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How do you balance nursing school with a full time job as the sole source of income for the household?

I have to wait a couple of years to complete the science prerequisites so I'm just in the planning stages. Currently I'm a CNA working the 3-11pm shift.

nursing-education cna full-time
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Ilse’s Answer

Hello Cassandra
As a nurse, my biggest tip is to stay organized. Try to really understand the material rather than memorize it. Use a planner to keep track of your assignments and clinical prep. Studying a little each day works better than cramming. Start practicing NCLEX-style questions early to build your clinical thinking skills. Before clinicals, review your patient’s diagnosis, medications, and lab results to help you feel more confident. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or turn to your instructors for help.
Most importantly, take care of yourself. Rest and mental breaks matter just as much as studying. Nursing school is tough, but with steady effort and good habits, you can succeed.
Good Luck!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice. I plan to go to the beach after classes when I don't have to work (and weather permitting). Cassandra
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Jack’s Answer

Hi Cassandra, juggling a full-time job while attending nursing school is tough, but you can do it! I'm in an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, and I completed my science prerequisites online with Straighterline. My university accepted the transfer credits for courses like A&P I, A&P II, Microbiology, Nutrition, Organic Chemistry I, and Statistics. I had a B.S. in Management from USF, so I needed all the science prerequisites. Straighterline courses are self-paced and budget-friendly. If your school accepts ACE credit, it's definitely a worthwhile option compared to traditional courses. Keep going, you're on the right path!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for your perspective. How difficult was it taking classes on Straighterline? I tried a physiology class online over a decade ago but it was too much for me. Cassandra
Thank you comment icon The nice part about Straighterline is that it’s self-paced. You decide when you are ready to take exams, and 10hrs of free tutoring is offered via Tutor.com. I utilized the tutors on tutor.com when I took Organic Chemistry I and had a great experience. The courses usually consist of 4 exams, a midterm, and a final. The lab courses require kits where you perform the experiments at home. Overall, it’s not a bad experience. You do have to have some self-discipline as you don’t want to stretch the course so far out that you forget the material. Jack B
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Rafael’s Answer

Hi Cassandra! Since you have a couple years to plan, use that time strategically by knocking out prerequisites one or two at a time, and look into evening, weekend, or online options that work around your 3 to 11 shift. Many nursing programs offer morning cohorts which could line up well with your current schedule, so keep that in mind when choosing a program. Financially, start looking into scholarships, Pell grants, and employer tuition assistance now because a lot of healthcare employers will help pay for nursing school since they want to retain you as an RN. Some hospitals also offer work-study programs or apprenticeships where they reduce your hours while covering tuition in exchange for a commitment to work there after graduation, so definitely ask your employer about that. On the day-to-day balance side, meal prepping, building a support system of people who can help with household responsibilities, and protecting at least one rest day per week will keep you from burning out. The fact that you're already in healthcare as a CNA is a huge advantage because you're building clinical instincts every shift, and that experience will make nursing school content feel way more familiar than it does for students starting from scratch!
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice. I've been scouring for scholarships to cover the science prequesites but it's a little difficult. I already have a BA so the Pell Grant is off the table. I see plenty of scholarships for once I'm admitted into the nursing program. Cassandra
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