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How do you handle both college classes full time and working a job? What are the best ways to handle it?
I'm a high school senior right now but my parents have both agreed that going through Nursing school and working would not work out.
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6 answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Abigail !
I would be very glad to share some advice because I lived your situation when I was a student. There is a way to attend your Nursing Program at college full time and work part time. We'll take this two ways: if you're eligible for Federal Student Financial Aid and if it turns out that you're not eligible for Federal Student Financial Aid.
First, if you are eligible for Federal Student Financial Aid, you can apply for Work Study on your financial aid application. If you receive it, you would go to a department or office on campus and request a work study job on campus. Some great places for you to obtain your work study job on campus would be in the Nursing Department, the Health Clinic, if your campus has one a Mental Health Clinic, an office that serves Students with Disabilities or actually any department or place on campus you'd want to work. You'd be paid through financial aid, the money comes from federal funds and is part of the financial aid package if you check the Work Study option on the application. I worked work study all four years of college and it really helped get me my first career job because I had experience in Theatre. This job will go on your resume. Work Study, if you qualify or WHEN you qualify for financial aid is a real bonus and valuable experience.
If by some chance you are told that you do not qualify for Federal Student Financial Aid, you may be able to get an on campus job through Institutional Work Study which would be offered and paid for through the college. The perk with these types of work study jobs is that you'd be able to stay on campus (no spending extra time commuting to an off campus job) and obtain experience in your Major field of work. For both the Federally Funded Financial Aid Work Study and Institutional Work Study, I advise that you visit the Financial Aid office of the college you will be attending and get all the details so that you can apply. You could probably find out what your chances are for Federal Financial Aid Eligibility, too and know in advance.
Start looking into Scholarships and Grants at this time, too. Scholarships can off set some of your college expenses. You didn't mention if you're planning to study for your Associates or Bachelors in Nursing, but I will name some Scholarships for you that you can start reading and see which ones you qualify to apply for.
You can read about available scholarships and some of them are The Minnesota Nurses Association Foundation and University specific scholarships - ones offered by the university that you attend. Also read about scholarships offered by Johnson & Johnson, the National Student Nurses Association, the Brave of Heart Nursing Scholarship, QGenda, Uniform Advantage, Scrubin Uniforms, and Careismatic Brands sponsors a scholarship that includes a bag of nursing items and membership in the Student Nurse Advisory Council. Remember that some scholarships depend on if you're going for an Associates in Nursing or a Bachelors in Nursing, so read about the details for as many scholarships as possible.
Also do a search for non-career scholarships. You could probably find some of these through websites like Scholarships, Bold, Scholarships America, Access Scholarships, the website Scholarships and Grants, Fastweb, Mometrix, the U.S. Department of Education and so many more that you can find through a search or by asking your Guidance Counselor or teachers at your current school. I left a couple of links below for scholarships, also.
I hope that this helps and I wish you all the best. Do not worry because you can do this !
NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS FOR MINNESOTA STUDENTS https://www.nursingscholarships.org/minnesota/
THE NURSE CORPS SCHOLARSHIP https://bhw.hrsa.gov/programs/nurse-corps/scholarship/apply
I would be very glad to share some advice because I lived your situation when I was a student. There is a way to attend your Nursing Program at college full time and work part time. We'll take this two ways: if you're eligible for Federal Student Financial Aid and if it turns out that you're not eligible for Federal Student Financial Aid.
First, if you are eligible for Federal Student Financial Aid, you can apply for Work Study on your financial aid application. If you receive it, you would go to a department or office on campus and request a work study job on campus. Some great places for you to obtain your work study job on campus would be in the Nursing Department, the Health Clinic, if your campus has one a Mental Health Clinic, an office that serves Students with Disabilities or actually any department or place on campus you'd want to work. You'd be paid through financial aid, the money comes from federal funds and is part of the financial aid package if you check the Work Study option on the application. I worked work study all four years of college and it really helped get me my first career job because I had experience in Theatre. This job will go on your resume. Work Study, if you qualify or WHEN you qualify for financial aid is a real bonus and valuable experience.
If by some chance you are told that you do not qualify for Federal Student Financial Aid, you may be able to get an on campus job through Institutional Work Study which would be offered and paid for through the college. The perk with these types of work study jobs is that you'd be able to stay on campus (no spending extra time commuting to an off campus job) and obtain experience in your Major field of work. For both the Federally Funded Financial Aid Work Study and Institutional Work Study, I advise that you visit the Financial Aid office of the college you will be attending and get all the details so that you can apply. You could probably find out what your chances are for Federal Financial Aid Eligibility, too and know in advance.
Start looking into Scholarships and Grants at this time, too. Scholarships can off set some of your college expenses. You didn't mention if you're planning to study for your Associates or Bachelors in Nursing, but I will name some Scholarships for you that you can start reading and see which ones you qualify to apply for.
You can read about available scholarships and some of them are The Minnesota Nurses Association Foundation and University specific scholarships - ones offered by the university that you attend. Also read about scholarships offered by Johnson & Johnson, the National Student Nurses Association, the Brave of Heart Nursing Scholarship, QGenda, Uniform Advantage, Scrubin Uniforms, and Careismatic Brands sponsors a scholarship that includes a bag of nursing items and membership in the Student Nurse Advisory Council. Remember that some scholarships depend on if you're going for an Associates in Nursing or a Bachelors in Nursing, so read about the details for as many scholarships as possible.
Also do a search for non-career scholarships. You could probably find some of these through websites like Scholarships, Bold, Scholarships America, Access Scholarships, the website Scholarships and Grants, Fastweb, Mometrix, the U.S. Department of Education and so many more that you can find through a search or by asking your Guidance Counselor or teachers at your current school. I left a couple of links below for scholarships, also.
I hope that this helps and I wish you all the best. Do not worry because you can do this !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hello, Abigail. Juggling full-time college and a job is tough, and it's understandable why your parents are concerned.
While it's tough, it's not impossible.
First, you need to write a plan. Make a detailed schedule for your classes, work, and study time. Write everything down so you can see where your time goes. Be honest about how long things take.
Second, talk to your professors and your boss. Let your teachers know you work. Many will be understanding. When you get a job, look for one that is flexible. A job on campus is a good idea because it saves you travel time and they understand students' schedules.
Finally, be smart about your schoolwork. Join study groups and ask classmates for help. Don't wait until the last minute to do homework. Break big projects into small steps and start early. On your days off, use that time to get ahead on your readings and assignments. It's a lot of hard work, but with a good plan, you can handle it.
While it's tough, it's not impossible.
First, you need to write a plan. Make a detailed schedule for your classes, work, and study time. Write everything down so you can see where your time goes. Be honest about how long things take.
Second, talk to your professors and your boss. Let your teachers know you work. Many will be understanding. When you get a job, look for one that is flexible. A job on campus is a good idea because it saves you travel time and they understand students' schedules.
Finally, be smart about your schoolwork. Join study groups and ask classmates for help. Don't wait until the last minute to do homework. Break big projects into small steps and start early. On your days off, use that time to get ahead on your readings and assignments. It's a lot of hard work, but with a good plan, you can handle it.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Firstly, you may need to consider to be full time students and work as part time. It does not work to be full on both.
Also, you need to have a good time management. You may need to have a good time management tool to help, e.g. Google Calendar, MS Outlook, Phone calendar, etc.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Put down the time you need to attend classes
2. Assign some time everyday for your assignment and projects. Review the material covered in the class
3. Make sure you have enough time to sleep
4. You can then find out the time that can allocate for the part time job
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Also, you need to have a good time management. You may need to have a good time management tool to help, e.g. Google Calendar, MS Outlook, Phone calendar, etc.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Put down the time you need to attend classes
2. Assign some time everyday for your assignment and projects. Review the material covered in the class
3. Make sure you have enough time to sleep
4. You can then find out the time that can allocate for the part time job
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Kellee Scott
Director, MBA Admissions at USC Marshall School of Business (Retired)
27
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kellee’s Answer
Hi Abigail. Such a noble career you've chosen. I can't imagine the schooling, work, and determination. Kudos to you.
You've been given great answers and I just want to chime in and emphasize the need for self-care.
Burn-out is real and can affect your long-term health. No matter what you decide, know that slowing down your schooling if that option is available is not a negative. Your mental and physical health are key to optimal performance in school, at work, and when you are a full-fledged nurse! I hope nothing but the best for you.
Have an excellent and fun senior year!
You've been given great answers and I just want to chime in and emphasize the need for self-care.
Burn-out is real and can affect your long-term health. No matter what you decide, know that slowing down your schooling if that option is available is not a negative. Your mental and physical health are key to optimal performance in school, at work, and when you are a full-fledged nurse! I hope nothing but the best for you.
Have an excellent and fun senior year!
Updated
Martin’s Answer
It can be challenging, but remember it's only for a few years. Try to find a job in healthcare where you can use and learn new skills. Working nights is an option, but it's not for everyone. If needed, consider taking one less class to make things easier. It's not easy, but it can be worth it in the end. Also, look for scholarships or awards from drug companies or similar organizations. When I was in nursing school, I got one at a very low interest rate and didn't have to pay it back.
Most importantly, make time for yourself, your family, and your friends. Ignoring this can lead to burnout. Balancing everything is tough, but I believe you can do it.
Most importantly, make time for yourself, your family, and your friends. Ignoring this can lead to burnout. Balancing everything is tough, but I believe you can do it.
Updated
Riley’s Answer
Hi Abigail! Balancing a full-time job while attending nursing school can be challenging, but you can definitely do it. Look for a job with flexible hours and scheduling since your school timetable might change each term.
Nursing school requires a lot of time in classes and clinicals, plus studying outside of those hours. If you're motivated and manage your time well, you can succeed. Remember, it's important to socialize and maintain a good work-life balance, especially during nursing school.
Best of luck in your senior year and as you start nursing school!
Nursing school requires a lot of time in classes and clinicals, plus studying outside of those hours. If you're motivated and manage your time well, you can succeed. Remember, it's important to socialize and maintain a good work-life balance, especially during nursing school.
Best of luck in your senior year and as you start nursing school!