I am about to cry. Nursing school is ruining my life.

[richardgecko]

I just went on a job interview for a PCA position.

I just KNEW I had it in the bag. My fall semester schedule gives me Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun off to work so I could easily earn some money and pay for daycare next semester.

I get there, do great at the interview and guess what? It's a 12 hr shift rotating schedule

One week you work Monday-Tuesday, next week you work Weds-Thurs, and the next week you work Fri-Sat-Sun.

I'm fine with working Fri-Sat-Sun all of the time. I'll GLADLY take all weekends but weekdays are a no go for me. I have care plans and 2 clinical assignments next semester on Tues/Weds, and on Monday I have lecture from 9 to 5.

I just feel like nursing school is ruining my life. I can't find a decent paying job to pay for daycare for my baby boy. My husband is pulling all of the financial weight and it makes me feel like such an a-hole. I just want a job

[sjbrk]

Have you checked LTC? Many nursing homes would be more than willing to give you a Fri-Sun schedule. They tend to be much more flexible than hospitals.

[Live.&.Learn]

I know it's a struggle, I have 3 kids myself and the financial burden can be overwhelming. Does your school offer daycare, sometimes if they don't offer daycare they might have grants to help pay for it. Talk to the bursar, financial aid or the business office. Don't lose sight of the long term goal here, soon you will be done and working a decent job to help support your family. It is a struggle...but one that will be well worth it. I'm doing home care right now, look into that. I also have done housekeeping, you can put an ad in the local paper and hang flyers around town. I charge $20/hr and no one has a problem paying it. I know it's hard, I've had days where I don't have gas $$$ to get to class, but you'll get through it and it will be worth it! Best of luck to you, hang in there :)

[Eytbl]

Getting a pct or PTA job is a better option as nursing student ... Take my word for it.. I mean the job market is really hard, you hv to have some type of experience in the medical field ... Anyway don't worry so much cause I'm sure u can find some else somewhere else... U hv options... I only worked week ends throughout the entire program... Got a job offer already at the hospital where I work... Soooo stick to it... As they say... IT GETS BETTER...

[Needles McGee, RN]

Could you work PRN as a home health aide or companion? Many companies are eager for weekend help. I know the pay isn't stellar (and there are wide variations regionally), but it could be a great experience if you get in the right company...

Another possibility is "direct care", working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness. My hubby and I both did this while in college. During a quiet night shift, we were allowed to read our textbooks, too- bonus! These positions often have 8 hour shifts available. Again, not terrific pay, but any little bit could help. Best of luck to you!

I do DD direct care, and my normal schedule will be great for school, but currently my consumer is home 24/7 so we have more hours to cover. But, many of the other houses do not have such regular schedules and lots of staffing issues. It's a great job if you can get it, on 3rds (when you can sleep if you are in an OSOC home).