Completing an MSN while working a full-time job, is that even possible? The short answer is “Yes, you sure can!” How to do that, you ask? Let me share with you my experience.

Nurses as Lifelong Learners

One of the cornerstones of nursing is evidence-based practice. Nurses, therefore, cannot afford to remain stagnant. As much as nursing is dynamic, nurses, too, have to continue evolving and improving.

Learning takes so many different forms. Nurses, for example, keep up with the latest knowledge and skills through continuing education (CE). In fact, some state nursing boards even require a specific number of CEs for license renewal. However, formal schooling is important especially if one is considering to transition into another field of nursing.

There are so many nursing specialties. There are as many concentrations to adequately prepare nurses to work in those units and fields. Of course, the most popular these last few years is the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Since I am not an FNP, I really cannot speak about it in detail.

Nursing Informatics

Going into the informatics field was the farthest from my mind when I decided to enroll for my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. The fact is I am the least tech-savvy person that I know of. My mentor reminded me that that is the reason why I am going to school – to learn!

 Early on, I found myself grappling with ways to survive graduate school. Below are some of the methods that I employed to earn that MSN degree with a 4.0-grade point average (GPA). Hopefully, you find the following to be useful in your own pursuit of an advanced degree.

1. Know the Rubric

First on the agenda is to learn what a rubric is. Please don’t be like me and learn the very hard way. How? My very first paper was graded as a C because I didn’t understand and follow the requirements. You might be thinking to yourself: “And yet this girl has the gall to write…”

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a rubric as a list of criteria for grading. In other words, one must understand what is being asked in terms of project or academic paper submission. If you need clarification, refer to the second item on this list.

2. Ask clarifying questions

The professors, your admission counselor, or even your classmates are great sources of information. Clarify things that you are unsure about. They may not be able to give you the answers directly. At the very least, they can point you in the correct direction.

3. Manage Time Your Way

Set your own timetable and stick to it. My classes were all online. We were required to submit an initial post regarding our lesson of the week by Wednesday. Additionally, we had to respond each to a classmate’s post and a professor’s comment respectively by Sunday.

As for me, I made sure that I post initially by Tuesday at the latest. My replies to a classmate and to my professor were completed by Thursday. That way, I was able to devote more time finishing my paper or my presentation towards the end of the week.

4. Exercise Discipline

When I was in school, I was working full-time as a pediatric nurse. I also had a side hustle as a per diem special care nursery nurse in another facility. It goes without saying, then, that I set aside a dedicated time for classwork. On nights that I worked, I spent my break time composing my posts or my responses. My days off were spent working on my papers, presentations, projects, and research. Even with an additional required 216 practicum onsite hours to complete, that approach served me well.

5. Know Your Tools

When I started school, I can only type in a Microsoft Word document. Since I also present continuing education (CE) topics to my colleagues, I had a rudimentary idea of creating a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation.

I had to learn Microsoft Excel for my graphs in my informatics classes. Moreover, I had to save my unfinished paper on my personal OneDrive. That enabled me to continue working on it whenever I had the time and opportunity regardless of time and place.

6. Passion Matters

Graduate school will have research, dissertation, or project implementation expectations. Working on something that you are passionate about helps lighten that load. You have to feel empowered to complete the project in your setting. Understanding how your project would positively impact your delivery of care will definitely give you that extra push when the going gets rough.

Passion matters!

7. Find a Mentor

My mentor both inspires and challenges me. My suggestion is to try to find someone who you look up to. He or she should be able to guide you as you navigate the uncharted waters of the nursing field you may pursue in the future. To ensure this, a mutually respectful relationship is a must.

For example, my mentor presented a human milk scanning application as my practicum project. She considered my pediatric and neonatal experiences in that decision. In turn, I relied on her expertise in putting together all the necessary pieces (e.g. technical aspects, collaborating with consultants, etc.) to ensure timely project implementation.

8. Challenging Days Ahead

Yes, there will be difficult days! You should be physically, mentally, and emotionally be ready to face them. Make sure that you maintain that work-life-school balance. Do things that you enjoy (travel, meditate, shop, workout, etc.). Give yourself permission to enjoy the simple or the finer things in life. You have to do activities, outside of school and work, that enrich you. Truly self-care is not selfish at all!

9. Lean on your support system/s

Having a supportive family and colleagues really helps. You will be spending most of your time either onsite or online. With that being said, you may not be able to cook dinner or do your fair share of household chores. The family’s support and encouragement count the most, especially during rough patches. Your colleagues’ understanding and backing also count.

I was lucky enough to work with a special group of nurses who respected my time when I was typing my life away in front of a computer. On the homefront, I get to enjoy my hub’s gourmet offerings, especially during stressful times. Aren’t I extremely blessed?

Sushi on-demand courtesy of my hub – Chez Ranie

10. Celebrate Small Victories

While the ultimate goal is to earn your MSN or any degree, you have to pat yourself on the back with every paper submitted or post completed. Constantly remind yourself of the reason why you are doing this, especially during difficult times. Don’t let small setbacks deter you from persevering.

Last Thoughts

Not being able to make ends meet was one of the reasons why I kept postponing graduate school. Most of my former colleagues ended up working part-time or quit altogether when they were in school. Their examples made me second-guess my determination to finally enroll. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any good resources or reassurance that I will be able to do both at the same time.

There are countless other ways to help you succeed in school while working full-time. Hopefully, you find the ones I shared to be applicable in your own pursuit of higher education. I also have another post regarding how I was able to afford graduate school financially. You can read about it here!

Otherwise, be in tune with what your own situation is. If you need to take a term off just to “breathe” or let off steam, do it. On the other hand, you can also cut down your work hours to concentrate more on your academic work.

Just the same, there is no such thing as one size fits all. What do they say? You do you! Pretty soon, you will be appreciating your sacrifices as you finally reach your goal – an advanced degree!

Who knows? Maybe by then, you will have your own list of tips for other aspiring nurses contemplating on going back to school.

Still doubting and have questions on your mind? Please share your comment below. I will try to help out if I am able to.