Can I become an RN working full time?

Question

I'm a full time employee who would like to start school to become an RN. I've heard of the
two year programs at local community colleges but if I could go for a BS-Nursing, that would
be much better. The only question I have is, Can I do it having a full time job? I'm single,
have 40K in annual income. The councelor told me that the 2year courses have to be taken
all under that time frame which really makes it difficult to keep my current job. If I was
to try and go for the BSN could I take my time in accomplishing the degree? Please Advice as
much as you can on this. Personal Experience is very welcomed.

Answer 1

Zippy's right.

I used to be an HR manager in a nursing home and a LOT of the people choose the following option.

They go for the LPN license and then work full time as an LPN and take classes towards the RN. It takes longer, but they can earn some money while doing this.

But for right now, you should consider going down to part time. It's difficult financially but there are financial aid options out there if you drop your income level for the short period.

I don't recommend trying to work full time while attending the nursing program full time. In fact, I've never met ANY nursing student who could do this. Most either quit work entirely while attending school or dropped work to part time. The nursing program can be very difficult and there is a lot to learn in order to pass the nursing boards.

I know it may not seem possible to go down to part time work, but myself and a lot of others have done it. It will mean REALLY cutting back on expenses, even down to choosing which bills to pay this month, but in the long run, the additional income will help you and your family.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Start with the AS in Nursing, get your RN license - many colleges have evening programs where you can do it while working full time. Then, get the work experience and see if you can at least get some tuition reimbursement for your BS.