I am about to cry. Nursing school is ruining my life.

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I just went on a job interview for a PCA position.

I just KNEW I had it in the bag. My fall semester schedule gives me Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun off to work so I could easily earn some money and pay for daycare next semester.

I get there, do great at the interview and guess what? It's a 12 hr shift rotating schedule :no:

One week you work Monday-Tuesday, next week you work Weds-Thurs, and the next week you work Fri-Sat-Sun.

I'm fine with working Fri-Sat-Sun all of the time. I'll GLADLY take all weekends but weekdays are a no go for me. I have care plans and 2 clinical assignments next semester on Tues/Weds, and on Monday I have lecture from 9 to 5.

I just feel like nursing school is ruining my life. I can't find a decent paying job to pay for daycare for my baby boy. My husband is pulling all of the financial weight and it makes me feel like such an a-hole. I just want a job :(

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That's a tough situation. What about waitressing? I will be starting my program in August, and I amtrying to figure out what part time job I could do that wont interfere with study time, and so far all I can think of is waitressing. A friend of mine says she makes anywhere from $70-200 a night in tips. Of course that also depends where you work and what days you work too. Good luck with whatever you decide, and just keep thinking that even though its rough right now, eventually you will be working as a nurse making a good salary! :)

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Post offices are often looking for subs who regularly work on Saturdays. A rural sub currently working makes $19.64 per hour, although I think new hires are starting in the $16 range.

With hours & reimbursements, you can easily make $150+ on a Saturday. Good work, good pay. Lots of hoops to jump through though to get hired, maybe why there's always job openings, I don't know.

I quit the PO because I landed a hospital tech job but I have to work WAY WAY more to make up for the pay cut :(

Oh yeah, there's also a pretty sharp & stressful learning curve. You have to know 400-800 or more addresses and be able to sort the mail quickly.

Just a thought though, good money!

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Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.
That's a tough situation. What about waitressing? I will be starting my program in August, and I amtrying to figure out what part time job I could do that wont interfere with study time, and so far all I can think of is waitressing. A friend of mine says she makes anywhere from $70-200 a night in tips. Of course that also depends where you work and what days you work too. Good luck with whatever you decide, and just keep thinking that even though its rough right now, eventually you will be working as a nurse making a good salary! :)

I waitressed through nursing school and it was great. I always argue that waitressing is a lot like nursing in terms of time management, needs management, customer service, and assessment (is your table happy with their food, do they need anything etc). I was able to work just on the weekends. I recommend something like a steak house or a restaurant connected to a nice hotel (execs with company cards). The hours are usually flexible and more weekend oriented :)

Best of luck!

Tait

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All. Read this thread: it describes EXACTLY how you feel. https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-student/oh-sacrifices-we-382053.html

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Hospice/Palliative Care.

Could you work PRN as a home health aide or companion? Many companies are eager for weekend help. I know the pay isn't stellar (and there are wide variations regionally), but it could be a great experience if you get in the right company...

Another possibility is "direct care", working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness. My hubby and I both did this while in college. During a quiet night shift, we were allowed to read our textbooks, too- bonus! These positions often have 8 hour shifts available. Again, not terrific pay, but any little bit could help. Best of luck to you!

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look for positions that say "flex" or "per diem" - that way you don't commit to a certain schedule on a weekly basis - you tell them when you can work and they fit you into the schedule...or go to the PCA float pool or be a patient sitter...

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How far are you into your schooling?

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I guess I ask that because if you are into your junior year and become accustomed to the rigorous school schedule then I guess you know if you are able to juggle everything. If you are one of the lucky few that can handle it all waitress/server jobs may be a great route to go because you can be flexible and perhaps if possible pick up other shifts from co-workers. If you really only want the type of work you applied for maybe you can speak with the recruiter and explain your school schedule dilemma and since you had a great interview maybe they can tweak the position for you or place you in another similar position that would work for you. It doesn't hurt to ask. :)

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I see that you have a son, but I've been babysitting my way through nursing school. Check sittercity/care (.com) and look for families near you. There's always going to be that family looking for weird hours or weekend days or something. In fact, I've had tons of jobs that I've had to say no to because I've already committed to another family! It's not a glorious job, for sure, but the other benefit is that if you find an evening job, once the child(ren) go to sleep, you can study, as well.

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I have a work study position at my school. I pick my classes and then I give them a schedule for what time I want to work. Maybe you can work at your school too.

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Why not just be a server? You are off all of the busiest days for restaurants and the pay is surprisingly good especially if you are only claiming minimum wage. Of course this is assuming you have some sort of serving experience or are an aesthetic girl.

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