Dilemna: School/Work Full Time?

[bshaw96]

I have had my ADN for 10 years now. I have finally decided to go back for my BSN. My main reasoning for that is I really want to get into public health, but for a sense of personal accomplishment as well. It is really hard, almost impossible to get into public health in my area without a BSN. After being turned down for 2 positions b/c of this, I decided it was time to go back to school. Anyway, I've been working PRN 16-24 hrs. a week while my kids were small. My youngest started school this year, and this is when I was gonna take advantage of things and go back to school. We've already proven we can work on dh's income if I work PRN, so no financial shock there. I was even planning to sign up for a couple of classes for spring semester (prereqs). Well, yesterday I get a call from the local health department offering me a job. Mon-Fri 8-5. Perfect for family, and in my field of choice. But if I take the job, I don't know that I'd be as committed to getting my degree. And it would sure be a lot harder. Part of me just want to go on with the degree as planned, and re apply for a PHN position when I get out. I'd be much more marketable. But another part of me thinks I should jump on the opportunity. Suggestions? I'm really torn down the middle. Any advice appreciated!

[Retired R.N.]

I have had my ADN for 10 years now. I have finally decided to go back for my BSN. My main reasoning for that is I really want to get into public health, but for a sense of personal accomplishment as well. It is really hard, almost impossible to get into public health in my area without a BSN. After being turned down for 2 positions b/c of this, I decided it was time to go back to school. Anyway, I've been working PRN 16-24 hrs. a week while my kids were small. My youngest started school this year, and this is when I was gonna take advantage of things and go back to school. We've already proven we can work on dh's income if I work PRN, so no financial shock there. I was even planning to sign up for a couple of classes for spring semester (prereqs). Well, yesterday I get a call from the local health department offering me a job. Mon-Fri 8-5. Perfect for family, and in my field of choice. But if I take the job, I don't know that I'd be as committed to getting my degree. And it would sure be a lot harder. Part of me just want to go on with the degree as planned, and re apply for a PHN position when I get out. I'd be much more marketable. But another part of me thinks I should jump on the opportunity. Suggestions? I'm really torn down the middle. Any advice appreciated!

Nobody can make this decision for you, but if I were in your shoes right now,I would consider the job offer to be an answer to my prayers and take it. If your employer is well satisfied with your work, you might even get some financial help with books and tuition. Or, you can look into taking online classes that you particularly need or want.

If the job doesn't work out, you can always go to school later.

[Batman24]

Take the job!! You can take night classes, Saturday classes or online classes. You can even get your degree one class at a time if need be. Go for it!!