working two jobs at once = nursing student

[Anna180]

Hi everyone, I'm currently having a bit of a dilemma and I'm hoping this forum might help me weigh my choices

I'm currently in my 3rd year of nursing school and applying for two Summer nurse tech jobs at two different hospitals. Both hospitals are my top choices (already applied to some backups), however:

1st choice gives me the most benefits and pay if I get the tech job and can stay in as a new grad nurse. It's a federal hospital, and most nurses I've met with really recommend it as a go-to choice to work at = it's what I really want to have as a future job, but

2nd choice gives me the most experience since it's a great university trauma hospital. As a new grad nurse, I'll be able to come across and develop most of my skills. 

However, if I accept a job as a tech and stay as a new grad in the 2nd choice, after a few years, it'll be extremely hard to find and accept a job offer to get into the first choice to get better benefits, and vice versa...

Now I'm considering just applying for a Summer tech job at the first hospital and asking for a part-time job as a tech in the second during the school year. This way, I could get my foot in both hospitals and have an easier time getting a job for both in the future. Is this a good decision? I know balancing two jobs + nursing school is probably a very bad idea, but if I can keep up with them, it'll help me long-term....

Or should I stick to one hospital and hope for the best? 

Sorry for the long post, but I've been trying to decide for months, and I really need some advice to consider the pros and cons. You guys have the most experience in this, so please help! 

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

You are absolutely correct in thinking two jobs plus nursing school is too much.  Given those two options if I were you I'd accept the federal position. The benefits alone would make that a wise choice. Plus it sounds like it's a difficult place to get into and if you already know you can stay there and transition to the nursing role after school it's just too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Gaining experience there will also look good on a resume so if at any point you decide to look at different options having a federal job under your belt as a new grad will definitely be appealing to other employers including the University trauma hospital you are considering so that can only be seen as a plus to open doors to other opportunities in the future.