your management to discuss adjusting your work hours to provide you more time to study and do clinical rotations. You can also speak to the nursing advisors at your school to discuss how to best accommodate your schedule. If that is not possible, you may consider finding another job that allows for more flexible hours.
If possible, I would recommend you work while in nursing school in a hospital/healthcare setting to build on what you are learning in your nursing classes. From the students I have talked to, they greatly benefited from working while in nursing school because it provided them with income and a greater depth of clinical experience. However, you don't have to work in nursing school to become a great nurse, there are just as many good nurses who focused on their studies in nursing school rather than getting a job.
I wish you all the best in your nursing journey! Like my colleagues above me have stated, make sure you take care of yourself first. I know from experience that if you cannot take care of yourself, you cannot take care of patients. If you have any other questions, we are always here to help!
Updated
Susana’s Answer
Balancing work and college, especially in a demanding major like Nursing, can be challenging but not impossible. Since you already have experience managing your time in high school, you have a solid foundation to build upon. Here are some factors to consider before deciding whether to continue working:
Pros of Working While in College (Part-Time)
a. Financial Independence – Helps with tuition, books, and personal expenses.
b. Time Management Skills – Keeps you disciplined and structured.
c. Work Experience – Adds to your resume and improves leadership skills.
d. Networking Opportunities – Your job could help you gain connections in healthcare (if you transition to a related role like a patient care assistant or medical scribe).
Challenges of Working While Studying Nursing
Heavy Course Load – Nursing programs involve labs, clinical rotations, and intense coursework, which require significant study time.
Unpredictable Schedules – Clinicals may require early mornings, late nights, or weekends, making work hours harder to manage.
Limited Social & Rest Time – Working too much could lead to burnout and less time for self-care or social activities.
Recommendations for Balancing Work & College
1. Start with a Lighter Schedule – If possible, work fewer hours (10-15 per week) in your first semester to gauge how much you can handle.
Choose a Flexible Job – Look for a job with weekend shifts, evening shifts, or remote work. Consider on-campus jobs or healthcare-related part-time roles like a CNA, medical assistant, or hospital volunteer.
2. Prioritize Academics – Nursing school is rigorous, and your GPA and clinical performance matter. If work interferes with your studies, consider reducing hours or switching jobs.
3. Plan Your Schedule in Advance – Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of classes, work, and study sessions.
4. Explore Scholarships & Financial Aid – If working is primarily for financial reasons, look into nursing scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
Final Verdict
a. If you can work part-time with flexible hours, it can be beneficial for financial and professional growth.
b. If your nursing courses and clinicals become too demanding, consider cutting back on work hours or finding a job related to healthcare to gain relevant experience.
Pros of Working While in College (Part-Time)
a. Financial Independence – Helps with tuition, books, and personal expenses.
b. Time Management Skills – Keeps you disciplined and structured.
c. Work Experience – Adds to your resume and improves leadership skills.
d. Networking Opportunities – Your job could help you gain connections in healthcare (if you transition to a related role like a patient care assistant or medical scribe).
Challenges of Working While Studying Nursing
Heavy Course Load – Nursing programs involve labs, clinical rotations, and intense coursework, which require significant study time.
Unpredictable Schedules – Clinicals may require early mornings, late nights, or weekends, making work hours harder to manage.
Limited Social & Rest Time – Working too much could lead to burnout and less time for self-care or social activities.
Recommendations for Balancing Work & College
1. Start with a Lighter Schedule – If possible, work fewer hours (10-15 per week) in your first semester to gauge how much you can handle.
Choose a Flexible Job – Look for a job with weekend shifts, evening shifts, or remote work. Consider on-campus jobs or healthcare-related part-time roles like a CNA, medical assistant, or hospital volunteer.
2. Prioritize Academics – Nursing school is rigorous, and your GPA and clinical performance matter. If work interferes with your studies, consider reducing hours or switching jobs.
3. Plan Your Schedule in Advance – Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of classes, work, and study sessions.
4. Explore Scholarships & Financial Aid – If working is primarily for financial reasons, look into nursing scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
Final Verdict
a. If you can work part-time with flexible hours, it can be beneficial for financial and professional growth.
b. If your nursing courses and clinicals become too demanding, consider cutting back on work hours or finding a job related to healthcare to gain relevant experience.
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Brandon,
This is a great question! You can definitely work while in college and specifically while in nursing school. I would highly recommend if you do choose to work that you only do part time or PRN(as needed) positions so that your studies do not suffer. If you are making the investment in your education make sure to give your studies the time you need in order to be successful! The amount of time you need to be successful may be different for different people. One suggestion is to take the first semester to get your feet under you with your studies and create a good study plan/habits and then start working a part time job into the mix. With you being a supervisor that may likely be too big of a time commitment that would take away from your needed study time. It sounds like you are already great at time management which is a HUGE skill to develop in order to be successful in college and especially while working and going to college simultaneously.
Something that I did while in graduate school that I believe applies to college at any level is to set a schedule and stick to it! Get to bed early and wake up early! Take care of your body through healthy eating and exercise so that your mind and body will function at peak performance! Give your schooling its dedicated time where you focus on your studies. Set aside time to do things for yourself, you have to have fun!
The last piece of advice I would share is to seek part time jobs in the field that you are going to college for! This will allow you to earn some income while going to school, help you stay engaged in your future field, give you practical experience that is applicable to what you are learning in the books at school, and looks really good on resumes upon graduation. As an example, I worked as an anatomy and physiology/nursing tutor for my college. It helped me to reinforce the principles, concepts, and information I needed moving forward in my nursing degree. In your particular field of study of nursing there are countless opportunities for part time work. You can get your CNA (certified nursing assistant) and work at a hospital, nursing home. You can tutor or be a teachers aid for a healthcare related college class, etc. Good luck to you! Enjoy the journey, it is so rewarding!
This is a great question! You can definitely work while in college and specifically while in nursing school. I would highly recommend if you do choose to work that you only do part time or PRN(as needed) positions so that your studies do not suffer. If you are making the investment in your education make sure to give your studies the time you need in order to be successful! The amount of time you need to be successful may be different for different people. One suggestion is to take the first semester to get your feet under you with your studies and create a good study plan/habits and then start working a part time job into the mix. With you being a supervisor that may likely be too big of a time commitment that would take away from your needed study time. It sounds like you are already great at time management which is a HUGE skill to develop in order to be successful in college and especially while working and going to college simultaneously.
Something that I did while in graduate school that I believe applies to college at any level is to set a schedule and stick to it! Get to bed early and wake up early! Take care of your body through healthy eating and exercise so that your mind and body will function at peak performance! Give your schooling its dedicated time where you focus on your studies. Set aside time to do things for yourself, you have to have fun!
The last piece of advice I would share is to seek part time jobs in the field that you are going to college for! This will allow you to earn some income while going to school, help you stay engaged in your future field, give you practical experience that is applicable to what you are learning in the books at school, and looks really good on resumes upon graduation. As an example, I worked as an anatomy and physiology/nursing tutor for my college. It helped me to reinforce the principles, concepts, and information I needed moving forward in my nursing degree. In your particular field of study of nursing there are countless opportunities for part time work. You can get your CNA (certified nursing assistant) and work at a hospital, nursing home. You can tutor or be a teachers aid for a healthcare related college class, etc. Good luck to you! Enjoy the journey, it is so rewarding!
Updated
Brenda’s Answer
Hi Brandon,
Congratulations on choosing Nursing as a career! This a great career which affords you great flexibility in terms of level of desired education, areas of specialty, and domains.
Whatever you special niche is you will be able to apply it to one many fields of Nursing.
Why are you considering working while going to school? Are you thinking of books, spending money and/or miscellaneous items? Or will you need to work in order to pay for your education? Are you eligible for scholarships, (full/partial) , grants, loans, gifts from family members? If you haven't explored these and other financing options you should begin that as soon as possible.
t depends on what type of learner you are, how much flexibility your job will allow you, what time frame you plan to complete your course (full time, part time).
When considering working while pursuing a college degree; that is something only you can determine. It will depend on the type of student you are; the type of study habits you have developed; your ability to retain the knowledge learned and to interpret it appropriately based on the study habits you have at this time.
Working while studying might be easier to manage with your non nursing classes. Your nursing classes will be more difficult, and time consuming.
You will need to do trials in order to see how you are able to cope with taking the class paired with your workload; based on how you fare in the classes will determine if you will be able to manage the two.
Good Luck to you.
I trust you will do well Future Nurse!!
Congratulations on choosing Nursing as a career! This a great career which affords you great flexibility in terms of level of desired education, areas of specialty, and domains.
Whatever you special niche is you will be able to apply it to one many fields of Nursing.
Why are you considering working while going to school? Are you thinking of books, spending money and/or miscellaneous items? Or will you need to work in order to pay for your education? Are you eligible for scholarships, (full/partial) , grants, loans, gifts from family members? If you haven't explored these and other financing options you should begin that as soon as possible.
t depends on what type of learner you are, how much flexibility your job will allow you, what time frame you plan to complete your course (full time, part time).
When considering working while pursuing a college degree; that is something only you can determine. It will depend on the type of student you are; the type of study habits you have developed; your ability to retain the knowledge learned and to interpret it appropriately based on the study habits you have at this time.
Working while studying might be easier to manage with your non nursing classes. Your nursing classes will be more difficult, and time consuming.
You will need to do trials in order to see how you are able to cope with taking the class paired with your workload; based on how you fare in the classes will determine if you will be able to manage the two.
Good Luck to you.
I trust you will do well Future Nurse!!
Updated
Natasha’s Answer
I think Issac said it well, and your circumstances definitely play a role in whether or not you should (or need to) work while going through nursing school (kudos on the major btw!)
When I was in nursing school most of my classmates had jobs, mostly because nursing school is pretty pricey. The only ones who didn't were a couple people in their 40s+ who were going back to school for their second career and they didn't need the additional income. One of the major things to think about would be your living situation; are you going to live on or off campus? If off campus, are you going to be close enough to school to drive, bike, walk? Is public transportation available in your area? If you need a car do you have one, and insurance coverage? Will you be living with your parents or a roommate? Will you be charged rent?
Regarding work, I know you said you're getting more and more hours so a hard conversation will have to happen about that, because I don't see adding more hours to your work life being compatible with your school life. Nursing school is extremely difficult (but very rewarding in the end) so you'll need excellent time management skills already, and adding more hours of work I think will likely lead to added stress. You could tell your manager that you can't take on any more hours or maybe even that you need to decrease the hours you're already working. If you need a new job altogether you could contact your school work study resource and determine what jobs are available on campus. If that is not an option, many schools have job resources that can help you build a strong resume and help you job search, not that you would necessarily want to quit where you are now but those are options if it comes to that.
So to get back to your actual question; assuming you don't have parents, grants and/or scholarships that are paying for 100% of your room/board, food, transportation, books and tuition, etc., I would say yes it would be a good idea to keep working while you're in school. Just be cautions and don't let it be a detriment to your schooling. If you ever need help contact your school counselors for ideas, that's what they're there for!
Good luck!
When I was in nursing school most of my classmates had jobs, mostly because nursing school is pretty pricey. The only ones who didn't were a couple people in their 40s+ who were going back to school for their second career and they didn't need the additional income. One of the major things to think about would be your living situation; are you going to live on or off campus? If off campus, are you going to be close enough to school to drive, bike, walk? Is public transportation available in your area? If you need a car do you have one, and insurance coverage? Will you be living with your parents or a roommate? Will you be charged rent?
Regarding work, I know you said you're getting more and more hours so a hard conversation will have to happen about that, because I don't see adding more hours to your work life being compatible with your school life. Nursing school is extremely difficult (but very rewarding in the end) so you'll need excellent time management skills already, and adding more hours of work I think will likely lead to added stress. You could tell your manager that you can't take on any more hours or maybe even that you need to decrease the hours you're already working. If you need a new job altogether you could contact your school work study resource and determine what jobs are available on campus. If that is not an option, many schools have job resources that can help you build a strong resume and help you job search, not that you would necessarily want to quit where you are now but those are options if it comes to that.
So to get back to your actual question; assuming you don't have parents, grants and/or scholarships that are paying for 100% of your room/board, food, transportation, books and tuition, etc., I would say yes it would be a good idea to keep working while you're in school. Just be cautions and don't let it be a detriment to your schooling. If you ever need help contact your school counselors for ideas, that's what they're there for!
Good luck!
Updated
Isaac’s Answer
It depends on your priorities and circumstances. Working in college can provide financial support, work experience, and skill development. However, it may also add stress and take time away from studies. If you can balance work and academics effectively, a part-time job or internship can be beneficial.
Updated
Martin’s Answer
If you can afford college and all the extras, then just enjoy all the 4 years have to offer. If you like your job, then don't give it up. It can be used to pay extras you want or just save for when you graduate. Many people work while going to college, but not everyone has a choice. Do well in classes and value your college days. If you do both, go for it.
Updated
Maureen’s Answer
Hey Brandon,
Glad you're going into nursing! We need new nurses as there is always a demand especially for men in the field. You will always be able to work anywhere, any shift, any time.
I worked as a nursing faculty member in the college of nursing at a Chicago nursing school. Your current job sounds pretty demanding especially if your supervisor continues to "pile on" the hours. I would say, give yourself at least the first semester to get a "lay of the land" of nursing school as you will be required to take on quite a few education credits and may have statistics, chemistry, microbiology, anatomy and physiology plus psychology, sociology. Some students start by attending a junior college to decrease the financial burden but get through their pre-requisite classes. I decided to work after a few months in the ER of a major medical center as a nursing assistant (similar to a health tech today). Boy, what a great experience. I would say, you may want to change your work focus to healthcare and other healthcare staff may know of positions available to you.
It is important to spend quality time on your studies but I understand financially that can be difficult navigating without a job and income.
I would say talking to some nursing students, nurses, other college students will help you make your decision as you balance your education and work life.
Remember too, find some time for yourself. Nursing students care for patients, but you come first. Self-care is really important. Good luck on your journey.
Glad you're going into nursing! We need new nurses as there is always a demand especially for men in the field. You will always be able to work anywhere, any shift, any time.
I worked as a nursing faculty member in the college of nursing at a Chicago nursing school. Your current job sounds pretty demanding especially if your supervisor continues to "pile on" the hours. I would say, give yourself at least the first semester to get a "lay of the land" of nursing school as you will be required to take on quite a few education credits and may have statistics, chemistry, microbiology, anatomy and physiology plus psychology, sociology. Some students start by attending a junior college to decrease the financial burden but get through their pre-requisite classes. I decided to work after a few months in the ER of a major medical center as a nursing assistant (similar to a health tech today). Boy, what a great experience. I would say, you may want to change your work focus to healthcare and other healthcare staff may know of positions available to you.
It is important to spend quality time on your studies but I understand financially that can be difficult navigating without a job and income.
I would say talking to some nursing students, nurses, other college students will help you make your decision as you balance your education and work life.
Remember too, find some time for yourself. Nursing students care for patients, but you come first. Self-care is really important. Good luck on your journey.