Work and school...not doing too good :(

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Hi, I'm looking for input from you all regarding coordinating school and work. I am 3 months away from graduation, just took first exam and got a 73...so i'm failing and i've failed a semester already, so failing again is not an option. Adding to that, all the study and graduation requirements are becoming overwhelming. I am used to the amount of hours needed for study; however this semester we have to write extra papers, plus dean's challenge (which ranges from 400-1200 NCLEX questions), graduation meetings, clinical journals, etc. Currently I am working at a hospital as a CNA 32 hrs/week (7a-3p); I thought since I had all evening to study it wouldn't be a problem. However I'm always exhausted, and am having a though time keeping up with assignments!!!! My family has offered to support me financially for the next three months; in return I would quit my job and focus on school full time. Now, I am considering this offer, and I feel they are awesome for having my back. However, do you think it is a good idea to quit the job? Since the job market is difficult at the moment, and the nurse manager who I work for has shown interest in me working as a RN on her floor, would I be burning a bridge? My main goal is graduation, and feel it's in mine and my family best interest to achieve such goal, but I am afraid of loosing a potential employer interest. What should I do? I've been working at this hospital for over a year, i'm afraid they won't rehire me as an RN, but on the other hand what if I don't get to be an RN at all? Please offer you insight :twocents:, it would be much appreciated! I've been working on this degree for 7 years, and don't want to mess it up!

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Is there a way you could just cut back on the amount of hours a week you are working? Even just working 1-2 shifts a week or so might be enough to keep your foot in the door, but allow you more time to study for school. Maybe you could speak to your nurse manager and tell her that you really want to focus on school and graduating right now and see if she would be willing to work with you on the scheduling.

I'm in my second semester of RN school and can't imagine having to work 32 hours a week on top of studying like I do. Kudos to you for hanging in there as long as you have! Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

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Unfortunately I have to work 24 hrs/week (three 8 hrs shifts..no 12's anymore) to be a staff CNA, or I could do pool CNA- which would be 16 hrs/month. However, there's no such positions available. The nurse manager has been very willing to work with my schedule, but I dont know if she would be able to keep me working less than 24hrs/week...

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Right now I work 24 hours a week (and pick up if possible) I work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. That gives me all week to work on paperwork and study. Also since I don't have classes on Saturday and Sunday I have extra time to study or do paperwork then. It stinks because I don't have a social life but like you I graduate in a few months and I'll be able to have a social life then. Hope this helps

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Specializes in Maternity.

i'm not close to graduation yet but this same situation happened to me during fundamentals. i was doing well in the beginning but then received a 73 on my third exam. i had to talk to my manager at the holiday inn who allowed me to become a seasonal employee. i only work during christmas and summer...

now i know that you can't become "seasonal" but you should talk to your nurse manager about what can be done. she might be able to help you out more then you realize, especially if she sees you as a good worker.

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I think you are lucky to have such a supportive family and you should quit your job STAT.

I could not possibly have worked and gone to nursing school at the same time. No way.

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