Starting school for LPN and New Job... what do I do?

[jenobeba]

Hi Everyone,

I need to make a decision about work and school, well mostly about work. I started a 15 month LPN program last night. Which is in the evening from 6 PM to 9 PM. Monday - Thursday and clinicals on Saturdays. Here is my dilemma I work per diem for the Department of Education as a Paraprofessional. The hours are so convenient 8:30 to 3 PM I work the days I want. But its not a stable job, as I pick and choose where I want to work and when But If they don't call I don't have work and I don't love it. The other one is I started working for an agency during the summer that gets me jobs in a hospital I've been dying to get into. but the pay through the agency sucks. but it's convenient because its close to home and school and a little more stable do to month long assignments. Ok here is the one that is driving me nuts!!! I just got a job offer in a state mental hospital. Its a years training on the job the benefits and pay are awesome. I just don't know why I am not that excited about it. They will pay for my education in nursing and its a state job in a hospital I tell myself. It's in the morning 7 AM to 4 PM so it does not interfere with my school hours. But I am scared of taking on too much and being overwhelmed with a new demanding job and school. I need some clarity. what would you do?

[Mainergal2000]

I am in school right now in an LVN program for two weeks now. I guess it depends on your situation. I am very lucky that I don't have to work because there is no way if I become tired, you can't retain. So everything you study being tired you might as well have just gone to bed. Maybe it might be no problem for young people but not for me. If you don't need to work then don't. If you have to, good luck and find time for a nap here and there.

[genaluvya, LPN]

Hi, It depends if your family, mostly husband/boyfriend, mom, dad, in laws, etc are able to help out alot. (Not sure about your family composition, any kids?)

It is do able but it is very hard work. When going to LPN school I worked full time 9-5 pm as a Case Manager and went to school 6 to 10 pm Mon to Thurs. Boy was I sleepy. It was hard for me to study most of the time and some times I will dose off while at work. My body felt so achy and my brain felt fizzled. I did that for about 5 to 6 months.Luckily I had the help of my amazing husband, parents and in laws to help with my then 1 year old son and to just keep house work done (grocery shopping, house chores). I'm glad my family is very supportive. Lots of nursing classmates have went through divorce and breakups while in school. School is alot of strain on others.

Needless to say I was happy when my hours for school changed to Fri in evening and weekends 9 to 5. Felt like a new person, lol. I had more time to study and to spend with my family.

Not to say that you cant do it but just manage your time, gets lots of sleep, try to get some 'me' time and always have a Plan A,B,C and D. Especially for child care and for those 'all of a sudden changes' of schedule for nursing school.

Opps, just realize I didn't answer the question. Now to the hospital job, I think it will be a great thing for you to be more exposed to health care plus you get tuition help when advancing and maybe a promotion. But it will also be good for you to have more time to study, like you will with a per diem job.

My decision will be if you don't have kids to pick the hospital job. Keep us posted.....