Please Somebody! I need advice ASAP!

[BrittanyMOSmith]

Ok, just a little background on me....

I have known since I was young that I wanted to be a nurse. I graduated from high school ( Class of 2009) a year early. I got my CNA certification while I was still in high school. I still live with my parents, therefore I didn't need the job for the money, just for the experience. I started Nursing 101 about 8 weeks ago. I am in an excellerated program where I take all my pre-requisites along with my nursing classes. Oh yeh and I am only 17 years old!!!

Now my dilemma....

I looked for a job as a CNA all summer after high school graduation! I finally got hired at a hospital about 2 weeks before I started nursing school. The job was full time (3 12 hour shifts). I thought I would be ok but I quickly found out once school started that I was wrong. In order to be at work att 6:45 i had to wake up at 4:30 am because the hospital was 1 and a half hours away. Then when I got off work I wouldn't get home until almost 9:00 pm. On Monday's I would go to class from 8 to 5. Tuesday's work a 12 hour shift. Wednesday's class from 8 to 3. Thursday's Clinical from 6:30 to 3:00. Friday's work a 12 hour shift. Saturday's work a 12 hour shift. Sunday's were my only days off. I had a nervous break-down. I had to start taking Prozac!! So I told my supervisor and she said well we will see about getting you transferred to Flex. So I got transferred to Flex at a hospital 45 minutes closer to me. Now I only have to work two 8 hour shifts per month plus I got a raise to $12.29 per hour.

The problem is that I absolutely despise going to work at the hospital. Everytime I work I have to hold back tears because I am just miserable.

I love my patients and I love the work that I do. I am just miserable and I cannot understand why. Working at the hospital and having these feelings makes me seriously doubt wanting to be a nurse. I am confused and I do not know what to do. I feel like I would have a huge weight lifted off my shoulders if I resigned. However, I was just transferred and have only worked 2 shifts at the new hospital! I do not want to let anybody down and I also don't want to ruin my record when I go to get a job after graduation! But what if I am just as miserable after graduation?! Somebody HELP!!!

[MermiesGreatGig]

Okay, slow down. You admit that you allowed yourself to get overworked to the point of needing an anti-depressant (been there, done that). Sounds to me like your body needs a rest, and it also needs time to adjust to this new medication. Also, in my opinion, full-time work is next to impossible, and if you don't need the money, then I would suggest quitting and focusing on school. I know some people can do it (kudos if you can), but most of us (me included) would really struggle with it. As you've already figured out, nursing school is...well...different than anything you've ever done...and pretty freakin' hard, too! There's nothing wrong with focusing on you while you're in school. Sometimes, you have to be selfish. I don't think it will affect your long-term employment goals. Anyone in the medical field will understand if you couldn't handle working while in nursing school.

Just my 2 cents...good luck, you young whipper snapper! I'm 39 and in 2nd semester!!!

[cingle]

I agree...you're too young to be this miserable! And, frankly, school will never be easier for you than it is right now when you don't have to support yourself financially, keep track of a household, or have children to raise.

Since you're in a position to concentrate on your education AND still have a life, by all means, DO IT! Quit the job, make yourself proud with your hard work in school, recognize the fact that you are going through a tremendous amount of adjustments while also still being under the influence of adolescent hormone levels. You've studied female hormones during adolescence...that's serious stuff!

[>--stethoscope--o]

What's the point of working when you're not going to achieve the goal that you wanted to begin with, which is become a nurse?.....School comes before work and you'd be quitting the job to get an education so you could be hired as a nurse. I wouldn't worry about that looking bad on your resume. Talk to your supervisor and explain to her what is going on. Maybe you could work when your off during winter break or summer. If they can't compromise, just drop it all together. Take care of your self.

[CuriousMe]

Work over the summers (if you don't have class) to gain experience. Quit your job and focus on school during the school term, I think you'll be much happier.