School&Work Vs. just school

[ImStilLeaRNing]

Hey everyone! Just wanted to get some opinions. So I'm about to reach my first year working as a new RN this coming January on a med-surg/tele floor. I was very blessed to get a job within a year of graduating. I am very fortunate to know someone who knows someone and was able to offer me a job. And now after almost a year of working, I'm not so sure I like where I am. I know I'm a new grad, but Is this normal? to not like you're job? I feel like I'm only doing this to make $$$ and pay off some debt. I hope this post doesn't make me seem lame or not appreciative, but I'm contemplating of quitting. I'm not so sure if I can see myself doing bedside care for much longer than 2 years. I would like to experience working in the OR, or case management, or even at the sheriff's county dept. And If I was offered a position in any one of those places I would take it! But for now, I would like to focus more on school for my Bachelors degree.

I currently am in a BSN program that has all it's classes online and are only offered in Fall and Spring. I just finished my first semester only taking one class. I took one class just to test out the waters and see how it was to work full-time and take a class. At first I registered for 12units, and when my manager found out I was going back to school, she said it was either work or school. She basically told me that if my schedule that I was requesting was going to continue on as so, that I would have to quit my job or get fired. So she suggested to just take one or two classes that way my schedule would be flexible enough for staffing and for myself. I'm kinda glad I only took one class because I was so tired from work, home responsibilities, and balancing school and time with family and friends.

I would really like some advice. I am now about to register for my 2nd semester of classes, and I'm planning on taking 2 classes. If I continue to go on at this rate, Idk how long it'll take me to graduate. I'm 24y.o., and I have a goal to finish when I'm 26. I also want to be able to have my masters degree all before I reach 30y.o. Think I can do it? I would like to know, should I quit my job and just focus on school? should i just continue taking 1-2 classes each sem and work at the same time? If I take school as a full-time student I am able to qualify for a grant and get all my classes paid for. Right now I pay $1-2k for 1-2 classes out of my paycheck. I have a friend right now who is also going to the same bsn program as me, but she doesn't work. She focuses most of her time on school and was able to get through more classes our first sem. So idk what to do. what would you do?? thanks in advance!

[dfs1961]

If I were you, I wouldn't quit your job. Stay working and take 2 classes per semester. Get as much tuition reimbursement as you can from your employer. You are so young and have so much time. Pace yourself. Use your employer to pay for your schooling. Don't go into more debt for the BSN or MSN. By the time you are done with the MSN, you will be 30 and have all these years of experience. You can write your own ticket then.

I have been in school for the past 8 years (4 to get my ASN and I will graduate in May of 2012 with my MSN). My employer paid for 1/2 of my advanced nursing degree, and I work part-time. I also have four children, the youngest of which was 6 weeks old when I started my ASN classes. I know it is very hard work to balance it all. But it can be done.

Good luck!