Working two jobs

[dousei987]

Just earned my bachelor in nursing but now I need to focus on completing my masters degree. I started out earning my nursing degree, then one of my professors mentioned the master in healthcare administration. I thought it would help me advance in my career so I thought I start early and get the degree ahead of time. I started the program my second year of nursing so I still have one more year before earning my MHA degree. Since I already earned my BSRN degree I plan to work while still attending classes for my last year in the MHA program. After I earn my MHA, I hope to work both jobs.

I was wondering if anyone has or know anyone with any similar experiences or at least worked two different jobs at the same time. I love helping others so I don't want to give up nursing yet. But once I earn the MHA degree I don't want to wait years to have to earn experience in administration. So I was wondering if it is possible to work both jobs, like say a part time nurse and full time in administration.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I've know a few people in "House Supervisor" jobs who worked an occasional staff nurse shift -- but that's about it. The problems arrive if one of the jobs requires "24-hour" accountability and/or a holiday committment. If your administrative job requires that you be available 24/7 ... or for emergencies, holidays, etc. then it can conflict with your other job commitments.

Also, there is the simple "exhaustion factor." It's hard to juggle the needs and expectations of 2 bosses, each of who expects you to be committed to your job with them -- and who may get angry if you say "No" to them to fulfill your obligations to the other.

I work 2 jobs -- full time staff education at a hospital -- and teaching part time at a local university. There if very little conflict between those 2 jobs: so it works. But it is still tiring and occasionally stressful to juggle them.