[tinatinabobina]

I passed my RN boards in August, and started classes towards the BSN at the end of August. I chose my school schedule earlier this past summer thinking that I had to have 3 nights open for work since I've been told that new grads start off nights. Now I'm finding out from fellow new grads that many new grad programs are scheduled 8 hours / 5 days per week. Are all new grad orientations 8hr/5days a week? My class schedule until mid-December is: Tues/Thurs 12pm-5pm & Fri/Sat 8am-11am, with Sat going till 1pm. Should I even bother applying right now or just wait until the semester is over (December 18th)? I'm worried that the longer I wait to start working, the more nursing education I will forget. I really regret enrolling this Fall semester . Any ideas please?

[abundantjoy07]

First of all, congratulations on passing your boards!

Second of all congratulations on making the choice to continue your education. I think it's easier to get it done in the beginning of your career rather than to wait because sometimes waiting can last a lifetime and you'll never have that chance to get it done.

Not all new grad programs are done at night time. Not all programs are 5 days a week. Not all programs are 8 hours. It depends on the facility and the unit you want to work at. It really varies.

The first time would be to apply to a new grad program and see what the guidelines are and what commitment they expect from you.

I would say to wait until December because December is right around the corner. However, after December you'll start a new school schedule and will face the same problem.

I don't think you're going to forget because you haven't started working as a nurse yet. I do think you need to weigh the pros and cons and talk to various HR departments in facilities you want to work at. Speak with your clinical instructors and your advisor at your school to help you determine the best route to take.

You may just have to wait until December and then set your December school schedule around work if you can't fit work and your classes together now.

Regardless, where there's a will there's a way.

Don't regret enrolling, just find out what options are avaliable in your area to students such as yourself. Even classmates might be able to advise you as well.

Good luck.

[tinatinabobina]

Originally Posted by abundantjoy07

First of all, congratulations on passing your boards!

Second of all congratulations on making the choice to continue your education. I think it's easier to get it done in the beginning of your career rather than to wait because sometimes waiting can last a lifetime and you'll never have that chance to get it done.

Not all new grad programs are done at night time. Not all programs are 5 days a week. Not all programs are 8 hours. It depends on the facility and the unit you want to work at. It really varies.

The first time would be to apply to a new grad program and see what the guidelines are and what commitment they expect from you.

I would say to wait until December because December is right around the corner. However, after December you'll start a new school schedule and will face the same problem.

I don't think you're going to forget because you haven't started working as a nurse yet. I do think you need to weigh the pros and cons and talk to various HR departments in facilities you want to work at. Speak with your clinical instructors and your advisor at your school to help you determine the best route to take.

You may just have to wait until December and then set your December school schedule around work if you can't fit work and your classes together now.

Regardless, where there's a will there's a way.

Don't regret enrolling, just find out what options are avaliable in your area to students such as yourself. Even classmates might be able to advise you as well.

Good luck.

Thank you for your suggestions! I'm nervous about finding a job and with my class schedule, I've been worried that they will think I'm wasting their time with my not-so-flexible schedule. I will take your advice and start applying right now anyways and ask the details about the new grad programs. I will have about 3-4 weeks of winter vacation between fall and spring semester so I'm hoping that I can find a new grad program that will fit right in. Or else maybe I might have to sit out for spring semester, which if thats the case, I should have just sat out for this current Fall instead >_<. Thanks again for your advice! I was hoping to buy Christmas presents this year with my new RN salary, but that probably isn't happening =T