Should I Stay or Should I Go?

[Undercover]

I am currently a CNA working in home health care. However, I am interviewing for a Patient Care Technician at one of the big two chronic HD clinics. In fact, I think I have a good shot at it.

The thing is, I still have to complete micro as my final prerequisite for the RN program I plan to attend. I am expecting to get my wait list number for the LVN program I applied to this summer, which leads right into the RN program once that is completed successfully.

I had a phone interview for the HD clinic and was told that if I get the job, I would have to probably wait a couple of years before I would have priority in the scheduling in order to take my micro class. The LVN class will be a minimum 18-month wait but as long as a 4-year wait, with 2 years being the most common.

I really could use the extra money from the PCT job right now and it would be great experience to improve my skills and knowledge as a pre-nursing student, and eventually a nursing student. It would also get me acclimated to the 12+ hour shifts.

On the other hand, if I am offered and accept the PCT job, I am worried I won't be able to take micro before the LVN program starts. The RN programs starts right after the LVN program, so micro has to be done well before that, since I have to do pharmacology the semester before LVN.

I also have a love-hate relationship with my current job. I love my client but have a really hard time dealing with her overbearing daughter, who has a completely tedious personality and is a huge part of my every day job. The pay is also very low, the hours limited, and I am barely making ends-meet. At the same time, I would feel like a huge traitor if I left because I know the client and her daughter rely on me so heavily. The hours are also flexible enough to deal with my prerequisite requirements.

I know this is a lot of detail but I wanted to put it all out there, in order to get some thoughtful replies. I really need a sounding board.

Would it be worth it to jump ship and hope for the best or would I be jeopardizing my long-term goals of becoming an RN if I take the job at the HD clinic? Should I reapply after I take micro this fall and hope the HD clinic still wants me? I am so mixed up right now.

Thanks for listening. Your input is much appreciated.

[Kitiger, RN]

I've found that the longer one waits to start school, the less likely it is that one will actually start school. Life happens. If nursing is what you truly want, then I would say you should pursue nursing, and stay with the job that allows you to pursue your goal.