should I quit my job for school

Spacklehead, MSN, NP · Mar 31, 2010

Are you able to drop down to per diem? I did mostly per diem while in my NP program and it worked out very well. I was able to set my work schedule around when papers/exams were due and worked weekends since clinicals were all during the week.

Look into the per diem program at your hospital - some have a minimum requirement of only one shift per month where others require at least one shift per week.

I found it to the be the perfect balance for me and it kept me current with my nursing skills. You also have to look at things in the long run - you might not be able to land a NP job right out of school. It took me almost 3 months from the time I finished school to be able to sit for the ANCC exam (due to how long it took for them to process everything and for me to get a testing date scheduled), and then from that point another couple of months to find a job. You might want to hang on to your current position in order to have something to fill that gap while you are waiting for your first NP position.

I'll also be completely honest - I stopped working entirely with 6 mos. left to go with my clinicals, and I was questioned during NP job interviews why I stopped working. Although they understood when I told them I wanted focus on finishing up my clinicals full-time, it was questioned. Just something else to throw out there for you.

crystalchen · Mar 31, 2010

Dear Softballmama:

Your suggestion is exactly what my friend has just suggsted me! Our hospital requires per diem to work at least 16 hours per month, I think I could definitely handle that. and I could earn some extra money if I have extra time... I really appreciate that you told me your experience during interview, it is very realistic and helpful. I will talk to my manager next week about this, hopefully they can offer me this. Should I say that I need more time for school, I really like this unit right now (although it is very stressful) and I will definitely pick up more shifts if I have time?

Thanks a lot!

bloviate · Mar 31, 2010

Ok I asked this question in general discussion forum,
Please give me some of your advices and experiences... thank you everyone!:)

I decided not to work through the first semester and the summer one I will be taking. I am glad for the choice I made too. Although the curriculum is not terribly difficult there is a lot of work to do and it takes time.

My situation's a little different. I've been out of school for a long time and my skills aren't quite up to par. It was the right choice for me at this time. I intend to do perdiem later this year when I feel more confident about school. It's flexible and doesn't require a great deal of commitment.

Hope that helped somewhat in your decision.

B

Spacklehead, MSN, NP · Mar 31, 2010

Crystalchen,

I would think that your facility would be happy to keep you on staff - and it is entirely up to you if you want to mention your return to school for dropping down to per diem status. You really don't have to give them a reason at all - but it is up to you and how you feel your relationship with your manager is. You could also just state that "For personal reasons, I need to lessen the amount of hours I work and was wondering if staying on as a per diem employee is an option?" Also, stating how much you enjoy your job and working on that unit never hurts.

Good luck, and you're welcome for the advice.

crystalchen · Mar 31, 2010

Thank you Softballmama and B, I really appreciated your suggestions. My relationship with management is ok, I should say, they treat me ok for approving my vocations and so on... I think this is the best option for me now. Hope they will allow this request...