Work, classes and clinicals? How to do it all....

[lannisz]

Hi all, I need some advice. I am in my 2nd year of an FNP program and so the clinical time has really increased. I currently work full time nights (3 12's and only on the weekends.) I am really beginning to feel the strain of "doing it all". I work Friday Sat and Sunday nights, have classes all day Tues and Weds and clinicals on Thursdays and some Fridays. Then back to work Friday night. I feel that the only time I have "off" is actually time I need to be sleeping. I feel barely awake to study. Most nights at work are way to busy to even try to sneak in some studying. I'm struggling and my family is complaining because they never see me. (I miss them too). I have asked to reduce to two weekend night shifts instead of three, but my manager says we are too short of staff and she can't let me do it. My husband tells me to quit if they can't be flexible with school which is first priority. I'm sure some of you have had to try to find creative ways to manage all your responsibilities...would you please share your ideas? Thanks!

[Spacklehead, MSN, NP]

I work a weekend-option program - only two 12-hour nights; plus, I go to school part-time. I just started clinical so I have a 4-hour class one night and I do a 6-hour clinical day/week. Next semester will be the same, except with more clinical time - probably twice/week. I chose to do my FNP program part-time so when I only took lecture classes - I had two/week. Now I only have one course/semester with clinicals. It seems to be dragging on, but for me it is the only doable option so that I still have somewhat of a life.

[Squaw]

If you can afford to quit, why not? Why try to juggle it all? If you can not afford it, then I would look at transferring somewhere within your hospital or system or to another employer.

Good Luck!

[mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP]

Is there anyway to cut back on your hours at work? Can you work part time or better yet PRN? You could pick up extra shifts on the weeks you are "freeer" with school and then when (if) you get vacations, etc.....

[lannisz]

I would love to do that.....I asked my manager if I could reduce to part time and she said "No - we are too short staffed"...I realize that and I don't want to "abandon" them, just cut back. I feel like I'm being told I have to work fulltime or nothing. Unfortunately, I may have to quit if they can't be flexible and let me cut back to 1 shift a week!

[mtngrl, ASN, RN]

If you can afford it, quit. You might have to be thrifty for a while but all that work will wreak havoc on your body eventually. And if you can afford to quit, maybe when you talk to your manager she will realize you mean business and might let you work just a few shifts. If they are so short staffed I would think they would take what they can get over you leaving entirely.

[Lisa CCU RN, RN]

I agree with mtngrl. I remember havinga non nursing job where I wanted to work 40 hours and they were only giving me thirty. I went to the manager and told them I was giving my notice because I needed more hours.

The next day, I was scheduled forty. Maybe the reverse will work for you if you threaten to leave.

[carachel2]

I work "very" part-time and take one or two classes at a time. When the class has a lot of clinicals, I try to take just one at a time. When I was younger and had no family I would have gone all out. Life is short, DD will never be a 2nd grader again. I would rather spread out my program and enjoy LIFE than finish in a hurry and realize I missed two years.

[katienj]

I know how you feel. I did that schedule for school and work for two years. It was rough, but manageable. If I could, I would have cut back on my days at work, but I could not afford to do so. I worked 3-12 hour day shifts a week and attended school the other days. I went for 4 months without a day off and than a break came from school.

If you are that stressed, tell them you are cutting back to part time, don't ask them. How much longer until you graduate?

[samaletta]

My summer semester (it was the 1st semester of the "2nd year") was a concentrated 6 week semester. There were 48 students to start in this summer class, but by the end there were only 25. It was a very hard and condensed semester. I feel that semester basically weeded out some of the students who didn't have their whole heart into it AND I believe that we lost a few people who were attempting to juggle work, school, clinicals, kids, and family. Nursing school is so intense....which I am sure u already know. But you defff need to give something up for it. Whatever USED to be your number 1 in life needs to move to number 2, because nursing school has to come first. You really have to change your life. Thats the way it is for me anyways. When I got to my second to last semester I really decreased my hours. I work PRN and work the min 16 hrs a month. You totally have to give something up. Don't put yourself through trying to do it all.....it is too much!!!!! If u can afford to quit...then by golly QUIT!!!!! You will be able to make it up to your family back when u graduate by making more money.

Hope everything works out for you!!!

Samaletta

[nursesaideBen]

I would just lay your cards on the table with your NM if she can't accomidate your schedule than she can just do without you PERIOD! No job is worth sabotoging your education and future over. I hope you'll be able to get the sleep, rest, and time with your family that you deserve.

[pepsihla]

Tell them you are going to work 2 days a week, and they will have to accomodate you. If they don't, then find another place of employment that will. The managment should encourage education, not hinder it. You are in control of your career, not your managers, supervisors and so forth.