But you can survive, and even thrive, on the challenge, say educators and nurses who have been there. Here is their advice for successfully juggling work, school, and a personal life. In general, nurse managers encourage employees to obtain higher degrees and will accommodate class schedules, said Lorain Brault, MS, NP, RN, vice president of operational resources for the Healthcare Association of California and an instructor at California State University, Los Angeles. Once you ve begun, alert your employer to your class schedule as far in advance as possible. Keeping your employer in the loop could save money, too.
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement, scholarships, or loans.
Of course, it s important to keep work and school separate even if your employer is understanding, said Anne Hakes, RN, an MSN candidate at CSU Los Angeles who is working three-quarters time at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. The people at work are supportive, but still expect 100 percent from me when I m here. To attract students, schools are finding creative ways to meet students scheduling needs. Others offer only night and weekend classes. Some offer courses on an intensive basis so that students spend two or three consecutive eight-hour days together, then meet periodically during the semester.