Need major advice, worried...

[EMEddie]

Hi everyone-

I'm currently Finishing my second semester of a 4 semester program. 2 weeks ago I had an interview at this hospital that I would love to work as an RN, the interview was for a position of a SRN(student RN) which basically does what a CNA does plus some other extra things. The assistant manager from this unit where I interviewed called me last Thursday to offer me the position. Very happy, I accepted it and one thing that I know made a difference in the interview how I was being able to manage my time in school, working, volunteering and taking care of my grandma with cancer whom passed away a day after the position was offered. On Monday I went to HR, got my picture taken for my badge and did some paper work (W2s, W4s). Today I had to go in for a 1-2 hour meeting/orientation to the unit, but I didn't make it becuause this am my grandfather was taken to the hospital, I called 2 hrs before I was supposed to go in and let the manager what happened, she said to go with my grandfather and see what had happened; she said I could go tomorrow.

The thing is that my grandpa had a stroke (his third one in 8 yrs) and prob. Has to do with the stress of losing my grandma. The thing is that I need to take care of him once he gets out of the hospital and I am the only one, among with my mom that can do this. I will start third semester next January, but with this coming I won't be able to work, which completely saddens and worries me. I don't want to stay in bad terms with this hospital, I want to stay in good terms, but I don't know how to go about approaching this issue. Do I call HR, the nurse manager? I haven't had the orientation like I said. I want to be able to wrk in this hospital in the future, sadly I can't at this time because of what happened. What can you guys advice me?

I grew up with my grandparents, to me they are my parents and have taken care of them since I was younger.

Thanks

[PsychNurseWannaBe, BSN, RN]

Could you maybe explore the option of home health? Your other family members need to step up to the plate here. Stop being the sacrificial lamb. Offer to take care of him on your days off, or maybe split days with someone, but I would look into home health and maybe inform other family members that you need to live your life as well and that they should pitch in. Just my 2 cents worth.

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

I think you've got too much on your plate with the death of your grandmother, you grandfather falling ill, full time work and volunteering. Something needs to give..

I think if you make an appointment and go talk to the person who hired you and explain to them the situation, and tell them that you want to keep ever door open you possibly can, and ask them what that will take. Perhaps you can give up your volunteer job until things cool off? One thing about working is that even though they know you're in school, they will expect them to come first over school, family, volunteer, etc. etc.

You will reflect much better if you are upfront now rather than accepting the job and then having to quit because things become too much.

What are your priorities? If it were me, it would be this:

1. Family

2. School

3. Job

4. Volunteer

I personally believe that taking care of family is the number one thing. You say your grandparents raised you and that you want to be there for them. Since this is an acute situation, and it's anyone's guess how long you have left with your remaining grandparent. In the grand scheme of things, are you going to say to your self, "man I wish I'd taken that job instead of spending that time with grandpa!"? No job is worth giving up precious time with a beloved family member.