To work or not to work?

[tmarie]

I am a 29-year-old stay-at-home mom to my 3-year-old daughter. I have recently decided that now is a good time for me to resume my college education. When I first started thinking about reentering the work force, I immediately started thinking of healthcare. Then I took 2 different career assessment tests and they both pointed me in that direction too. Every time I start thinking about what I want to do, I always come back to nursing. Soooooo....I start my prereqs at a local community college in few weeks! I am going to be taking 3 classes in the Summer, 3 classes this Fall, and 2 classes this Spring. That, combined with the few credits from my previous college career that transfer, will fulfill the prereq requirements for the community college's ADN program, which I hope to get into Fall 2011 (although, I am considering taking one more class next Summer, just so I can have all the prereqs for entrance into a BSN program at another school fulfilled in case I decide to apply to both)

Anyway, I recently read a thread that a nursing graduate posted about his journey through nursing school and how working in a hospital as a transporter and then in PACU really helped him succeed in nursing school and aided in getting him the job he wanted right out of nursing school. He was able to network with a lot of people in the healthcare field and employers really liked his hard work and willingness to learn exhibited in those hospital jobs.

It really got me thinking....should I try to get a job in a hospital and work while in nursing school? I had shied away from the idea of working while in school because I want to be able to focus on school as much as possible, while still giving the time and attention to my family that they need. My daughter will be going to day care twice a week while I am taking online classes this Summer and I hope that will give me enough time to study and do my coursework. She will continue to go to day care just 2 days a week in the fall, as I am taking A&P I/lab on campus Tues & Thurs and my other 2 courses are online. I will bump it up to 3 days a week if I end up feeling like I am drowning in course work. I am already feeling nervous and guilty about taking time away from my daughter to focus on classes (even though she LOVES our childcare provider). I know that once I start nursing school (provided that I get in....knock on wood!!!) she will have to be in childcare on a more full time basis, but by that time she will be 4 years old and starting pre-school and I won't feel quite as bad about leaving her.

But if getting some sort of part time job in health care would really give me an edge in nursing school and help tremendously in landing a job as a graduate nurse, then I wonder if is worth considering..... Would it be worth the sacrifice?

Thoughts? Stories? Cautions?

TIA :)

[tmarie]

Doh! :smackingfJust realized that I put this in the wrong section. I meant to put in the General Nursing Student Discussions....It would probably get more views and responses from people who have insight/experience with this issue. Is there any way a mod move it for me? :D:D

thx

[klrmom]

I think it all depends on the individual. Nursing school requires a big time commitment and it's hard to get a job that will work around your school schedule. I'm still taking prereqs, in fact really just getting started on prereqs. Right now, I work full time in a call center. It will be next to impossible to work around my current job while in nursing school, but I'm planning to cross that bridge when I come to it. A lot of hospitals will hire nurse externs (paid) after the first (sometimes second) semester of nursing school. Some will also hire you as a CNA even if you haven't taken a CNA course after 1-2 semesters of the nursing program. So, I'm thinking I'll try to save up enough money to get me through my first semester of nursing courses, then try to get on at a hospital part time if possible. You're still doing prereqs... I think right now if staying home with your daughter is what feels right to you, then do it! You can always get a job down the road. There will plenty of time to do that in the future!

[Chris99mu]

***IF**** I get into nursing school, I will be doing 80% school, 20% work. By that I mean, at the CC where I am applying, ns is only 4 days a week - 2 days for class and 2 days for clinical. Since my kids will be in school - 1 in K and the other in FT daycare - I will most likely opt to work that 5th day out of the week. It will cost us about $600/mo for daycare so I need all the extra $$$ I can get! ;(

I currently work at a hospital which will pay for you to go to school. However, their two requirements are that a). you work 1 day every 2 weeks and b). you agree to work for them 2 years post-grad.

So to fulfill a's obligation, I will most likely work that 5th day. Right now, every employee has to work every other weekend. Not sure if that is the case once you are in school. So it might work out that I am working 1 weekday as well as every other weekend. That would be A LOT and I hope that's not the case. But such is life, no?

So long story, longer -- yes I will most likely continue working at the hospital I am now employed by. And even if I don't use their scholarship, I will probably continue to work there just a few days a month, to keep my foot in the door.

Good luck!

[JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN]

Why not see how school is going before you decide to work also. In Fall 2008, I went back to school also. My youngest was starting kindergarten which made things much easier in terms of childcare. I was extremely lucky to get into a cell biology class which was a pre-req for all my A&P courses and micro. My adviser managed to get me on the classes wait-list. When it came time to register for my first A&P class, a computer glitch allowed me to register a half-day earlier than I was supposed to. The class was full by the time my actual registration time came up. Many people could not get into the class. I know many who can't get in now because of the popularity of the nursing program. Those people will need to earn enough credits to get priority registration. Keep a positive attitude but remember plans can change and you'll want to be flexible. Once you settle into classes and good study habits, then think about working to get some experience. In our area, getting your CNA cert and working a day or two a week can work with your class schedule. For me, getting As in all of my classes and spending time with my husband and kids took priority over working a CNA job.

[Eight-31]

I am currently doing exactly what you are talking about. I work full-time for a hospital and am also doing my pre-reqs at a community college. Let me just tell you that it is a million times harder than I thought it would be in the beginning and once I'm in nursing school it is only going to get worse. I have no choice though, if I don't work I don't eat lol

One thing you could consider though is volunteering at a hospital. With volunteering you would be in the environment, still able to network, and get to know that staff and management. At most hospitals you have to go through HR and apply in order to volunteer so they would already have you in the system if you chose to apply there later. An added bonus is that although it would be unpaid, you usually get to set your own hours which you could coordinate between school, your daughter, volunteering, and regular life. If one week you just can't handle it, don't schedule any hours.

I don't know, I did this for a semester a few years back and I loved it! Just a thought.

[ekidsmom]

I'm in a similar boat, so I'm eager to hear what others have to say. I have 3 kids (youngest is 3) and I'm applying to nursing school for 2011 (when she starts kindergarten). I'm going for an ADN and I already have a Bachelor's in another field, so I only need my sciences as prerequisites. I took 2 last year (one per semester) and I'm going to do the same next year. I've been home with my kids for almost 10 years, but I also teach preschool one day a week and keep kids in my home after school. I have been volunteering at the hospital a few hours a week, and I get to sit at the nurses station. It was fun for a while, but the nurses are really to busy to talk, so I'm pretty much just answering the phone. If you go the volunteer route, I would make sure you are working directly with the patients. I think that is the most important aspect.

I am very anxious to get some clinical experience. I have 2 interviews at the hospital tomorrow. One of my interviews is for a nursing assistant position. I think it would help me to be more successful in my nursing coursework and would hopefully help me get a job after I graduate. However, is it worth the time away from my family? I really want to work (just part-time), but I'm struggling with being away from the kids and my husband those extra hours. Some say the clinical experience is key, while others say it is unnecessary since you'll learn it all in school. I know what I want to do, but don't know what I should do.

[Despareux]

If you don't have to work, then perhaps volunteering is the way to go. I volunteer at the hospital in the E.R. I do simple things like clean rooms and bedding, assist with EKG's, transporting patients to various areas, talk to patients, play with the kids, help nurses with whatever they need, assist the patients' guests. Even though I'm not actually doing most of the things I would learn in clinicals, I am observing and taking notes; I'm still learning. There's never any pressure to do anything if you don't feel comfy doing so.

[yisy4u]

[quote=Chris99mu;4304439

I currently work at a hospital which will pay for you to go to school. However, their two requirements are that a). you work 1 day every 2 weeks and b). you agree to work for them 2 years post-grad.

quote]

Hi! do you have to have any certificate or something to work at the hospital?? Sorry for my ignorance..:uhoh3::uhoh3: but I don't have a clue on how this works...I'm starting my pre-requisits this fall and I really need to find a job, if it is in a hospital it'd be great, and if they pay for me to go to school it'd be greater.

Can you explain me how do this work??

Sorry for the trouble and thanks for any answer.

[Strwbrywne]

I was in the same position as you as far as being a stay at home mom and having a 3yo when I started this process. I would first focus on the pre-req's. Sounds like you still have a year to concentrate on those classes, so I wouldn't stress about getting your foot in the door, so to speak.

I followed the same plan as you....I had most of my pre-req's previously completed and only had a handful to take. In my last semester of pre-req's I began thinking about finding part-time employment while attending Nursing School. I also had a 3 yo and was feeling a little guilty about putting her in daycare. If it makes you feel any better, I will let you know somehow it all works itself out. I think I spent more time stressing about what decision I should make!

Anyway, I am finally at the point of applying to Nursing School (I find out if I get a spot in July). I decided to apply to a Phlebotomy Tech program and will be taking it this summer. I will be certified in the Fall after completing a clinical portion. I live in an area with 3 big hospitals that hire weekend PBT to fill morning positions. It will work out that I will not have to work at all through the week while in nursing school fulltime, but can work every other weekend for a few hours and still be exposed to patients and the hospital environment and hopefully develop relationships with the staff.

I think most people will tell you to get a job as a PCA or volunteer. I agree that one of those positions would give the best experience, however, I do have young kids and want to spend time with my family as well. Working as a PBT for a few hours on the weekday mornings, will better fit my needs at this time. Maybe this is something you can look in to??

[Misslady113]

I work as a CNA and am starting my pre reqs this year. I think the biggest advantage for me as a CNA is the shifts. If you work a 9-5 job during school it will be tough. If you work in a hospital or nursing home setting, you can work 7-3, 3-11, or 11-7 shifts. There are more options for you to move your schedule around your classes.

I am going to work the 11-7 shift on the Fri, Sat, and Sun, and go to school during the week. The overnight shift is very relaxing and gives lots of down time for studying. Plus working overnight still allows me time with my children during the day and I can focus on school during the week.

IF you don't have to work at all, then that's the best option. But if you do, a healthcare setting would be a good idea. Not to mention it would let you see the reality of nursing and help you to decide if it's really what you want, rather than going to school for 2-4 years and then realizing that it's not what you expected. Good luck.