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

[esrun77]

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!!

[BeenThere2012, ASN, RN]

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!

Best advice Ive seen so far. Agree.

[NurseMerlin]

Well I guess I'll be the minority opinion: Any sort of extra RESPONSIBILITIES can and usually will help you when you begin looking for a job. My story: I'm an LPN now and have been working on my BSN. I graduated top of my class and during the program, I stayed after school maybe once per week for a few hours to tutor the students who were struggling. Had I not, 3 students would have failed out of the program.

When our LPN class graduated, everyone ran out, rushed to take the boards, and then gobbled up low paying nursing home jobs at less than $20/hour. I went and got my ACLS certifications and took my time looking for a job.

When I finally found a job, it was as a mental health ICU nurse and they wanted an RN for the job, preferably a BSN. Because they saw what I did during nursing school (tutoring psych and pharm) and that I went above and beyond to get my ACLS, they hired me as an LPN and paid me what the position paid (BSN pay). While the others from my graduating class are making less than $20/hour working the nursing home grind on evening or night shift, I'm making close to $30/hour working days as an LPN.

So, if you don't mind the extra responsibilities and you can commit the time, it can only help you. Maybe not in the same way as it did for me, but it will still help. When you're a new grad, for the most part, you have nothing that makes you stand out from the dozens of other nurses who are graduating in your area. Do something that helps you stand out.