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[WeAreOne213]

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So here's my story. I've been a working nurse for about two years now ( LPN then RN). I recently have made the decision to go back to school and pursue medicine. I'm taking a chance here as I work fulltime to support myself (no kids, not married). Unfortunately, many of my classes I took prior to nursing school do not count towards going pre-med. So, I'll almost be starting from scratch other than the basic general education requirements (I only have an associates). I've struggled with math since I can remember but am going to bite the bullet and try my hardest to do well. My concern is having to work full time. Basically I'm just looking for some advice from someone who has done it (made it through undergrad while working, if you're bad at math that's a bonus!) and what your advice would b regarding studying/ balancing work and school. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[sazerac]

Well, lets say you are taking 15 credit hours of undergrad. They say you need to study two more hours outside of class for every hour in class, so that's another 35 hours of studying, plus the full time working 40 hours for a total of 130 hours. That's only slightly less than the average number of hours in a week (5x25), leaving you with only about 3 hours of sleep per night.

Something doesn't add up.

 

[WeAreOne213]

Well, lets say you are taking 15 credit hours of undergrad. They say you need to study two more hours outside of class for every hour in class, so that's another 35 hours of studying, plus the full time working 40 hours for a total of 130 hours. That's only slightly less than the average number of hours in a week (5x25), leaving you with only about 3 hours of sleep per night.

Something doesn't add up


Was your response meant to be discouraging or helpful?

 

[wholeheartedly]

I worked quite a bit in undergrad, but now I'm doing grad school in another city (at least 90 minute commute) and work in a hospital 30-40 hours a week. It's not easy and some days I'm really exhausted and don't feel like doing much of anything. It's easier if your job is low stress, but quite a few hospital positions, like mine and nursing jobs rarely are.

My advice is to start out easy and build up to your courses. Your goal is to get A's even if it takes you a bit longer by taking fewer credits. Some people will tell you that you need to pile on credits to show med schools you can handle the workload, but I don't think that holds if you're a nontrad working a lot.

Give yourself one day off at least. I've had semesters where my "day off" is essentially working a night shift and finishing Monday morning then back to class Tues. Doesn't feel like much of a day off when you sleep through most of it and then spend the rest catching up on lawn mowing and housework. So try to have a real day off and do something fun or relaxing with it.

Lastly, I don't know if this is an option for you, but I was able to pile my work hours into fewer days by working longer shifts. I'm not worth much more than work some of those days, but then I have more days off to focus on school and being productive with my other stuff.

Oh and if you feel shaky on your math there are some great free online resources to use if you need a brush up or help with a specific topic. Khan Academy is the one I'm most familiar with but you can pretty much just google something and look for you tube videos and should have a bunch of options come up.

 

[battousai]

Well, lets say you are taking 15 credit hours of undergrad. They say you need to study two more hours outside of class for every hour in class, so that's another 35 hours of studying, plus the full time working 40 hours for a total of 130 hours. That's only slightly less than the average number of hours in a week (5x25), leaving you with only about 3 hours of sleep per night.

Something doesn't add up.

Can you clarify your math?

First, there's 168 hours per week, not 125 (7x24 vs. 5x25)
Next, if OP has 15 credit hours, with studying it should be 45 hours per week;
Next if OP works 40 hours a week, it'll be a total of 85 hours in a week.
So that leaves OP with 83 hours to sleep/commute/eat/or whatever else OP wants to do.
if OP sleeps 8 hours a night, that would leave OP with 27 hours to spare.

 

[deleted480308]

Let's go ahead and admit that no one studies 2 hours for every hour in class. Teachers like to say that, but it's insane and no one does it.

I have two jobs, salary construction management, part time pastoring and kids. When I went back to school I eased back in. Take 1 class your first semester, then if it goes well up to two, if it goes well up to 3 etc

I found my sweet spot was 2 sciences and two of my misc fluff classes for graduation (12-14hrs). I did 17hrs one summer and it was rough. This semester is one science and three fluff classes and it feels like a cakewalk.

If it's worth it to you, take the time and do it slow enough to get good grades

 

[Shjanzey]

.

 

[iatros13]

I have found working FT and going to school to have some challenging moments. I do miss out on quite a bit of fun and family stuff. I am married with two teenagers and a niece I raised who is in college. I work full time, at a job that requires my attention and can be rather stressful. My boss does kindly let me leave early a few days a week to get to class on time. I try to make up for it!

Mostly, I have given up video games and television/movies. In doing so, I did come to realize how much of my life I wasted there, that could have been spent doing more with my family. However, that is another discussion...

I started out taking 9 hours, and then tried 12/13 (have to get those labs in). One of the most important things is learning (trying) to predict which courses are going to be the most time intensive. My worst mistake so far was taking Calculus I during the Summer - the shortened version of the course was very fast, and I am generally good at math, but I struggled.

At my school at least, online math courses were great, but they are time intensive because Math simply sticks better when you do lots of problems (like CHEM), so that's how they teach it. Freshman/Sophomore level English classes are not very time intensive for me. Biology (I have only taken the first 2 semesters of general BIO) were a little more cumbersome because I try to always read the text. Labs have been generally easy with low time requirement so far.

I try not to take more than 2 (maybe 3) courses that will require me to read "a chapter a week." For example this semester my class load is 13 hours:
CHEM I
CHEM I lab
Intro to poetry (filling TX core requirements)
Political Science I (filling TX core requirements)
Physiological Psychology (for psych major)

I go through all this, just to say that, yes, it is possible! There just is not much time left for anything else. Work, School take up almost all my time. I try to be Husband/Dad the best I can - and I hope that this will work out as the best plan for all of us by the time we get to the end of the journey!

The advice about testing your limits with the number of classes is good, because it is better to take fewer classes and make A's!

Good luck!

 

[Shjanzey]

.

 

[Goro]

My non-trad students have a history of something like 1-2 courses/semester, stretched out over 2-3 years. Go with the bare minimum or pre-reqs, and then add maybe cell bio, genetics or biochem, and then take the MCAT. You should be good to go We AdComs recognize that people have lives and have to work. CC's are fine for taking classes.

I do not recommend taking only a single course/year, over the course of, say, 4-5 years. that doesn't show us you can handle a heavy load like we'll inflict upon you.

Good luck!

So here's my story. I've been a working nurse for about two years now ( LPN then RN). I recently have made the decision to go back to school and pursue medicine. I'm taking a chance here as I work fulltime to support myself (no kids, not married). Unfortunately, many of my classes I took prior to nursing school do not count towards going pre-med. So, I'll almost be starting from scratch other than the basic general education requirements (I only have an associates). I've struggled with math since I can remember but am going to bite the bullet and try my hardest to do well. My concern is having to work full time. Basically I'm just looking for some advice from someone who has done it (made it through undergrad while working, if you're bad at math that's a bonus!) and what your advice would b regarding studying/ balancing work and school. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[CW 2010]

So here's my story. I've been a working nurse for about two years now ( LPN then RN). I recently have made the decision to go back to school and pursue medicine. I'm taking a chance here as I work fulltime to support myself (no kids, not married). Unfortunately, many of my classes I took prior to nursing school do not count towards going pre-med. So, I'll almost be starting from scratch other than the basic general education requirements (I only have an associates). I've struggled with math since I can remember but am going to bite the bullet and try my hardest to do well. My concern is having to work full time. Basically I'm just looking for some advice from someone who has done it (made it through undergrad while working, if you're bad at math that's a bonus!) and what your advice would b regarding studying/ balancing work and school. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!

I've been working 40+ hrs a week as a PCT in the hospital (love our nurses 🙂) and taking classes for a while now. Oh, yeah, and I am horrible in math!!! So, here are a few suggestions I could give you.

1) Take 2 classes per semester. If these are easy classes like Psych, Sociology, Eng, etc. you could take 3. But when you are taking Chem w/lab or Orgo w/lab, then take only 1 more easy class with it. You could get away with taking Bio and Chem together. But don't take Orgo and Physics together - that's going to be too much.
2) It is a good idea to start off slow. Start taking easier classes first - some Bio, etc. And then make your way into Orgo and Physics.
3) If you can, make some adjustments in your schedule so that you'll have free time during the week. For example, work weekends, nights, double shifts, or 12-hr shifts. This way you could have more flexibility in scheduling classes. You'll also be able to study during the week before or after classes to reinforce the material.
4) Don't worry about the math. In reality, the math in Chem and even Physics is very basic and can be mastered with some practice, youtube videos and maybe help of the tutoring center. The math should not hold you back.
5) Your success in getting A's will depend on good study habits (make sure you don't fall behind, read the book before the class, do your homework, etc.) and good time management skills (don't waste your time - every 10-20 min could be used for doing something productive instead of watching TV or surfing the Internet).
6) And the last one - good luck! 🙂

 

[sazerac]

Can you clarify your math?

First, there's 168 hours per week, not 125 (7x24 vs. 5x25)
Next, if OP has 15 credit hours, with studying it should be 45 hours per week;
Next if OP works 40 hours a week, it'll be a total of 85 hours in a week.
So that leaves OP with 83 hours to sleep/commute/eat/or whatever else OP wants to do.
if OP sleeps 8 hours a night, that would leave OP with 27 hours to spare.

LOL you guys take this stuff waaay too seriously. Go reread the original post in this thread... the OP wanted somebody who was BAD AT MATH!!!

geez you people

 

[Lavender Gooms]

Great advice given so far in this thread.

I've found that planning my day out to almost the minute and sticking to that schedule keeps me from falling behind on my studies. I've got an excel spreadsheet that has all my classes and study time blocked out. I work full time, am taking 10 hrs this semester, and have a wife and 3 month old at home.

As others have said, cutting out TV/mindless internet use will most likely free up lots of time for you.

I'm still early in my journey, but I've had to learn/realize that 10-20 minutes of free time is more than enough for a quick study session. I use digital flashcards as much as I can and always have either my phone or tablet with me that I can pull them up on and study. I would highly recommend finding an app for this (I use Anki), as it will help tremendously, especially in memorization heavy classes.

 

[WeAreOne213]

Great advice given so far in this thread.

I've found that planning my day out to almost the minute and sticking to that schedule keeps me from falling behind on my studies. I've got an excel spreadsheet that has all my classes and study time blocked out. I work full time, am taking 10 hrs this semester, and have a wife and 3 month old at home.

As others have said, cutting out TV/mindless internet use will most likely free up lots of time for you.

I'm still early in my journey, but I've had to learn/realize that 10-20 minutes of free time is more than enough for a quick study session. I use digital flashcards as much as I can and always have either my phone or tablet with me that I can pull them up on and study. I would highly recommend finding an app for this (I use Anki), as it will help tremendously, especially in memorization heavy classes.

Thank you everyone! Awesome advice so far 🙂

 

[WeAreOne213]

LOL you guys take this stuff waaay too seriously. Go reread the original post in this thread... the OP wanted somebody who was BAD AT MATH!!!

geez you people

I got it after reading it a few times lol

 

[Darth Doc]

My husband went from LPN to BSN and is now taking NP classes while working full time. It's difficult to do, but it's definitely possible.

A few years ago I met a single mom with 2 young boys. She had started as a CNA, become a physician assistant, and now was going to medical school.

It's amazing what a single mom can do with some drive and focus. Just remember that a dirty house has never killed anyone and kid time is a good study break. Good luck!

 

[WeAreOne213]

My husband went from LPN to BSN and is now taking NP classes while working full time. It's difficult to do, but it's definitely possible.

A few years ago I met a single mom with 2 young boys. She had started as a CNA, become a physician assistant, and now was going to medical school.

It's amazing what a single mom can do with some drive and focus. Just remember that a dirty house has never killed anyone and kid time is a good study break. Good luck!

As of right now I don't have any children or significant other. So, hopefully it'll be a little less stressful for me. Props to the single mom who did it!

 

[StephanieZ]

OP, you are getting awesome advice here, and it's definitely doable! Don't mean to kill the good vibes in this thread, but I wanted to add that you should also make sure and do at least a little bit of volunteering/shadowing/other ECs. Your experience as a nurse will probably be a great asset to your application, but they are going to want to see something else too. Maybe volunteer just a couple of hours a week at a nursing home or something, join some kind of club you enjoy, and shadow at least a few doctors. You have a few years to get all this done, but don't wait til the last minute to start thinking about it, or it will bite you in the ass later. As a non-trad, I'm sure they won't expect you to have quite the depth of ECs as a traditional college student, but they still expect to see something else. Good luck!

 

[WeAreOne213]

OP, you are getting awesome advice here, and it's definitely doable! Don't mean to kill the good vibes in this thread, but I wanted to add that you should also make sure and do at least a little bit of volunteering/shadowing/other ECs. Your experience as a nurse will probably be a great asset to your application, but they are going to want to see something else too. Maybe volunteer just a couple of hours a week at a nursing home or something, join some kind of club you enjoy, and shadow at least a few doctors. You have a few years to get all this done, but don't wait til the last minute to start thinking about it, or it will bite you in the ass later. As a non-trad, I'm sure they won't expect you to have quite the depth of ECs as a traditional college student, but they still expect to see something else. Good luck!

I understand where you're coming from. My issue is that I have worked in both nursing homes and a hospital. It would just seem somewhat pointless for me. There are a few free health clinics that accept RN's who want to volunteer so that's something for me to look in to.

 

[iatros13]

I am always amazed at how many heroes are in the non-trad forum. Iatros you are my hero man! I thought I was grinding my rear, but you are really putting it out there. You are definitely going to make it.

OP, just listen to everything he said, he is walking the same path as you and making it happen.

I hope you are right, and thank you! I don't feel like a hero, lol I feel like a dummy for waiting so long - but I do believe there is a plan bigger than any I can come up with, and probably a reason I am doing this now instead of when I was younger.

As for the volunteering, that was a really good thing to point out! I believe I have read elsewhere that it does not need to be medical related volunteer work (but combining volunteer hours and some medical related experience is useful for many of us). What about an animal shelter? homeless shelter? Something like that would be a change of pace and still good for what you need!

My wife and I help with Sunday school at church, which is only a couple hours a month really, but long term. I went on a 9 day medical mission trip with a group (which was amazing too!). I am getting some hours in at a hospital in the ED and have gotten involved in an ecology research project (not medical related... but research at least)... I am trying to tuck a lot of this away before I get to OCHEM - so I can just focus on that when the time comes (in about a year!).

 

[StephanieZ]

I understand where you're coming from. My issue is that I have worked in both nursing homes and a hospital. It would just seem somewhat pointless for me. There are a few free health clinics that accept RN's who want to volunteer so that's something for me to look in to.

Sure, the nursing home volunteering was just a suggestion. There are literally thousands of ways to fulfill volunteer hours, and you probably don't even need clinical-type volunteering because your work experience more than fulfills that clinical aspect. If I were you I would do some research into volunteer opportunities in your area and just do what you feel most passionately about.

 

[wholeheartedly]

I understand where you're coming from. My issue is that I have worked in both nursing homes and a hospital. It would just seem somewhat pointless for me. There are a few free health clinics that accept RN's who want to volunteer so that's something for me to look in to.

Because you've got the clinical experience nailed I don't think you need clinical volunteering. You could do all kinds of non medical things from tutoring, to habitat, to an animal shelter. The suggestion to do clinical volunteering is a good way to get premeds into a clinical setting and get volunteer hours along with that exposure. If you've already got the exposure you can mix up the volunteering a bit.

 

[Varaneka]

LOL @ Stephanie's avatar