Accelerated nursing degree?

Has anyone REALLY ever completed an accelerated nursing program while working full time? All of the schools that have the accelerated programed say clearly on the website that it is not reccommended for someone to work full time.

I'm 21 and feeling a need to change my life plans I guess you could say. My middle child only weighed 1lb 8oz when she was born and she's now 4 years old but seeing the RN's and the whole crew at the hospital while she was in there made me want to be there to help other families in the same situation.

I currently already have bachelors degrees in psychology and criminal justice. Last fall I was able to take 21 credit hours (still able to stay on the deans list) work full time and take care of my two children. Now I have a 3rd baby and it seems like SO much more work. I just want to know if the it can realisticly be done with the full time employment??

Also is there any financial aid other than loans for this program? (financial aid office says no)!

I completed a one year accelerated BSN degree program, I did not work during that year. I know of a few fellow classmates that worked part time and did ok. It is a very intense schedule and I do not think that it could be done while working full time, not to mention caring for 3 children!!! Classes (for me at least) were 3 days a week with 2 days of clinical. Tests were intense and much of the free time was needed for studying for exams plus homework/papers, etc. Our school did offer a scholarship program that paid for all of the school in exchange for a 4 year work contract at the medical center. Perhaps you could work extra jobs to save money that would allow you to work part time. Good luck!

I personally didn't go through an accelerated program, but I know many people who have, and what kills them (and every nursing student) is the time dedicated to going through clinicals. Imaging going to school full time, and then completing 16-24 hours a week of clinicals... that's what makes it impossible to work.

Without knowing what kind of support system you have around you, I wouldn't go so far as to say you won't be able to do it, but instead go to a nursing school and ask them questions about their accelerated program; they might even have a night where you can ask faculty and students questions and learn first hand what it's like.