Which job should I take while in nursing school?

[Ariana214]

So I am starting nursing school at the end of August. I am currently working for a big hospital in an outpatient clinic as a Medical Assistant. My nursing program is a full time day program so I have been interviewing for inpatient positions within the hospital to work nights/evenings/weekends, remain employed and have some income coming in. I plan to only work 24 hrs during school. I want to stay employed with the hospital as job prospects will be better once I graduate. I received two job offers today and am struggling to decide which one is better for me while being in school. The hospital is an hour away from where I live also so this is a big factor in my decision-making process. Both jobs are "patient care associate" positions which is pretty much the hospital's version of a CNA.

Job # 1 is in the Pediatrics department; 24 hr position, meaning three 8 hr day/evening shifts, usually a 3-11 or a 7-3.

Job # 2 is in the Adult Oncology department, 24 hr position, meaning two 12 hr NIGHT shifts, 7p-7a

I have never worked nights before but imagine it would interfere less with my school schedule and I could bring my school work to work with me as it tends to be much slower. I would also be able to get my daughter settled with the sitter before I went to work and it would allow me a day or two to just sleep and study. Also having to travel an hour away for work only twice a week as opposed to three times per week seems more appealing. On the other hand, one of the nurses I work with used to do nights and she told me it is EXHAUSTING and may not be the best for someone in school.

The three-8 hr shift job is in pediatrics, and I want to be a Pediatric nurse. This would be a career move but I am worried that three days a week might be a lot. The unit it willing to work around my school schedule but I have my doubts. I am SOOOOO confused and I have to accept an offer by Wednesday. Any insight?????????

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

I would take the Peds position if that's ultimately the area you're intending to specialize in and they've voiced that they're willing to work around your schedule.

[IGOTMYBSN28]

Not trying to be funny or anything, but what about Cracker Barrel? It is good paying gig that you could do around your school schedule. You'll have plenty of time to work in a hospital once you graduate.

[Gaylordfocker1]

Two 12s will be easier with school, that extra day makes a big difference. Plus that's time saved on commuting too. It's not impossible to get into peds after you graduate so I personally would take the oncology position. Best of luck

[mindofmidwifery, ADN]

Personally, I would go with the adult oncology unit because I like 12 hour shifts and I also like night shift. Also, if I had to drive an hour to and from I would go with 12 hour shifts. BUT, if my goal were to be a peds nurse (like you) I would lean more towards the pediatric position so that I'd have a better chance of getting an RN job on that unit as well as experience in that area.

[bgxyrnf, MSN, RN]

The job is likely to provide you a foot in the door. If you really want to be a peds nurse, take the peds job and make it work. To me, it's a simple decision.

[gelli.25]

If you want to eventually become a peds nurse, peds would be better for you. However, the night shift would definitely interfere less, but your sleep schedule would be a bit wonky, especially since you've never worked nights. I personally hate nights. I did nights as my 1st nursing job during the night shift- never again. But, some people love nights! I'd probably choose the (3)8 hours shifts.

I worked at a movie theater throughout school (left a year before graduation), my intention was to always leave the area once I graduated - and I did.

[Erythropoiesis]

You shouldn't sacrifice your academic success for a little experience. If you know for a fact you can make this work, then go for it. If not, you take whatever job that's going to pay your bills and get you through school with the least amount of stress. You can worry all about getting hospital jobs after you graduate. No need to break your back over a job right now.

[Xlorgguss]

I would personally go for the 2 12's but I guess I am also biased because I wish I was 12 hour shifts. I currently work 5 8's and even with only having class two days a week it meant I had no free time ever. However the hour drive is a bit far to drive especially after doing a 12 hour shift. Its an hour both ways, right? Just take that into consideration. Night shift does have a tendency to be quieter but if its anything like my hospital they are much more willing to cut someone on nights especially if census is low. Does the oncology unit have a lot of end of life or comfort care? All things to think about,

[Warnert2016]

Crackle barrel is awesome company they work with you with school n shedule my son is taking 16 credit hours and still works only on weekend for himself I would never joke about crackle barrel since they been awesome n he takes his job when he moves to different school

[Zelda, RN]

A one hour commute after a 12 hour night shift is dangerous. I did it for 5 months. I would not recommend it. The number of times I nearly caused an accident falling asleep... Also, working nights your first day off is not a true "day off". You will likely spend most of it in a zombie state, getting no work done.