3rd shift and school?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Hey everyone, I was just wondering if anyone has worked 3rd shift, having AM classes, while your significant other works 1st?

I have never worked 3rd shift and even though the money will be AMAZING...I am worried about my sleep schedule and balancing life at home. I was planning on having school everyday from 8-2...nap...study...then work. The position for the PCT is PRN so it will fit my schedule better. I only plan on working 3-4 nights and take 1 or 2 classes in the AM.

I plan on taking some easy reqs now in the summer (to raise my GPA) and then hit AP1 in the fall.

I am very dedicated to my studies and I know I have to make some sacrifices...it's just going to be hard not really seeing the Mr :(

any advice is much appreciated :D

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I worked 3rd for a couple of years while taking classes but I made my schedule where I worked Fri, Sat, and Sun 12 hr night shifts. I was able to study some while at work in between rounds. I never had to go to classes after though I always scheduled classes around my work schedule. It is very hard to get use to working nights it took me a month or so to not feel like I was going to just pass out while working. If you have children its even harder! I have 2 young children and my husband is home on weekends so I slept Sat and Sun, but Mon my 3 year old was home with me and it was horrible. I have stopped that schedule and work days PRN, now that am in the program because I can't schedule it around work.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
I worked 3rd for a couple of years while taking classes but I made my schedule where I worked Fri, Sat, and Sun 12 hr night shifts. I was able to study some while at work in between rounds. I never had to go to classes after though I always scheduled classes around my work schedule. It is very hard to get use to working nights it took me a month or so to not feel like I was going to just pass out while working. If you have children its even harder! I have 2 young children and my husband is home on weekends so I slept Sat and Sun, but Mon my 3 year old was home with me and it was horrible. I have stopped that schedule and work days PRN, now that am in the program because I can't schedule it around work.

Thanks hun :3 I would much rather the 12 hr shifts but they don't have them :( I planned on working Thurs/Fri, Fri/Sat, Sat/Sun...24 hrs/wk. I may also do Weds/Thurs...Idk. I have knowledge in phlebotomy/pct and they will train me on EKG *exciting :3* I'm not trying to sound over confident but it seems like the night shift is a bit more calm than 1st.

The Hosp is giving me the choice of 1st or 3rd...and I tried seeing how the schedule would be with school. They don't offer an AP1 in the evening for me to take when on 1st (and I NEED that class) That's why I feel I need to try 3rd and take early morning classes right after work.

Thank God I don't have kids (not that theres anything wrong with it) but anyone who has kids and are in NS AND work... I have to give the greatest props to. I respect them the most out of any student. :3

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It's so hard. I would not recommend doing it full time.

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Specializes in NICU.

I am in classes 8-3 ( or 4) M-F and then work 630pm-630-am Friday and Saturday night. That way I don't compromise my brain power during classes. I did some of my pre-reqs your way working M-W. Get off at 630 am and nap until 11 am, go to class until 12:15, drive home and nap until 5 pm and go to work for 12 hrs and repeat.

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