I'm in tears--to accept or decline?

Nurses General Nursing

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First off, I'm posting this under the general nursing discussion because I need advice from nurses, preferably ones familiar with the hiring process--not other students. If it's considered incorrect, feel free to move it.

I reached out to a professor to see about internships. What I got in return was far more than I expected--she wants me not only to assist her with teaching a nursing skills class (I'm in a BSN program in the Midwest, for reference), but she wants me to be the leader of a group of other student mentors. This is an unpaid position and I will be teaching about 8 hours a week in addition to my full time classes--not including grading or prepping for class. She also wants me to put together a panel discussion of top nursing students from my school and she wants me to be the host.

My tears are (mostly) not ones of joy; I am a 22-year-old single mom to a 3-year-old little boy and I'm just so afraid of spending time away from him. I feel scared and overwhelmed. My question:

Will this help me get a better job? I want to work in public health or clinics. Possibly long-term care.

My first priority is my son. Period. More than experience or pay, I want good hours. Don't lecture me on that.

I'm incredibly honored by my professor's decision to put me in charge of other people when it's only going to be my third semester in the five-semester program. She basically made it sound like she thinks I'm meant--MADE--to teach other people. Maybe she's right? Maybe this is a door that is supposed to be opening right now...? I don't know, but I want other people's opinions on whether this is something I should invest so much time in based on my goal to find a day job, be it a clinic, school, or otherwise.

Thanks!!

As I read your post my heart went out to you. I'll shoot straight from the hip. It seems to me that you are saying you actually do know what YOU want to do and it is not teach. From the beginning I assumed teaching was your goal at a Unv because of the details until I read more. Putting your 3yr old son first esp. in that you are already in school is truly what's best. The angst you feel seems to suggest this is not what YOU really want to do. I would honestly focus on finishing my studies for the ultimate goal but above all else make sure my 3yr old is safe, and remember you can't get back that time loss with him, if missed.

My other concern is are you fearful of any retaliation by the Professor for not doing what he or she is enlisting of you? If that is a legitimate issue, then it may change things. Never in terms of your sons safety of course but in terms of the best course action for a win-win. However, if that is not a realistic concern (retaliation)...then do what you already know YOU want to do. This enlistment so to speak is a honor that can be bestowed to someone who actually desires that route. Just my advice/opinion.

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The difference is probally that your friend signed up (not reluctantly enlisted) for a whole year for an actual 'Internship' [whether paid or unpaid] meaning learning towards the profession or speciality she desired. It sounds planned, designed and calculated for the end goals of the person involved.

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" I see a lot of posters (not just this thread) saying "I've never been asked about this". Internships, transcripts, volunteer work. Etc. Things like this are unusual. You're not going to be asked - you need to bring it up on a resume, cover letter, etc. If you don't mention your accomplishments, you're going to be viewed as just another new grad with nothing special to offer. If the interviewer doesn't care, they'll just ignore it - but I think there could be a time when you say the right thing that sets you apart and everything will fall into place." --------

And I agree...but only if it is an opportunity sought by you. This comes across as something she is mildly being coerced into; and will hurt more then benefit. She can volunteer as little or many hours on her own schedule at a number of places that actually operate in the field of Nursing she wishes to pursue. I was a unpaid Intern, and volunteered on several things during my 4 year Nursing Education and I included it on my resume and/or cover letter as a new grad. But I actively pursued what I was passionate about and on a time schedule not in conflict with higher priorities. Big difference.

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"She indicated she asked about internships, which then she was offered this. Stop playing semantics here. This more than qualifies as an internship. "

...asked about Internships for what SHE wanted to do, and teaching (or quite possibly being used by Professor) was not it. Not to mention a organized Internship is just that 'organized' with accountability and authorization from a regulating body and designed with benefits centered around gaining experience in the Interns chosen field or specialty. That's fact and not "semantics."

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Do what you feel is best for you. Let me tell you this money is not everything, passion, commitment, and the joy of doing what you do are the factors into being a nurse. I understand you want to be their for your son and spend time and that is most important... being there for him your always going to do believe that this is just another chapter if your life that you are going into, your teacher believes in you and you just have to believe in yourself.

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Don't do it. Work PRN as tech in a hospital you'll get invaluable experience, network, work when you'd like, get resume experience and get paid.

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Sorry for taking so long to weigh in! I think what you all have suggested confirms my gut instinct--something just isn't quite right. Interestingly enough, a PRN CNA position just opened up at a nearby hospital and I am definitely considering that instead, since I may need to work a year of acute care before getting hired in public health. I will admit, turning down my professor terrifies me, especially since she had been a main reference of mine. I'm wondering if I should organize the panel discussion (shouldn't be too much more time-consuming than a school project) but skip the unpaid assistant position. Also, I'm not interested in ever being a teacher. I am planning to get my NP degree after graduation as that's my long-term goal. So, thanks everyone, you've helped SO MUCH:shy:

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Specializes in PICU, Pediatrics, Trauma.

Based upon what you said, it sounds like potential for awesome experience that could go a long way for you when it comes to looking for your first job after graduation, and potentially down the line if you choose to continue in the teaching rhelm down the line.

Now having said that, is this going to be an on-going responsibility throughout the rest of the time you are a student, or for a semester or 6 weeks or whatever? Having been a single parent of a young child during the first part of my nursing education, I completely understand how you are concerned for the amount of time it may take you away from your child. Depending on your current schedule and what the child care arrangements are in place for your child, it may not be the best choice. In other words, if you already are hardly able to spend enough time with him/her, or your child is in a daycare/baby sitter situation then it may not be the best idea for a long-term commitment. If you have a loving family member caring for your child and he/she feels very comfortable and safe, then that might make me feel better about having additional time away on a temporary basis. Children can be amazingly adaptable...also depends on your child's personality...confident/independent vs insecure and already needy for you?

Tough choice, to be sure. Is it possible for you to "job share" this with another student, or commit for a limited time such as 6-8 weeks?

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Specializes in PICU, Pediatrics, Trauma.
I see a lot of posters (not just this thread) saying "I've never been asked about this". Internships, transcripts, volunteer work. Etc. Things like this are unusual. You're not going to be asked - you need to bring it up on a resume, cover letter, etc. If you don't mention your accomplishments, you're going to be viewed as just another new grad with nothing special to offer. If the interviewer doesn't care, they'll just ignore it - but I think there could be a time when you say the right thing that sets you apart and everything will fall into place.

FULLY AGREE!. If for no other reason, it will be a learning experience the OP will gain from whether she goes into teaching or not. "Teaching" can be nursing students, patient and/or staff education...And, being chosen for the responsibility involved shows confidence in her that is not trusted to just any nursing student...In my opinion, if she were to be able to do this successfully, it speaks volumes about the student in itself.

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Specializes in LTC & home care.
" If the interviewer doesn't care, they'll just ignore it - but I think there could be a time when you say the right thing that sets you apart and everything will fall into place." --------

And I agree...but only if it is an opportunity sought by you. This comes across as something she is mildly being coerced into; and will hurt more then benefit. She can volunteer as little or many hours on her own schedule at a number of places that actually operate in the field of Nursing she wishes to pursue. I was a unpaid Intern, and volunteered on several things during my 4 year Nursing Education and I included it on my resume and/or cover letter as a new grad. But I actively pursued what I was passionate about and on a time schedule not in conflict with higher priorities. Big difference.

I agree with you - if OP is feeling coerced, it shouldn't happen. However, I also caution students of all ages and career tracks against turning down potential opportunities because they have a specific career path in mind. As a student, your job is to learn and explore. You'll have opportunities that you likely won't get in the working world. There are too many stories on here about "I really want to go into ___ but the only position available is ___". We don't always get our first choice, so having some exposure to many different areas makes us more employable and flexible. And assisting a professor doesn't limit us to "teaching" - there are a lot of transferable skills to be gained here. Project management, public speaking, patient education, time management, etc.

It sounds like OP found another opportunity that interests her more though. OP, I would encourage you to assist your professor in a limited capacity. Don't let her use you, but see if you can help out and ensure a good reference. I think the panel discussion would be a good project. Whatever you decide, good luck!

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Sorry for taking so long to weigh in! I think what you all have suggested confirms my gut instinct--something just isn't quite right. Interestingly enough, a PRN CNA position just opened up at a nearby hospital and I am definitely considering that instead, since I may need to work a year of acute care before getting hired in public health.

Maybe you already know this and it isn't coming out right on the post but the year of acute care experience you need won't be earned by working as a PRN care tech. Doesn't matter if it's full time either, it's not nursing work, it's aide work. The experience needed will be as an RN working with acute care patients. Very very different animal!

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Do what you feel is best for you. Let me tell you this money is not everything, passion, commitment, and the joy of doing what you do are the factors into being a nurse. I understand you want to be their for your son and spend time and that is most important... being there for him your always going to do believe that this is just another chapter if your life that you are going into, your teacher believes in you and you just have to believe in yourself.

Try using that line when the bill collectors come calling. I understand the sentiment of Nyrse's post, but you need to live in reality. There is a limit to your time and energy, and with a young child in the home I don't think this is a good idea. You need to concentrate on raising your child, getting through school, and yes, earning money.

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