I said nothing; family, friends or a job will stop me from being a nurse

[rportee0]

Hey guys,

The title of this says it all but there is still nothing wrong with a little of advice. I've been working my current job as a customer service representative for a little over 2 years now. I work the type of job that gives no personal satisfaction it's just a job that pay bills. I hate working this job but according to family and friends and everyone else that see it this way, it's a job that pays decent and have great benefits. It's a full time job, very no extremely stressful. I actually hate what I do. Since 13 years old I've been waiting to be a nurse. Due to my own personal situations and set backs ( I can't lie) also my own laziness I am now 30 years old still waiting to make my dream a reality.

The difference now is I've gotten off my lazy horse and put the work into making my dream a successful reality. I've applied and will be receiving my financial aid which pretty much has rent, utilities covered. I am planning on getting myself a car soon to make traveling to school easier than riding public transportation as I'm doing now. Either way my budgeting I've been working on for the past few months now to work all together.

The only thing is now I am kind of afraid to ask my job to go part time because they may say it's unavailable. So that leads me to quitting the job which I would be fine with just wouldn't have the extras in life I'm use to. In away so what I would be sacrificing 2 years of my life to struggle a little bit for a lifestyle that will be worth while. I guess I'm scared and looking for that support system. I'm not talking about quitting school to start the actual nursing program, but I'm talking about quitting to go into a CNA course at my community college. After I take the test for CNA that will leave me struggling to find a job as a CNA and which won't be anything close to what I'm getting paid now. The good side is it will get my foot in the door if I find a CNA job in my area while I'm continuing school and working on my Associates degree if I'm accepted into the Associates course for nursing in my school. There's a lot of hopes to find a job and hopes of acceptance into the nursing program and willing to leave a guaranteed job. What are you guys opinion on this? Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

I would stay employed and see your job as a means to an end. I stayed in a nursing job I didn't like for two years to get me through grad school. Get as much school as you can while still working and only quit when you have no other option. In the meantime save as much money as you can. Univ. of Phoenix offers night classes for working adults and I'm sure other places do as well. Good luck!

[Kencanwin]

I don't really get why you think becoming a CNA"traps" you. In this economy it has been harder and harder for new RN grads to get jobs, they need something to set them apart. This something could be working as a tech or CNA. Working as a PCT not only gave me valuable skills, but it helped me with job placement. If you are tight on money and can't afford a CNA class, I completely understand that. Fortunately many nursing homes will train for free, and many hospitals do not require certification

By trap i meant that when someone is working in a more subordinate position that requires much activity throughout the work day its difficult to perform to the level that is necessary to experience success in studies that also require the glut of your time. I agree that working at a place when you earn your RN should be advantage; however, how likely are you to succeed when you are pulling 40+ hrs a week at a job that's only paying 8-10.50 an hour and your bills are due.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

By trap i meant that when someone is working in a more subordinate position that requires much activity throughout the work day its difficult to perform to the level that is necessary to experience success in studies that also require the glut of your time. I agree that working at a place when you earn your RN should be advantage; however, how likely are you to succeed when you are pulling 40+ hrs a week at a job that's only paying 8-10.50 an hour and your bills are due.

There are part-time and PRN cna jobs out there which may be more convenient for a student's schedule. I personally work full-time as a tech throughout my nursing program, graduated, and managed to pass NCLEX first try.