What did I get myself into this time? (Long Read)

Published

Specializes in Emergency.

Why I'm telling you this story? I don't know. I guess I just need to "vent". Maybe I'm just looking for some reassuring comments. Either way, you can't get back the minutes of your life you wasted reading this if you don't end up liking my story. :p

So, I'm a nursing student halfway through a two year program who has 21 week long semesters. Lecture every Thurs and 12 hours clinical every Saturday or Sunday. I'm a RN program tutor for the lower classes at the college I attend and I work at a local hospital as a Radiology Transporter part time. It's a brainless yet sweet gig. Though I do nothing but push people around for 8 hours a day, I've managed to network like crazy, it's fully benefited and I'm in charge of scheduling. What's there not to like? Cake.

Hiring for new grads around my neck of the woods is pretty bleak. 1) I'll be graduating as an ADN and going up against BSNs. 2) There are on average 600 applicants for every new grad position available in the area. I recently spoke with a friend who just graduated NS and landed a gig as a ED nurse at a local Trauma hospital. He said there were over 1200 applicants for two new grad spots (one of which he filled). So here I am trying to figure out how to get a leg up when I finally graduate. Lately, I've been thinking about getting a CNA job on the floor I'd eventually like to work on when I graduate. You know, work on the floor and schmooze with the manager and blow their socks off as an employee; all the while getting tons of floor experience working directly with these individuals I aspire to be.

Last week, I was on the floor of our Med-Tele unit (a step down stroke unit). Just for fun I asked the charge nurse if they were hiring for CNAs. She said "I think so, but you'll have to talk to the manager because I don't know what she's filled so far." Fair enough. I thought to myself that I would just ask her later in the day as she's been flying around crazy busy. An hour later I'm back on the floor and the manager approaches me and says "So I hear you're looking for a job? We've done a ton of interviews last week but since I heard you were interested, I thought I would ask you.... It's full time, 3 days a week as 12 hour days." Holy Moley....

I applied, interviewed and they literally just offered me the position.

I know this would be an awesome step for me but man am I nervous. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone and into change. My biggest fear is working a full time job while doing the Nursing student thing. I know I need to suck it up as there are students working full time, raising children alone and passing nursing school. I don't have a drop in the bucket compared to these individuals. My hat's off to them.

Grab life by the horns right? Ready or not, change here I come! :eek:

/end rant.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Infusion.

You are fortunate to have a fixed schedule for nursing school. It sounds like it could be doable. I doubt you will have any trouble after nursing school getting your first RN job, whether there are 500 or 1000 applicants. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Go for it! When Gods lays a new path so clearly before you, just walk it! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Get in there and make those awesome connections.. That first hand experience you will be getting is so valuable and may not hinder your grades as much as you think but actually boost them!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.
You are fortunate to have a fixed schedule for nursing school. It sounds like it could be doable. I doubt you will have any trouble after nursing school getting your first RN job, whether there are 500 or 1000 applicants. Good luck.

Well, it's mostly a fixed schedule. There's changes here and there but I made sure that my new manager was accommodating about it. So far things are looking that way! Thanks for the vote of confidence!

Go for it! When Gods lays a new path so clearly before you, just walk it! :)

You know whats funny: I don't exactly consider myself very "religious" by many standards, but this idea you just mentioned has been my driving force these last few days. This fell in my lap, so I'm going for it and just praying this is meant to be and I can pull it off!

Get in there and make those awesome connections.. That first hand experience you will be getting is so valuable and may not hinder your grades as much as you think but actually boost them!

Oh, I hope you're right about this one! That which doesn't kill me makes me stronger right?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I totally understand where you are coming from because I am potentially in a similar situation (crazy work schedule and school). My situation is not set in stone, but I have been mentally gearing myself up for it by telling myself that it will only be for one year, and the payoff will be transitioning into an RN job. Right now you are giving yourself a huge advantage towards your future career as an RN because not only is your foot already in the door, you will already be trained in the way your hospital does everything. And think of it this way: if you didn't take this opportunity, someone else might be sucking it up to take it for you! Just keep your eye on the prize.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Whoa! We share a very similar story! I'm only done with my first semester of an ADN program, and I decided to apply for a CNA job at one of the best hospitals in the area, seriously not thinking I would have a chance. Somehow...I got hired! Mine are fixed shifts as well, except they are 7pm to 7am yet only two days a week. Best of luck to you as well, even if we do not end up getting that RN job when we graduate, we still have the experience and connections =)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion