working and being a graduate student..help!

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Hi all,

Just to give a little background.. I am a mom to 2 beautiful children, I have been a RN for 7 years (4-5 years of it as a Peds ICU nurse) and currently work as a school nurse full time while attending a FNP program part time.

here's my dilemma... I was taking one course at a time for my FNP program since I have my plate full with 2 kids (one does dance and it has a pretty demanding schedule) and I am constantly taking my mom to the doctor for her appointments due to her diabetes and other GI issues. Even taking that one course takes a tremendous toll on me and it leaves with me with terrible coping habits in addition to just not being a nice mommy because i am so tired and burnt out. I have done this for 2-3 years now and i am DONE. my plan was to quit my school nurse job next year and finish by dec 2018, but turns out due to course requirements I am looking to graduate may 2019. Financially, this is stressing me out.. I think we could make it work, but it would be really tough. so.. should I suck it up one more year, work AND take an ADDITIONAL course (i need to in order to graduate by may 19 otherwise at my current pace, I'll graduate 2021) or should I quit and deal with the financial tightness and graduate.. OR should I try to find a per diem job?

Thanks in advance for your advice! =)

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

You know the perfect job for you? Peds home care. One patient at a time, fair amounts of down time (depending on the case) and if you are per diem- you have COMPLETE control over your schedule. I did my RN-to-BSN and my MSN largely while working an overnight peds vent case. (With parents complete permission and understanding as I was in the same room with baby at all times)

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meanmaryjean, I have tried peds home care and it is not for me. I truly commend those who can do it.

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