Published May 21, 2014
KG MSN RN CCRN CEN, MSN, RN
74 Posts
Today, I got called by a hospital offering me to come interview about a PCA position on a CVSU floor. It will be 24 hrs/week once school comes around again. I have never had a job while in nursing school, but I know there are people that work full time and still have no problems. It's just this next semester will be pretty busy. I will have 3 classes (care of the adult/med. surg, scientific research, and concepts of community), one clinical, and will have to do community service for my community class. So If I add all that up: 2 days of classes + 1 clinical + community service + 2 days of work = 6/7 days of the work I will not have free. I am just worried if I take this offer, my grades will start to suffer, just because I'm not used to it. Please share your experiences and opinions with me!
cracklingkraken, ASN, RN
1,855 Posts
Everyone handles situations differently. Some people could easily juggle that schedule; others would find it impossible. It all narrows down to how well you manage your time. Also, it depends on the classes you're taking. If the classes are a breeze for you, then sure, job on the side? No problem. However, if you find yourself thinking, "Oh my gosh, I've been reading this same sentence from my notes for the past 30 minutes, and I still don't understand," then you should probably stick to just focusing on school. I had no problem working 20-25 hours as an undergraduate, while taking 16 credits a semester, so that's just from my own experience. :)
Guest
0 Posts
If you've got nothing else pulling you away - and you're very disciplined - I think it's manageable... though not pleasant.
I shouldn't have a problem. I am very well organized and can prioritize my situations to fit my needs for the most part. I am just nervous because it will be my first job while in nursing school. I couldn't turn down the offer because they will offer $3,000 a year towards my schooling too, which will help with my financial debt. If worse comes to worse, I can just quit because schooling is the most important thing to me right now.
Sounds like you have your answer!! Good luck.
RunBabyRN
3,677 Posts
Glad you took it! I think it's manageable, as long as you can manage your time well. Knowing from your other posts that you don't have kids or things like that to take up your time, I say it's a good choice, especially with the extra toward your schooling (maybe you won't need that $5K loan after all!). I tried to work through school, but my boss wasn't very understanding of my school schedule (or that maybe my career goal is more important than a retail job in my eyes), and between that and my family, I had to quit, but I think that had I not been a mom and trying to manage all of that, I could have made it work. If worst comes to worst, like you said, you can leave. I hope it works out well for you! Congratulations! :) It'll be helpful when you're applying for RN jobs, too. Be sure to do some networking while you're there- you never know what could work out!
You might even be able to start tackling those loans now a bit... Just an idea!
I'm pretty excited! I guess they have to go through some kind of confirmation with my college to get the payment accepted. But after that, I will have to work 1 year for every $3,000 that they offer me (which I should have to work for them for 2 years after I graduate). But hey, that just saves the hassle of looking for a job right after graduation! I am definitely going to check about my loan pile to see if they can help me with that also. The one downside to this is that it is 1 hr 20 mins away from my house. I still believe it will be worth it though!