Grades or a Job - Decisions

[Stephalump]

I went on an interview today for a non-licensed position in radiology. I didn't actually apply for the job, but they pulled me out of "the file" (Yes, the file is real! I always thought it was code for "the trash) and called me in. It's not the expected CNA or ER tech job, but it's the only call I've gotten.

Anyway I'm pretty sure I got they job. They were really excited at the idea of having me, gushed about how perfect I'd be, introduced me to people, and told me I'd hear from them in a day or two to discuss salary and all that.

My problem is that it's a full time weekend job. I don't currently work outside of kids and husband and home, and I've managed to maintain all As. I think that would be impossible doing this job during my second year.

Normally school is my priority and I'm anal retentive about my grades, but the ADN job market in my town is awful. None of this year's graduates have received calls or interviews...unless they already worked for a hospital. The recruiter I spoke with told me they only accept BSNs into their GN program, but they make exceptions for employees.

In a year, this has been the ONLY call/interview I've gotten, and I'm afraid if I receive an offer and turn it down, I'll regret it. But I'm also afraid I'll ruin any chances of graduate school in the future or worse - fail out. Or, best case scenario, they love me and let me cut back my hours.

Any thoughts? If they call tomorrow I don't know what the heck I'll say!

[Stephalump]

You know special procedures/radiology needs RNs...just a thought for later... keep your eyes and mind open and learn all you can ...[/quote']

That's exactly what the director of radiology said to me at my interview. The more I thought about it, the more excited I got! It's going to be a great learning experience (and I always seem to struggle with diagnostic tests in school, so it might help in more ways than one!)

[Stephalump]

Ashley, thank you so much for your response! It really brightened my day :)

I think nursing school has changed our lives so dramatically, I've been hesitant to bring another big change to the family. But people do it every day and survive (and succeed), so I'm going to go into it with a positive attitude and see where my new journey takes me!

[Stephalump]

Stephalump, I went to grad school part-time while working 45+ hours a week. I had two kids in elementary school and a non-helpful spouse (with a serious, potentially fatal diagnosis around the same time). So my tips are to use your earnings to outsource as much as you can and prioritize. Hire a cleaning person, a "mothers' helper" or get pre-made meals from Costco or Whole Foods or something like that. Have groceries delivered via amazon dot com or safeway. Cut corners wherever you can. Arrange car-pools for soccer praticeand dance class. Prioritize your kids, spouse and grades and let the rest go. It's great that your hubby wants to spend time with you.

Good luck! You'll be an RN before you know it!

Thank you so much for the advice! I immediately looked over at my husband and told him it's time to hire a cleaning service to come twice a week I'm also going to try the pre-packaged meal idea. At the very least it'll save us from eating out more than we already do.

Life is going to be absolute chaos (it feels like it already is!) but you're right...it'll be over before I know it :)

Thanks again everyone for your responses!