Night Shift full-time LPN new grad, RN mostly online?

Nursing Students LPN-RN

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I just graduated in December, and still haven't taken my NLCEX. I started a regular RN program (not a bridge) yesterday. This semester, I do have a clinical and 2 days of mostly afternoon classes, but for the next 3 semesters I'll be with only one clinical day, and all classes online.

I applied for jobs just to see what I'd hear, thinking I could possibly work as even an aide (part-time or contingent) until I pass the NCLEX. But, one place is offering a nurse extern type of position, with full time night hours, and closer to LPN pay than aide pay. It would be a dream first job, with excellent LPN experience, if I weren't in school full time.

Does anyone have advice regarding working full time night shifts and going to RN school? I honestly didn't think I'd start working until this May, with no classes, then I thought I'd be okay with online courses in the fall. I don't want to turn down this great offer, but I don't want to compromise my RN classes. ANY advice??? Should I take the job?

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

What kind of student are you? If school wasn't that hard you should be fine but if you struggled I'd be more hesitant. Most of us worked through school and while I know they are all different my RN bridge classes were only a few days a week which made it easier to work more. If it were my decision I'd grab the job opportunity because your school schedule doesn't sound that rigorous and that way not only would you be making money but you'd already have a job for when you get your RN. Wishing you well with whatever you decide.

I'm leaning toward the job too. For the LPN program, I was ready for nursing school to be very tough. I'd prepared for the year, and had taken the pre-reqs for RN school the year prior, taking only two courses at a time. For the pre-reqs, I didn't have the intensity of full-time courses, but then for LPN school, I completely over-studied and put my "life" aside for a year. While I earned one B (Ob/Peds!), all of my grades, pre-req RN plus LPN, were As.

The thing is, I want more balance in my life. I was driven out of fear of not achieving, and now that I've earned myself some confidence, I'm ready for balance.

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Sounds like you will be just fine either way. What a great spot to be in. :) If you do achieve that thing called balance let me know how you did it, lol. I'm working two jobs and taking BSN classes part time. Its worse than nursing school if you can believe that. :D

Do you have kids? If not, it sounds like a great opportunity. I work nights (as a LPN) and go part time to nursing school. I have kids and can still pull one clinical day and two two hour nursing class days. So it is doable with kids, just easier without. I take the night off before clinical and try to at least get 5-6 hours sleep. Its hard when you are used to being up all night. I than take a short nap after clinical to get through that night at work.

Good luck!

which state are you in. i a m also a new grad lookin for a nurse extern type work. if this is new york can u let me know where i can find this externship

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