Seriously?!

Here are some thoughts, from where I sit.

First, let me congratulate you on continuing your education! You won't regret it!

Now, what are you offering your current employer that would be mutually beneficial? For example, when I wanted a set schedule at one hospital, I offered to work every Thurs-Sat night (this was before children). By having this schedule, it reduced everyone else's need to work weekend shifts & I had my 3 nights in a row. Management was happy & so was I.

If you can't get the kinks in scheduling worked out, have you considered online coursework? Online nursing degrees are available through the board of regents' web site. I'm having to go this way, myself as I like my job but it doesn't work with the hours of grad school.

Next, if at all possible, gain a skill that is indispensible to your unit/area. It makes you more valuable to the team. Volunteer to become the unit cpr instructor, if possible. The more you know, the more they want to keep you (usually).

Finally, if you find it necessary to look for another job, try to coordinate your start date & orientation with your school breaks. I don't know how long orientation takes but if you only have to deal with it for a week, perhaps changing jobs at Spring Break might work? If not then, perhaps right after the semester ends?

Just thoughts. Good luck to you!