How many work and go to nursing school? (2024)

FAQs

How many work and go to nursing school? ›

Many students need to work during school, whether to pay for classes, support their family members, or continue to support themselves – they have responsibilities that persist throughout the duration of the program. It's estimated that around 25% of all nursing students in the U.S. continue to work in some capacity.

Simply put, yes: It is absolutely possible to work full time while in nursing school. In fact, many people who plan to pursue their BSN, MSN, or DNP in nursing obtain their RN license early on so that they can work in the field while they are in school.

Balancing work while in nursing school is hard, but you can do it. The key is to go into the process with the right plan. From getting organized to enlisting the support of others, these tips will help you stay on task both at school and at work.

Everyone is different, but in general, it is recommended that nursing school students study anywhere from 2-4 hours a day. Committing class material to memory is essential to becoming a registered nurse, so the more time studying, the better! What should I know before starting nursing school?

Seek jobs offering flexible shifts that match your academic needs. Many healthcare facilities understand nursing students' schedules and offer night or weekend shifts to accommodate them.

The national attrition rate for nursing programs are too high, with as much as 50% in some baccalaureate nursing programs (Merkley, 2016). Most studies have shown that most of these nursing students leave in the first semester of the nursing program.

Pharmacology. Pharmacology, or the study of medication, can seem scary because of the sheer scope of the course. “It becomes one of the hardest classes for nursing students due to the depth and amount of knowledge needed,” says Megan Lynch, RN and instructor at Pima Community College.

The hardest parts about nursing school involve demanding coursework, long days of classes and clinical hours, and a lot of memorization. Despite these challenges, most nursing students successfully complete their degrees and go on to a nursing position within a few months of graduation.

Students say nursing school is THAT hard because its a whole different ballgame. Classes are longer, heavier courseload, different stying habits (you can't just memorize things anymore, you have to apply it). It's time consuming. Its also hard to accept you might not be an A student anymore.

Nursing (RNs)

On average, students in nursing school get 5.69 hours per night. That's probably because they're busy studying enough to get through their four-year degree program for a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN), an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a relevant diploma from an approved program.

How often do you study in nursing school? ›

How Many Hours Should A Nursing Student Study? One way of figuring the time necessary for each class is to go by the this rule of thumb. Set aside 2 hours of study time for every 1 hour of class. If you are a full time student, you will set aside around 24 hours per week dedicated for studying.

Nursing school curriculum

During your education, you can expect to have a full schedule that requires you to prioritize studying, memorization, and focusing on the large volume of information you'll be learning.

Externships, work-study programs, and part-time CNA employment are some alternative options for earning money while learning. It's important to investigate these several avenues for funding if you're thinking about a nursing profession.

A 12-hour nursing shift runs more efficiently when you and your peers develop a consistent, uninterrupted rhythm. Fewer overall hours. When you work three 12-hour shifts, you only put in thirty-six hours a week instead of the traditional forty hours.

Per diem nursing schedules are all about flexibility and freedom. A few of the advantages of per diem work include the ability to choose your shifts and which days you work. This means you can also choose the days you don't want to work, allowing more time for family commitments or personal pursuits.

Homework and Assignments

As a nursing student, you'll have a lot on your daily schedule. You may be busy with lectures, labs, assignments and projects. Nursing students can expect many hours of reading, independent case studies and presentations during their time at school.

How Many Hours Should A Nursing Student Study? One way of figuring the time necessary for each class is to go by the this rule of thumb. Set aside 2 hours of study time for every 1 hour of class. If you are a full time student, you will set aside around 24 hours per week dedicated for studying.

Statistically, nursing school is stressful. Psychological studies have found it's more stressful than just about any other academic program—including, some studies say, medical school. The reasons why makes sense.