Predicament - Should I quit my job as a CNA while I'm in Nursing School?

Nursing Students General Students

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Hi! I know this looks really long-winded, but I've tapped out all the advice I can from family members, and I wanted a chance to ask you guys. =)

I'm currently living with my grandmother and my fiancee during nursing school. My grandmother has bone cancer, and after falling a month ago (breaking her wrist and her facial bones), requires supervision and assistance from time to time, especially on days that she has dialysis. Her daughter - my fiancee's mother - doesn't work and is able to help out quite a bit, but not 100% of the time.

My fiancee just started a very physical, full time job that will occasionally have him work +10 hrs a day M-F. He comes home after work and he's pooped! lol. I'm in my third week of my first semester of nursing school while working 'active' part time as a CNA during evenings Fri-Sun (2:15pm - 10:45pm).

My problem: because I work so much during the weekends, I am cramming my studying and my homework in during the week before my evening class. This ultimately results in me not being able to assist with care for my grandmother, which is disconcerting because we don't expect her to last another year. My work schedule has already impeded on chances for me to study with fellow classmates, and my supervisor who creates the schedule is not very sympathetic to my situation. Neither my fiancee or my grandmother can contribute much to housework, grocery shopping, etc.

Should I just leave my job behind? Money would be tight, but it would be doable. I feel ashamed about the idea of me not being able to balance work and school. I'm not worried about experience, since I've been working as a CNA for about 6 months now I have gained a lot of experience on how to approach and interact with people. Not working would free up precious time for me to balance my studying with taking care and spending time with my grandmother, fiancee, and the rest of my family. I'm unsure about whether working one day a weekend is worth it due to the time that a shift takes up.

Any of your opinions or advice would be wonderful. Should I quit and return during the summer or just leave entirely?

Thank you guys! =)

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

I would think for that anyone that can put work aside while in school, it would be the best choice. I know that I wish I had that option, but being the only income currently, it's just not an option. The thought that between lecture/clinical and work I will be busy 55-60 hours a week for the next two years, and that's before studying or spending time with my family, is a bit overwhelming at times. There's absolutely nothing to be ashamed of in not working if it's not necessary. Good luck.

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Specializes in Neuro, Neuro ICU.

I'd quit if I were you. Obviously the CNA job isnt as important as school and your grandmother. Of course money will be tight, and thats a scary feeling, but it will all be worth it in the end :)

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Specializes in Float.

I would suggest cutting your time down to one day a week. I wouldn't suggest leaving only because if you work one day a week, you'll still have a foot in the door at your facility. It could be a plus in the future when it's time to get a job. People already in a health care job generally have an easier transition.

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Thank you so much for advice! I am planning to speak with my supervisor *gulp* either tomorrow or Tuesday (due to the holiday she might not be in) to speak with her about putting work on hold until the summer break.

I believe it's a plausible idea because our facility has a few girls who work in home health come in to work a few days a month, and even a girl who moved back to our state after her semester ended (school semesters at the college she attends in Idaho are opposite of those here) and will work quite a bit until she heads back up to Idaho for the next semester. That way I'll still maintain a foot in the threshold of the industry, while giving me the time I need.

The idea of not having to focus on work in the midst of everything else is a relief and huge confidence-booster when it comes to my studies. I've been told recently that these next few years will pass by with the blink of an eye, so I shouldn't fret over how much is on my plate. But time is precious with my family and my grandmother; and that also makes me realize even how precious these next four semesters will be, because they will be the foundation of what I'll do for the rest of my life. I definitely can't take that for granted.

Haha, sorry for my angsty reply! I'm up way too late studying again. Thank you all again for your advice. =)

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Should I just leave my job behind? Money would be tight, but it would be doable. I feel ashamed about the idea of me not being able to balance work and school. I'm not worried about experience, since I've been working as a CNA for about 6 months now I have gained a lot of experience on how to approach and interact with people. Not working would free up precious time for me to balance my studying with taking care and spending time with my grandmother, fiancee, and the rest of my family. I'm unsure about whether working one day a weekend is worth it due to the time that a shift takes up.

Any of your opinions or advice would be wonderful. Should I quit and return during the summer or just leave entirely?

Thank you guys! =)

No shame. You're not struggling to balance school and work.....you're trying to balance school, taking care of your grandmother at the end of her life and work. Cut yourself some slack.

It sounds like something's gotta go.......and work is the only option.

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