tough choice - school vs work

[gijen]

I just accepted a new job as a corrections nurse at the county jail. During my interview, I fully disclosed that I'm enrolled in an LPN to RN bridge program and may have some scheduling conflicts on occasion (I only have clinicals one day a week, and the position I accepted is for nights). I was told it wasn't a big deal and they would work with me.

Today I had my second day of orientation at the jail, and they JUST NOW told me I'd be working the day shift for the first 4 weeks for orientation to the floor. I mentioned that I'd have to work around my clinical schedule was told that would be a problem and that if they made exceptions for me, they'd have to make them for everyone.

I was given the impression that this would not be an issue, but now it is? It was left at "you'll have to do some real soul searching..." as in choose between my one day of school a week or full time employment. *****! Why would they tell me it wouldn't be a problem if that's not the case? What should I do? I'm not willing to give up my seat in the RN program (it's been a long road getting here!), but I also need the money and would love the experience from the jail. I'm feeling really mislead and thrown under the bus over this. Any advice?

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

School first, hands down, imo.

They told you one thing to get you in the door- and are already changing their tune (they needed to be clear about orientation when they gave the job offer). Who knows what they pull next.... run.

[prettyinblu]

School comes first! Becoming an RN will open better career paths for you. This is just my opinion and I was put in this same spot a couple of months ago and I made the decison that the RN was my goal. I hope this helps, its worth the fight

[canigraduate]

They're showing you who they are. Believe them this first time, and run before they show you some more.

[Jules A, MSN]

I would be firm and document it all in writing including their initial offer. They said they would work with you. If they want a great overnight LPN who will soon be a RN on their staff they will have to make an exception, it happens all the time, and if they don't "bye-bye".

Please keep us posted and good luck.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

I would be firm and document it all in writing including their initial offer. They said they would work with you. If they want a great overnight LPN who will soon be a RN on their staff they will have to make an exception, it happens all the time, and if they don't "bye-bye".

Please keep us posted and good luck.

Orientation schedules have always been pretty set in stone unless I was the only one orienting, and the classroom part (required fire, back safety, etc) was done..... jme

[mediatix8]

In this economy, I think it's important to consider the fact that it's harder to get a job than it is to get into a school program. You could alsways go back to school after you get some experience. Are jobs hard to come by in your area? Have you heard of many RN's who have graduated from your program finding jobs? Could something be worked out with school where perhaps you could skip a semester, claiming financial difficulty... and by then you'd be on your night shift schedule at work?

[LTV950rn]

They knew what they were doing when they offered you a job. I agree with the other posters-if they can't honor their promise now, who knows what they would pull later on down the road.

[gijen]

Thanks for the input, everyone. One of the biggest factors here is money. I live in Orlando (we have an unbelievably high unemployment rate) and this position is for the county (excellent benefits, decent pay). I have three kids, a mortgage and an underemployed husband. GRRRRRR. I was really hoping this would go better than it is ...

[Jules A, MSN]

Orientation schedules have always been pretty set in stone unless I was the only one orienting, and the classroom part (required fire, back safety, etc) was done..... jme

That hasn't been the case at more than one place where I have worked. I have seen people do 3 days of the week filling out paperwork, HIPAA stuff etc. and then sit in with the next orientation group for the last 2 days as well as one nurse getting a package to take home and complete because they wanted her to start work and she couldn't attend a secheduled group orientation. Not saying they will make an exception just that I have seen it happen and if the OP can afford to force their hand they might be willing to make accomodations.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

Thanks for the input, everyone. One of the biggest factors here is money. I live in Orlando (we have an unbelievably high unemployment rate) and this position is for the county (excellent benefits, decent pay). I have three kids, a mortgage and an underemployed husband. GRRRRRR. I was really hoping this would go better than it is ...

Push comes to shove, it's appears the choice is clear.

But...see if there is someone else you can appeal to regarding your orientation hours.

Can you talk to the school and see if perhaps you could delay entry for one term; or is there any way to get into another clinical group on a different day?

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

Class room orientation can suck at times, especially during school. I have been and still in a situation like yours. I'm in the process of job hunting and I'm a RN student. I can't go to a mon-fri class room orientation. Bottom line is school comes first. You may have to somewhere that does not require a lengthy orientation that is during the week.

I recently had to turn down a position because I couldn't make one of the training days due to school. It is not easy but the pay off will be worth it in the end. Good luck with this tough decision.