Hospital Job while in nursing school question....To sleep or not to sleep, that is ??

[futurepractitioner1]

Hey all,

I am a 2nd year nursing student, and I was recently hired by a hospital to work a mix of night, day and evening shifts at a hospital right near my home.... a little stressed because I am still in school, (In my 2nd/3rd year of a BSN program).

Has anyone done this while in a nursing program, and if so, is it really possible to study/function where two days per week you've only been able to sleep for 3-4 hours? When push comes to shove, I'll make it work...and as not to burn myself out- if it is just too much to do nights, I'll have to cut back to days/eves.....

Words of wisdom, words of warning....words of advice (other than telling me that I'm out of my mind for doing this).

Thanks!!

[yellowbg85]

Hey futureprationer1,

I'm in the same exact situation as you, I am currently in the 3rd year of my BSN program and work as a PCA in an ICU as well. I want to warn you to the dangers of working a mix of shifts, I did it for a short while during my orientation period and I was so worn out from the schedule changing and trying to grab sleep when I could. I knew that it wouldn't work and my grades would potentially suffer, so I am working only nights now. I'm sure others can manage but day/evening/nights all with in a short span of time really takes a toll on your body. You have to see how you can manage your classes, study time and other activities before really knowing how far you can go. Just my:twocents:

Good Luck in your program!!!!!!