Many nursing hopefuls work while in school to manage tuition and living expenses. This blog will help you decide if working while in nursing school is right for you. Learn the pros and cons of working full time, find flexible options for working around your classes, and get tips on how to balance competing priorities.
Table of contents
- Can you work full time and go to nursing school?
- How long does nursing school take?
- What are the pros and cons of working while in nursing school?
- What roles work best for nursing students?
- How to manage both school and work
- Frequently asked questions
- ShiftKey: A solution for nursing students
- Closing thoughts about working while in nursing school
- Resources
Can you work full time and go to nursing school?
Yes, but doing so demands planning and discipline. Balancing a 40‑hour/week work schedule alongside full‑time nursing classes and study time can easily consume over 100 hours per week. Still, with strategic scheduling (like evening or night shifts), it’s possible.
How long does nursing school take?
You have two options for nursing school degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN typically requires 120 semester credit hours over four years.
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): An ADN requires around 60 to 72 credits over two years.
Some programs offer accelerated BSN degrees, which tend to require 12 to 18 months of intense coursework.
Source: Nursing World
What are the pros and cons of working while in nursing school?
Pros of working while in nursing school
- Financial support: Working helps cover tuition, books and living expenses. It also reduces your reliance on loans.
- Time-management skills: Juggling classes, study time and professional duties sharpens your ability to organize your time and prioritize tasks, skills that will serve you for a lifetime.
- Professional experience: If you’re already certified to work as a CNA or an LPN/LVN, working in the healthcare field provides additional clinical exposure and strengthens your resume.
- Reduced debt: Working can offset tuition costs and help chip away at student loans.
- Networking: Connections made at facilities and hospitals can lead to post-graduation RN roles.
Cons of working while in nursing school
- Not enough time: Study hours, course hours and work hours add up fast, even if you’re working part time.
- Schedule conflicts: Clinicals often vary week-to-week, which may clash with work schedules.
- Risk of burnout: The overload of working while in school can affect academic performance and mental health.
- Less time for personal relationships: Working and going to school can limit your free time.
- Physical or mental fatigue: Balancing night shifts and high workloads may tire you out.
What roles work best for nursing students?
Ultimately, you’re looking for a flexible role that accommodates your school schedule. Here are some tips for finding a role that works for you.
- Choose flexible roles. You need to be able to prioritize school.
- Work as a CNA or LPN/LVN. If you’re certified, CNA/LPN roles and shifts offer relevant experience and flexible hours.
- Find work online: Consider online tutoring, customer service, medical admin, or creative roles like freelance copywriting or graphic design.
How to manage both school and work
- Build a master schedule: Block time for study, work, classes, self-care and sleep.
- Set realistic goals: If you have to work, you may need more time to complete your degree. If you have a big test coming up, you may not be able to take on a long shift at work.
- Keep track of your to-do’s: Use task management tools like Asana, Trello or the like.
- Choose flexible shifts: If you’re a CNA or LPN/LVN, use the ShiftKey platform to choose night/weekend shifts that don’t overlap with school.
- Learn the art of prioritization: Use task prioritization frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix; the One, Three, Five Rule; or the MoSCoW Method.*
- Build a support network: Lean on family, friends and classmates who understand your commitments.
- Create a study space: Whether you need a quiet, structured environment or prefer to work in a cafe, find a space that enhances your focus.
- Use technology: Study apps, flashcards and digital planners can help optimize efficiency.
- Prioritize your health: Sleep, nutrition and breaks are essential to avoid burnout.
- Communicate your needs: Explain your school commitments; flexibility is negotiable in many roles.
*See the resources section for links to frameworks and apps.
Frequently asked questions
Can you work full time and go to nursing school?
Yes—with careful scheduling, time management and planning. Choose roles that work with your school schedule.
Nursing school while working full time—is it worth it?
For many, yes. You earn money, reduce debt, gain experience and learn lifelong time-management skills.
Nursing school and working full time—how do I avoid burnout?
Use structured study breaks, prioritize sleep and wellness, lean on your support system, and be realistic about your schedule.
ShiftKey: A solution for nursing students
If you’re a CNA or LPN/LVN wondering whether you can work and go to nursing school, consider ShiftKey as your go-to platform:
- Choose independent CNA or an LPN/LVN shifts that fit your availability—nights, weekends, or gaps between classes and clinical rotations.
- Gain hands-on direct care experience to boost your clinical skills and build confidence before becoming an RN.
- Request shifts when and where they work for you.
Closing thoughts about working while in nursing school
Working while going to school is a challenging path. But with determination, effective time-management skills and a flexible healthcare role, you can successfully complete your degree, minimize debt, and begin your nursing career with the skills required to deliver excellent patient care.
Resources
Time management frameworks: Eisenhower Matrix; MoSCow Method; One, Three, Five Rule
Flexible independent CNA, LPN/LVN and RN shifts: The ShiftKey Platform
Professional resources for nurses: American Nurses Association
To-do list management tools: Wirecutter’s top picks, Asana, Trello.
Burnout resources: ShiftKey Trends, Strategies to Overcome Nurse Burnout, Signs of Nurse Burnout, CNA Burnout
