[flutterby23]

I am going to begin a nursing degree in September. I am curious if student nurses work (paid work, not placement) during their studies to make ends meet? I know the schedule is really busy for student nurses and having a job would be difficult because of the shift patterns of placements.

Also, is it worth working part time, if you do? Are your finances affected by working?

Thanks in advance

[F Ellen]

I'd like to know this too, because my loan and bursary sure as hell won't get me by! My chosen uni said working while on the course isn't really doable :-/

[flutterby23]

(Original post by F Ellen)
I'd like to know this too, because my loan and bursary sure as hell won't get me by! My chosen uni said working while on the course isn't really doable :-/

I totally agree..Which university are you going to? I think most universities say that because it will be difficult to find a job that is so flexible!

[F Ellen]

(Original post by flutterby23)
I totally agree..Which university are you going to? I think most universities say that because it will be difficult to find a job that is so flexible!

Hertfordshire. Though I guess it would be possible to work on the bank as an HCA or care assistant maybe?

[Clodagh883]

When I went for they Nottingham visit day they encouraged us to get jobs! I think they suggested getting some paid work involved in healthcare, simple stuff where you wouldn't need and proper qualifications, they would be more understanding of the whole placement thing :P apparently nhs students are worse of while they're studying as they get less support but we do come out with less debt

[nonnynoo]

I have a friend who works as a bank care assistant whilst doing her nursing degree and I have just got a bank hca role at my local hospital for when I start my nursing as my current care company did not have any bank positions available and i could not fit my permanent hours in around nursing but by going bank its easier x

[xsophx]

Ive been looking into this, i am moving away and will need a bank job to support my accomadtion and car so i can actually do the course.

[daisy_1]

(Original post by flutterby23)
I am going to begin a nursing degree in September. I am curious if student nurses work (paid work, not placement) during their studies to make ends meet? I know the schedule is really busy for student nurses and having a job would be difficult because of the shift patterns of placements.

Also, is it worth working part time, if you do? Are your finances affected by working?

Thanks in advance

I've had this worry too! I spoke to a girl I know who is in her last year as a student nurse and she said the majority of her classmates have part-time jobs, and she works as a bank HCA. I currently work at a hospital already doing clerical work, and when I went for my interview at UCLan they told me to try and see if they would take me on part-time when I went to Uni, and said that having another job was vital in helping with finances. They also said that apparently you aren't allowed to work though on classed 'study days' - they mentioned something about it being fraud?? Anyway, I'm definitely going to try work as well as studying, I know it will be difficult but it's only for 3 years out of your entire life.

[Ironmike]

I know us physios don't have to do funny shift patterns, but our course is as demanding time wise I would say. I have worked all through the past three years when others on my course said it wasn't possible. If you are organised enough then I'm sure it is. My job (sports masseuse and personal trainer) thankfully lets me set my own hours so I can fit it around what I need to do at uni. Doesn't take long to get trained up in the personal trainer aspect of things, and it is probably the best money you'll earn in an hour doing pretty much anything!

[xx-Samantha-xx]

Well i'm in my second year now and am working as a care support worker for NHS professionals and its not easy, especially when on placement, but i need the money to live. You're going to have to be really organised because hospitals shifts take it out of you and most of the time you don't feel like revising or working on essays or presentations while on placement but its got to be done. I've been banking for the last 2 months, it is easier when on university blocks as its a fair standard lecture hours routine. As for affecting finances, it doesn't as long as you work evenings and weekends (you don't even have to mention it on the NHS bursary forms!) and the maintanance loan isnt means tested anyway so it doesnt matter if you work of not

Anywho, its hard but not impossible. (I just need to get my act together and start on the 2 essays, 3 presentations and 6 workbooks... :/)

[flutterby23]

(Original post by xx-Samantha-xx)
Well i'm in my second year now and am working as a care support worker for NHS professionals and its not easy, especially when on placement, but i need the money to live. You're going to have to be really organised because hospitals shifts take it out of you and most of the time you don't feel like revising or working on essays or presentations while on placement but its got to be done. I've been banking for the last 2 months, it is easier when on university blocks as its a fair standard lecture hours routine. As for affecting finances, it doesn't as long as you work evenings and weekends (you don't even have to mention it on the NHS bursary forms!) and the maintanance loan isnt means tested anyway so it doesnt matter if you work of not

Anywho, its hard but not impossible. (I just need to get my act together and start on the 2 essays, 3 presentations and 6 workbooks... :/)

The work load sounds very intense! You seem to have it all under control though how are you enjoying the course so far?
I am glad that working does not affect the entitlement for finance. I know this is a it off topic but, when did you apply for the maintenance loan? Was it from student finance, I was not aware we were entitled to this. I am very confused in regards to finances?!

[xx-Samantha-xx]

(Original post by flutterby23)
The work load sounds very intense! You seem to have it all under control though how are you enjoying the course so far?
I am glad that working does not affect the entitlement for finance. I know this is a it off topic but, when did you apply for the maintenance loan? Was it from student finance, I was not aware we were entitled to this. I am very confused in regards to finances?!

Im quite enjoying the course so far, i'm on quite a good ward at the moment (spinal/trauma unit) though its not the area i would like to go into its nice enough and the workload will depend on the uni you go to. some like bombarding you with essays some do other things Try and find someone currently on the course at the uni you want to go to, to see what its like

As for the maintaince loan, you apply for the non-means tested maintance loan from student finance as long as you are on the degree course and then the NHS Bursary (you will get an email or letter telling you how) but this is means tested if you are on the degree. If you are on one of the remaining diploma courses then i think (if it is the same) that you will just get a non-means tested NHS bursary. This year i believe that the NHS are also offering a £1000 grant but i'm not sure what you would do or who to talk to about that as we don't get it lol

[zippyRN]

yes you can work but you will need flexibility over your hours

as you may not have the time and inclination to work when you are on placement and doing shifts, but when you have blocks in uni - while you'll be doing 30 + hours / week in uni but it'll be office hours Monday to Friday .. .

[flutterby23]

where I work now (in a jewellery store) I am on a flexible contract, so I guess it isn't going to work

[Little Hobbit]

Hi I'm just finishing 3rd year as a student nurse. I personally didn't work because I took a gap year and worked then and saved like crazy. I live at home and my bursary covers all my spending so I'm very lucky. I am on the nurse bank but I don't really do shifts....

However a good few people in my class have worked part time throughout the course and they've managed fine. They have to be more organised in terms of coursework though, and between lectures, placements and their job they don't have many days off. Sometimes they have a bit of conflict regarding placement hours and their part time job but it's always been resolved in the end.

I'd recommend bank work if you can but that isn't easy to get (at least it isn't in Scotland, England might be easier). If you can't get that then a weekend or evening job should be fine. Hey, you need to make a living, and most places will negotiate a little bit.

If you have any more questions please ask me as I'm more than happy to help if I can

[ltje10]

Hi, I'm just finishing my nursing degree and have managed to survive on joining the Nursing Bank at my local hospital. The one in Brighton (if any of you are lucky enough to study there) pays amazingly well. I also have a friend that does bar work on set days and organizes his placements about his shifts.

[flutterby23]

(Original post by Little Hobbit)
Hi I'm just finishing 3rd year as a student nurse. I personally didn't work because I took a gap year and worked then and saved like crazy. I live at home and my bursary covers all my spending so I'm very lucky. I am on the nurse bank but I don't really do shifts....

However a good few people in my class have worked part time throughout the course and they've managed fine. They have to be more organised in terms of coursework though, and between lectures, placements and their job they don't have many days off. Sometimes they have a bit of conflict regarding placement hours and their part time job but it's always been resolved in the end.

I'd recommend bank work if you can but that isn't easy to get (at least it isn't in Scotland, England might be easier). If you can't get that then a weekend or evening job should be fine. Hey, you need to make a living, and most places will negotiate a little bit.

If you have any more questions please ask me as I'm more than happy to help if I can

Hi! Thank you very much for the info
Placements could also fall on weekends can't it? As a weekend job would suit me fine. Also, many people have suggested bank work, but is everyone guaranteed to be able to do that?

[xx-Samantha-xx]

(Original post by flutterby23)
Hi! Thank you very much for the info
Placements could also fall on weekends can't it? As a weekend job would suit me fine. Also, many people have suggested bank work, but is everyone guaranteed to be able to do that?

Well, is not guaranteed as you have to pass the online test and the interview process stages but a fair few around 20 in my cohort are working on the bank

[flutterby23]

(Original post by xx-Samantha-xx)
Well, is not guaranteed as you have to pass the online test and the interview process stages but a fair few around 20 in my cohort are working on the bank

Thank you for your help
Really appreciate it x

[jlove200]

Your advised not to by the uni, we get it constantly from our lecturers but at the end of the day they say it is our choice.

I work for two different care companies as a relief support worker when I'm not in class or on placement. It makes it easier as you can pick and choose when you want to work and fit it around your placements and uni work.

My advice to you is do not get a job with set hours cause it just will not work with a nursing degree. Hope that helps

Just read your post about placement on weekends they can make you work them I'm working one next weekend as part of my current placement.