Tell me I'll be okay...

[punkydoodlesRN]

Today I received my acceptance letter into a LVN-RN transition program and I am BEYOND excited!!

But (why is there *always* a but??) I will have to talk to my NM tomorrow about the situation and I feel soo guilty. I just started this job in Jan - I'm not even off orientation yet and here I will be trying to talk to her about going part-time, PRN, or even quitting. Class begins May 11 and I have to accept by the 18th, so not much time to get everything straight.

I realize that many, many nurses work and go to school, but I have 2 young kids and a hubby that commutes 1.5 hrs one way to work, so I don't have very much free time to study, much less try to throw in a few 12hr shifts!

I love working Post partum, but the truth is, I want to be an RN. I want to be in the back delivering babies and this is my shot! This is my chance to go on and further my education.

I guess I'm just nervous - I know how hard it was for so many nurses to find a job, much less one they really want... so I feel scared to just walk away.

So, no point here, really... just wanted somewhere to talk this out...

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

I'm a LPN and I work 2 days a week while in RN school. I say quit the job. I wouldn't pass up this opportunity for furthering your education. ONe day they made decide they don't need you any more due you not having a RN license... they wouldn't think twice about letting you go...

[editor2rn]

I'm graduating next month from an RN program. I worked full-time (two jobs) while in school, and I'm married with one daughter. I did an online program, which didn't require lectures but I did attend all the same labs and clinicals as on-land students. It's possible to work and go to school. It's not easy. You'll need a partner who understands that for 12 months you're not going to be as available as you were before.

Personally, I wouldn't give up the job. I know LVNs who went through an RN program and who now are in the same boat as other new grads and can't find a job. One year from now isn't that long, and the job market may not be as good as we'd like it.

Good luck in whatever decision you make!

[jennifers]

I would not quit. I'd go to school very part time. Where are you going to want to work when you graduate with the RN? At this same hospital on mother baby or Labor? It wont look good that you quit before without even finishing orientation. Plus if you keep the job you have your foot in the door. look at how many people are posting that they want to go into OB? Its their dream but they can't even get an interview? It is hard to get into this specialty. Thats just my two cents though.

[RPN_2012]

Bridge is May to May.

And sorry I wasn't super clear, my brain works faster than my fingers do sometimes :) Just scared to walk in and quit my job when it was so *&^% hard to get it... plus I feel guilty since I know it was $$$ to hire and train a new grad. (though I was honest in my interview about my school intentions!)

I like my job, but it's not realistic for me to continue and go back to school.... This would all be soo much easier if they had 8 hr shifts instead of 12!! :)

Well, if they knew it upfront, then they can't be really upset! So just tell them that you didn't expect to get into a program this soon! And tell them that you are really exited for this opportunity to pursue your dream of being an RN and delivering babies and the you would love to stay part time or prn or what ever because you love this unit as well and you don't want to quit on them because they put in so much resourses training you an all, and you're very greatfull... something gallong those lines :) Good luck! Who knows maybe you'll have a L&D job lined up with them by the time you're RN! :)

[lylenrn]

Congratulations on your acceptance to the program. I agree with the previous poster. I would suggest that you request to be PT or PRN. Fortunately, since you mentioned to your manager that your goal was to become an RN working in L&D, she/he is not unaware of the possibility that you might have to adjust your schedule. The good news is that when you finish with the program you will also have L&D experience (that looks good on a resume). Also since the census in L&D is not constant you might still end up with time off when the census is low. The first to be cancelled is agency staff, then PRN....then PT. Wishing u the best of luck in whatever u decide>

[punkydoodlesRN, BSN, RN]

Huge Sigh - Talked to my NM today and feel a weight lifted off... Now just have major decisions to make as yesterday I was accepted into an LVN-RN program and today I received an interview/possible acceptance into a BSN program!!!

My NM was incredibly understanding, especially after showing me a company memo from last month declaring that they would no longer be hiring LVNs!!! She is all about me going back to school. We worked it out that I will stay on as PT during the summer and if/when I become too overwhelmed, I can drop to PRN in order to keep my foot in the door.

I'm not in a place where I *have to* work... I just want the job security, and I was honest about that. She knows that when the census is low, I'd like to have first cancel when possible. As PRN, that would be highly likely.

So, right now I feel good. I just have to make a school decision - two drastically different programs. Different lengths. Different results. I really only needed God to open a small window, not a barn door :) Still excited just the same though!!

Thanks for the advice and letting me talk it out here.

And for the one who asked, yes, I plan to con't working with Women's Services. My ultimate goal is CNM!!!

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

Congratulations!!!!!! What LPN/RN program did you get accepted to?

[punkydoodlesRN, BSN, RN]

Congratulations!!!!!! What LPN/RN program did you get accepted to?

Alvin - it's also where I got my LVN - so excited to stay at the same school!

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

That is great news!! My sister got her RN from Alvin.