Is This Truly Logical?

[Iridescent Orchid, CNA, LPN]

OK, I've been doing a lot of soul searching the past couple of months and just going to try to throw this out there for my fellow Pre-LPN/LPN Program students...

I've been working for a year at walmart *shudder*, but when I recently requested a change in hours for my last semester of pre-reqs, it was denied and they just said instead of working me 4 8-hour days, they'll do 3 8-hour days and 2 4-hour days. I requested for a maximum of 24 hours/weekly. That does not accommodate anything of what I asked. I want to get my GPA as high as I can with these last pre-reqs, meaning I wanted at least less work time to study and have less stress that comes with these horrid customer service jobs.

Now, is this logical?

They aren't working with me now, and they sure as hell wouldn't work with me when I get accepted into the program (hoping for this coming January entry), because it is a mandatory 7-4 five days a week, and even earlier during clinical.

I don't have to work. I've just chosen to since I was 16. I do need a savings to cover car insurance, gas, my gym contract, and cell bill, other than that, it's peachy. I'll have enough savings to accommodate all of those. My biggest concern is when I do get into the Nursing Program, jobless...the costs of supplies/books, etc.

I've never dealt with student loans and my community college is finally offering federal loans. If I'm not employed upon acceptance, is it a guarantee that after my pell amount, I can qualify and can receive a student loan that will cover the costs of everything I need for the LPN Program if my Pell Grant doesn't? That's my biggest and most heaviest stress concern about quitting my job for school. Anyone here taken this plunge and can tell me what's best? I've seen around here, others saying that it's worth the risk, I just want more insight on the student loan deal.

I was planning on quitting my job mid-September to focus on my last pre-reqs, but really don't want to screw myself. I'd rather find a part-time job that's working with my schooling, rather than one that isn't, if there comes a time while in school I'll actually need one that's not related to healthcare. It's not that I don't want to work, I just want a job in my career-field that is going to work with my schooling!

Hoping I didn't come across as lost or confusing, I'm just trying to lessen my stress load that I've had lately juggling what would be best and figure I'd find the best advice here! :redpinkhe

[Lifeofanurse]

Your right. If they won't work with you now and you've expressed what YOUR needs are then your employer won't care once your accepted and will USE that..thinking you need your job.

Been there did that...

I say save up. Work as long as you can and when you can't do it anymore...give notice and leave.

They definitely won't care that you have 3 tests in 4 days or that your killing yourself at clinicals and then coming directly to work.

I planned on leaving my part time job this week. But due to scheduling issues that didn't seem to be getting much better I decided I needed to leave sooner to concentrate on my school. I'm in LVN school. So I gave notice and left in June. I figured we could do without the 'extras' if there was a light at the end of the tunnel and it paid off. Got a high score on my Hesi exit exam and am looking forward to taking the NCLEX-PN asap.

Don't let a dead end job keep you from getting the education you need to get a BETTER CAREER...do what you have to. Get loans. Borrow. You need to go talk to the financial aid specialists at your school and see what your options are before you make the decision.

Good luck!!!

[lalexa15]

Have you looked for any scholarships that are available? Have you applied for Financial Aid? I would start there. In my first semester I paid over $500 in books! Last year while I was doing my Pre-Reqs my part time job (MWF 9-5) worked out great because I would go to school at night. However, when I got accepted to the LPN program in January they had to fire me because I was going to school Monday-Thursday 8-4. I had no money saved up and was out of a job for a few months. Have you considered working as a CNA to gain some experience while in school? I finally got a new job at a local assisted living working Friday, Saturday, Sunday. I focus on school Monday-Thursday and work on the weekends. It is a tough schedule and I don't get much free time but next year when I'm an LPN life will be much easier! You just have to remind yourself that once you are done with school you will have a career doing something you love! Good luck, I hope everything works out for you!

[***!!!***!!!***]

I used to work at Wal-Mart as a department manager. They are not very accommodating for school schedules. If I was you, I would try to get a job as a server or something similar. You can work part time and make really good money if you work at the right place. Im not working any more, but for the first two years I was in school I waited tables and was a delivery driver for a pizza place. I lived on my own and had a child to take care of. On average, I worked 24-30 hours a week. Waiting tables can be hard work, but it does pay off usually. And when I was delivering pizzas, I made AWESOME money because I was a girl delivery driver! I made more than enough money to pay all of my bills, spoil my daughter, put some in savings, and have a little left over to splurge every month. I am now engaged to a wonderful man who doesnt want me working while I am in the LPN program this year. I hope the best for you!

[caliotter3]

I know someone who worked at WalMart with their significant other. When they got a restraining order against the SO because of abuse, WalMart fired her and kept the abuser. So much for WalMart as an employer of choice.