Working in Nursing School: Challenges, Risks, and Alternatives

Many nursing students face the difficult decision whether to take on employment while enrolled, weighing financial needs against the intensity of their studies. Whether students can realistically work during nursing school depends largely on the structure and demands of their program. In a traditional BSN, students may be able to maintain limited employment, often in positions that reinforce clinical skills such as certified nursing assistant or medical scribe roles. In contrast, accelerated and graduate-level nursing programs generally require students to commit to full-time learning. The demanding pace and intensive schedules leave little room for outside employment, making it difficult for students to balance work and study successfully. Ultimately, the ability to work while pursuing a nursing degree depends on the type of program, the student’s personal circumstances, and the balance they can realistically maintain. 

Working during an ABSN Program

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs are notoriously challenging. Because they compress years of nursing content into a fast-paced format, students face an intense workload and limited flexibility. Unlike traditional BSN programs, the material is covered at double or triple the speed, requiring constant focus and organization.

One of the most common questions prospective students ask is: Can you work during an ABSN program? While every student’s circumstances are unique, the general consensus is that working during nursing school—particularly during an accelerated program—is strongly discouraged. Here’s why.

Time Commitment

Accelerated BSN programs are a full-time requirement. Students often dedicate more than 60 hours per week to keep up with lectures, clinicals, labs, study sessions, and assignments. In addition to structured class time, students spend countless hours completing practice questions, writing papers, and preparing for exams.

For many, this workload resembles a demanding full-time job, except it comes without weekends or extended breaks. Adding outside employment to this already packed schedule is rarely sustainable.

Fatigue and Burnout

Nursing school pushes students academically, physically, and emotionally. Even without a job on the side, exhaustion is common. Attempting to balance working in nursing school with the demands of an ABSN program heightens the risk of fatigue and eventual burnout.

While some students might manage to hold a part-time job for a short period, the stress tends to build quickly. A lack of rest not only affects grades but also takes a toll on mental health, making it harder to stay focused, retain information, and remain motivated. Another important consideration is that in health care, fatigue carries serious consequences. Student nurses need to be fully alert, not only to absorb what they are learning but also to protect the patients under their care.

Clinical Performance Can Suffer

Clinical rotations are a core part of nursing education. These shifts move quickly, can be physically demanding, and require students to give their full attention from start to finish.

If you are tired from working late nights or long shifts, your performance in clinicals can suffer. A simple mistake, such as a documentation error, could harm your grade or, worse, compromise patient safety. Employers and instructors expect student nurses to treat clinical hours as a form of professional practice. Arriving distracted or fatigued undermines the purpose of the clinical experience.

Scheduling Challenges

Most ABSN programs offer very little flexibility. Students will be required to attend scheduled lectures, labs, and clinicals, which often occur at varing times throughout the week. This lack of predictability makes it nearly impossible to coordinate with employers, especially in fields with strict scheduling requirements.

Even if an employer agrees to work around your school obligations, last-minute changes in clinical schedules or mandatory lab hours may create conflicts. The stress of juggling multiple calendars can distract from what matters most—your success in the program.

Financial Considerations: Alternatives to Working

The primary reason students consider working while in nursing school is financial pressure. Tuition, books, uniforms, transportation, and everyday expenses add up quickly. Fortunately, some alternatives can reduce the need for outside work:

• Scholarships and Grants: Numerous nursing-specific scholarships are available from schools, nonprofit organizations, and health care systems.
• Federal and Private Loans: Though repayment is required, loans can provide short-term relief.
• Employer Programs: Some hospitals and healthcare systems offer tuition reimbursement or student loan forgiveness in exchange for future employment commitments.
• Budget Planning: Creating a financial plan before starting an ABSN program can reduce stress and clarify whether additional income is truly necessary.
• Family Support: For some students it is an option to rely on friends and family for support during nursing school. ABSN programs are typically shorter in duration, reducing the overall amount of time assistance is required.
  

Exploring these options enables students to devote their full attention to their studies, rather than dividing their energy between school and work.

Risking Your Investment

Nursing school is more than a short-term challenge, it’s a long-term investment. Graduates who pass the NCLEX and secure licensure enter a field with strong job security, high demand, and competitive salaries.

If working during an ABSN program causes you to fall behind or fail a class, the consequences are costly. Retaking courses or delaying graduation not only adds financial strain but also postpones entry into the workforce. Protecting your investment in nursing school means prioritizing academics.

What About Students Who Do Work?

Some students share success stories about working in nursing school while enrolled in an ABSN program. However, what’s often left out is the sacrifice: missed family milestones, declining health, reduced sleep, and high stress. These trade-offs may not be visible on social media, but they are genuine.

Scheduling Challenges

Unlike traditional college courses, ABSN programs leave little room for flexibility. Students must attend set lectures, labs, and clinical rotations, often scheduled at different times throughout the week. The unpredictable nature of these commitments makes it difficult to coordinate with employers, particularly in jobs that require strict or consistent scheduling.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately the decision to work during nursing school is highly individualized and is a personal decision. A small number of students may be able to work while completing an ABSN, but it comes at a cost. Success in nursing school requires long hours, focus, and the ability to manage stress. Even the most disciplined student would be strained by working in nursing school. In the end the trade-offs can put your nursing goals at risk.

By seeking scholarships, budgeting carefully, and planning, many students can avoid the need to work during nursing school and instead commit fully to the journey of becoming a nurse.