Afraid to quit my job to go to nursing school

Tae Boogie, LPN · Jul 15, 2012

I have done it and have no regrets. I was with my previous job for 5 years and I decide to leave because when I was accepted into nursing school, and they would not work around my school schedule, so I decide to leave. I will be graduating next month.

If you are in the position to leave your job to go back to school, then by all means step out on faith. I don't know what your situation entails, but I still live with my parents and I am blessed that they have supported my decision to leave my job so I can go back to school to pursue nursing. I am not married and don't have kids. The only bills I have is my car note, car insurance, cell phone and debt payment. I know everyone does not have the option to just up and leave their job like I did.

I still did part time work (work at a fast food restaurant for 3 months, babysat a college friend's daughter for another 3 months, and I currently work at an endoscopy center), but at least it was around my school schedule. If you want it bad enough, you will find a way to make it work.

amzyRN · Jul 15, 2012

Your concerns are valid. Had I known what the job market would have been like, I might have gone a different direction. I did finally manage to find a job, however. But, you never know what the future is going to be like. I know some researchers speculate that there will be a nursing shortage, but they don't know for sure. Also, schools keep graduating tons of new grads every semester. If it's your calling to be a nurse, I'd say go for it. If you want to do it for a good paycheck, I'd find something else. Also, here in CA nurses took a pay cut in the SF Bay Area. It's still very high compared to the rest of the country though. I would talk to some more people about it and maybe do some shadowing of nurses to see what they do first.

shawn39 · Jul 16, 2012

Thanks guys for your comments. I have made the decision to quit my job. I gave my boss my letter of resignation today. The reality is there are no gurantees even if I stay on my current job, I could get laid off. This year alone in my office they have laid off 4 people. I have to do my best to help support my family.

shawn39 · Jul 16, 2012

How long did it take you to find a job?

amzyRN · Jul 17, 2012

With full time looking about 6 months to 1 year. I did additional unpaid training in the mean time.

Katie71275 · Jul 22, 2012

Shawn-Where do you live and what nursing school will you go to?

I live in North LA(near Ruston) and attend La Tech. I quit my job(very scary since my hubby and I have 4 kids to feed!) but we have made it on his salary. I am seeing a LOT of the Tech grads get hired quickly...especially if they work as nurse techs prior to graduation...it gives the hospital a chance to see if this is a person they would like to hire(in fact I'd say that 100% of all the students I know that graduated in the last 6 months who were also nurse techs....found employment with that same hospital right after graduation.

nurseflow · Jul 22, 2012

Hi shawn 39. I recently quit my job. I will be attending Charity in the fall. I heard you are going to need all the time you have. It may be best to quit to benefit from the nursing program. I just cut my expenses as much as I could. When and where will you be attending school?

shawn39 · Jul 22, 2012

Katie71275

I live in Marrero which is across the river from New Orleans. I will be attending Charity School of Nursing and I have 3 kids. Thank you so much for the incouragement I really need it right now.

shawn39 · Jul 22, 2012

Nurseflow

I'm also attending Charity in the fall. I have a friend who attended Charity in the Spring and tried to work and she failed 3 test and had to withdraw. I want to give myself the best chance possible to graduate. What sections are you registered in?

Katie71275 · Jul 23, 2012

I think it is completely doable! Good luck!

nurseflow · Jul 23, 2012

Hey! I live on the westbank as well. I also have 3 children. The youngest is 4months old. I read another post which indicated we are in the same clinical course. YAY! It's nice to meet you! Glad to meet people like me!