How to Succeed at Work and Get Your Nursing Degree

It's difficult to achieve work/study/life balance while attending nursing school, but it is possible.

Nursing is one of the most demanding professions. Not only do you have to be physically and emotionally strong, but you also have to be intelligent and have great critical thinking skills. If you want to further your career by getting a nursing degree, you have to juggle work and school.

So if you’re thinking about getting a nursing degree while working full-time, know that it’s possible. But it might be a challenge. If you’re up for the challenge, go for it.

Working While in Nursing School

Nursing students studying in a classroom

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It can be difficult to balance employment and school, but it is feasible to do so while attending nursing school. Here’s a rundown of everything you should know about working while in nursing school.

1. You must be able to manage your time effectively. This entails making and sticking to a schedule.

2. Look for a career that is flexible enough to work around your academic schedule. This can be challenging, but it is doable.

3. Be truthful with your employer about your availability. They must be aware that you have obligations outside of work.

4. Avoid overcommitting yourself. It will be tough to excel at both employment and education if you work too many hours or take on too many duties.

5. Keep in mind that your education should be your number one priority. Work should not be allowed to interfere with your study. Consider looking into online MSN-FNP programs, which can be quite beneficial in achieving a work/study/life balance.

Working while in nursing school is completely possible if you follow these recommendations. It may require some extra effort, but it is achievable.

Pros and Cons of Working While in Nursing School

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When determining whether or not you should work while attending nursing school, there are numerous considerations to consider. Working can help with the cost of tuition and other nursing school expenditures.

To help you decide, here are some benefits and downsides of working while in nursing school

Pros

Can gain valuable experience if your job is in a related field
Can offset the cost of tuition and other expenses

Cons

May lead to burnout
Can be challenging to balance work and school
Can lead to exhaustion and affect academic performance

Recommended Scheduling Strategies

Students studying for nursing school exams

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There are a few different scheduling strategies you can use to help you balance work and your nursing degree. The most important thing is to make sure you have a schedule that works for you and that you can realistically stick to. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Block off time in your schedule for studying and homework. This will help ensure that you are making time for your schoolwork and not letting it fall by the wayside.

2. Work with your employer to create a flexible schedule that allows you to attend classes and study as needed. This option isn’t always possible, but if it is, it can be a huge help.

3. Talk to your professors about your situation and see if they’re willing to work with you on due dates or other assignments. Again, this won’t always be an option, but it’s worth asking about.

4. Use any free time you have – even if it’s just 10-15 minutes here and there. Use this time to review notes, do some quick reading, or do anything else that will help you stay on top of your coursework.

5. Don’t forget to take some time for yourself. Balance is important, and if it’s too stressful, it will be hard to succeed in either area of your life.

How to Avoid Burnout From Juggling Work and Nursing School

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Several tips can help you minimize burnout while working and attending nursing school. Before anything else, it is critical to set reasonable expectations for yourself and your timetable.

Try not to take on too much at once or take on more than you can handle. Furthermore, schedule time for yourself and activities outside of work and school. This will allow you to unwind and refuel so that you can face the challenges of your daily life.

When you need assistance, don’t be hesitant to ask for it. There is no shame in acknowledging that you need help getting through this difficult time in your life, whether it comes from a friend, family member, or fellow student.

Bottom Line: Time Management Is the Key to Success

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Balancing your career and family obligations with a nursing degree can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be impossible.

Your ability to manage your time, the level of support received from family and friends, and your capacity for motivation will all play a part in determining your success.

If you are naturally organized and good at time management, then you’ll probably be able to handle both work and school without too much difficulty.

This article is a partnership with Wilkes University.