When I started my accelerated nursing program in 2024, I got plenty of “advice” from well-meaning family, friends, and mentors. And one of the most consistent things I was told was that I needed to quit my job.
At the time, I was working for a healthcare nonprofit that worked closely with the nursing community in Oregon. It was a remote, salaried position with a team of people I absolutely adored. And every one of my co-workers was incredibly excited and supportive when I told them the news about getting into nursing school.
While the decision to enroll in my program was easy, deciding to work while going to nursing school was not as simple.
Here’s the thing… Nursing school is expensive. I chose an accelerated program that cost a whopping $1,100 per credit. That’s over $70,000 in tuition and fees alone. And it’s one of the more “budget friendly’ in Oregon. Even with the maximum amount of Federal and private student loans to pay for tuition and housing costs, there were expenses that lingered. Things like utility bills, insurance premiums, and grocery costs don’t just disappear.
My decision to keep my job came down to this: Should I stress about balancing work and school? Or should I stress about not having enough money to pay our mortgage, utility bills, and groceries?
The answers to those questions are incredibly personal. I chose to work full-time while navigating clinicals, exams, and on-campus labs. For me, the security of having a consistent paycheck outweighed the time freedom my peers had while living on a shoestring budget.
So, can you work while going to nursing school? Yes. While it isn’t easy, it’s necessary for a lot of students. And more importantly, it’s possible.
What Types of Jobs Work Best for Nursing Students
If you’re going to work while in nursing school, finding a job that aligns with your busy schedule and priorities is critical. For me, flexibility was the major key to finding balance. The right job will depend on your financial needs and time constraints. You need to be realistic about what you can manage while staying on top of your coursework… And sleep. Here are some great options to consider:
1. Remote Work
My full-time nonprofit job was remote, meaning I could do my job from home. It also gave me the option to work during nontraditional office hours, including evenings or weekends. Freelancing, virtual assistant roles, or online tutoring can offer ultimate flexibility with zero commute time. Remote work means you aren’t tied to an office or healthcare facility. But these types of positions require self-discipline and a quiet workspace.
2. Part-time Jobs
Part-time work, like bartending or barista, are another great option if you can survive without a full-time income. A lot of my classmates who worked during school went down this route. Part-time work usually comes with predictable shifts and less commitment. But you will likely be working in an area outside of healthcare.
3. PRN or Per Diem Healthcare Positions
These are jobs like patient care technicians, medical scribes, or nursing assistants, where you work on an “as-needed” basis. You might also see them listed as “unscheduled” positions. Most facilities have a required number of shifts you need to work per month but allow you to pick the shifts you want. You could easily build a full-time schedule this way. It’s also an opportunity to get hands-on experience and build your resume.
4. Gig Work
Food delivery, driving for rideshares, or even pet-sitting and dog walking are ways to earn cash with flexibility. You can work when you want with no fixed schedule. While there is less stability and no income guarantee, gig work puts you in full control of your working hours.
5. Night Shift
If you do have a full-time job that requires you to be onsite for scheduled shifts, overnight working hours are likely the best option. I worked overnights as a CNA while I completed some of my prerequisites. Morning lectures absolutely SUCKED and I was not sleeping enough, but it was a feasible option for a short period.
How Can You Work While Going to Nursing School?
Decided to keep your job while in nursing school? I am sitting on the other side of my screen, cheering you on and reminding you that it’s entirely possible. Working while in school hones your skills in time management, communication, and boundary setting.
Communicate with Your Employer
Silence won’t help you. Be upfront about your school schedule and discuss options like flexible hours or working remotely part of the time. I recognize how truly fortunate I was to have a manager and team who wholeheartedly supported me in my educational goals. But that support started with an honest conversation. Some employers might even offer support programs or allow you to reduce your workload temporarily without losing your role.
Master Time Management
This is the key to survival. Plan your week in advance, schedule your shifts around your classes, and dedicate time blocks for studying, relaxation, and self-care. Keep reading for some additional ideas on how to master your work and school schedule.
Say No When Needed
The word “no” is your friend. Whether it’s skipping a social event or turning down an opportunity for overtime, prioritizing your well-being and academics is essential. Learning to set boundaries might have been harder for me than working full-time during school.
Ask for Help
Lean on friends, family, or peers when needed. They might be able to babysit, help with errands, or just provide emotional support.
Time Management Tips for Balancing Work and School
Time management can make or break your experience as a working nursing student. Here’s how to stay on top of everything without losing your sanity.
Use a Planner or Digital Calendar
Map out every class, clinical, work shift, and study session. I used my Google Calendar to integrate my various schedules and mapped out my weeks, including travel time between clinicals or a work meeting. A digital task manager or paper planner can also help you keep track of the seemingly endless to-do lists. Todoist is my favorite digital tool. If you are a paper planner lover, Day Designer will always hold a special place in my heart.
Plan Downtime
Schedule breaks and leisure time to prevent burnout. Yes, “Netflix hour” or “self-care time” deserves a spot on your calendar. This is also important if you have a partner or kiddos at home to share time with.
Prioritize Tasks
Rank your to-dos by importance and deadlines. I love doing this at the start of every week, such as a Sunday evening. Focus on what’s due now, but don’t neglect long-term goals.
Meal Prep
Save time and stress by prepping meals on weekends—especially if you live alone. I’m a hypocrite for including this one because I suck at meal-prepping. But your future self will thank you on that busy Thursday night!
Group Complementary Tasks
Some people love time-blocking. But I struggle to stay engaged with a project that long (hello, ADHD!). Instead, try grouping complementary tasks, like doing laundry while listening to recorded lectures.
Embrace the “Suck” and Push Through—It’s Worth It
Balancing work and nursing school will challenge you, no doubt about it. I missed out on study sessions with my peers and plenty of social events with my friends. But every shift worked, every exam passed, and every late-night study session brings you closer to that career goal.
Remember, you’re not alone. Plenty of students have navigated this path successfully. And above all, be kind to yourself. Balancing work and nursing school is not easy, but you’re doing it. Give yourself credit.
Have questions about how to manage your time or need advice on finding the right job? Drop a comment below or shoot me a message on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you. Or check out my other nursing school survival posts here. You’ve got this, future nurse!
