Too much on my plate - What would you do?

[PattieTarr]

I want to first state that I'm posting this not only for advice, but because I don't really have anyone in my family or friends in my situation that I can go to, so I rely on information from here (Which has been very useful thus far)

A little backstory,

I am currently in a course to be a C.N.A. I will be finished and certified by the end of December. I am also in school doing my pre reqs for nursing school to start next Fall. I also have 2 jobs, 1 as an aid at a LTC facility that I plan to work at once I am a CNA, and another at a retail store. (which I make more at the retail store soo..) I am also (as of yesterday) volunteering at the local Children's Hospital (which is where I want to be a CNA and an RN at)

My dilema:

I underestimated how much I would need to put into my pre-reqs. I haven't been in college for 3 years (since I recieved my other degree), so I'm a bit out of the loop. Right now I am hovering just about the C line in my Anatomy & Physiology class. I need a B or higher to get those points for nursing school. There are 3 tests left to do in 3 weeks. Tests that need adequate study time.

Currently, I am working retail Saturday and Sundays, sometimes Fridays. I work as an Aid Mon, Wed, and Thurs. and I volunteer Tuesdays. Then I have class each night Mon-Thurs. This leaves VERY little time for basically anything.

I've come to the realization that I MAY have taken on a bit too much. And my thoughts are that being an aid is taking up most time and paying me the least. SO I'm feeling like I should stop doing that until I become a CNA and can switch over to only having that job through school.

What would you do if you were in this situation? I feel like Im over thinking it, but I feel like I need to put school first (especially since Im paying OOP) and the volunteer work as well since that is my starting point for getting to work at that Hospital (I've done research and unless you do your clinicals there, volunteering is the next best way to get in without too much experience)

I hope that this isn't confusing, which it probably is. But I just wanted some advice or words on encouragment from others in this field or have maybe been through it.

Note:

I have to work through school. I am married and we can't live on just her income alone. So I do have to work something. Also, LTC isn't where I want to be, and the opportunity at Children's Hospital was an open door for me.

[mindofmidwifery, ADN]

I would quit at the LTC facility, simple :)

[caliotter3]

In addition to quitting the LTC job, I would give strong consideration to withdrawing from school for the rest of the term to salvage the grades. In most areas, a C or a B grade (GPA less than 3.6 or more) is not going to get one admitted to a nursing program. Since you are paying OOP anyway, you will be footing the bill for this learning curve. A W grade (for good 'cause') gives you the chance to start over for that A, and is easier to live with than a C or worse. Also you didn't start volunteering until yesterday, when you already were aware that you have bitten off more than you can chew. Volunteering can wait until you have a manageable schedule. Apply this advice to the specific circumstances and decide accordingly.

[Honey Clover]

Yes that is too much. Personally, I would put school as your top priority. Without the good grades, it'll be very difficult to get into a nursing program so I recommend you to focus on your schooling first and foremost. Request to take a leave from volunteering or from the LTC facility until you're done with the CNA class and this semester prerequisites. If you're borderline to drop to a C, you need the extra time to study and make sure you'll pass the class with acceptable grade. Just explain to them your situation and try to make a deal with them. We're all humans; maybe they will consider taking you back once you've finish the CNA course.

[PattieTarr]

Thank you all for answering!

The volunteering was started yesterday, but had already been planned into things at the beginning of the semester. I had already known about it.

I have decided to take a few weeks off from the LTC, so that I can focus on school.

School is my number 1 priority right now.

At my school, it's points based. A will obviously get you the most points, and B gets half of that (A=500, B=250, C=0) I currently have a C in the class, but with our online work and the last 3 tests, I can bring it up to a B, if I study well and focus.

Again thank you all for the advice. I really appreciate it!

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

You might find that a B is not good enough when it comes time to apply to your nursing program. You need to make sure you do as well as possible in ALL of your other pre-reqs and any admittance exam you may have to take. Good luck!