Work/School Balance??

Finding the Right Work/School Balance

I’m trying to figure out which job to take that will offer the best flexibility while I pursue nursing school. Here are my options:

Option 1: Psych Tech
– 8-hour shifts, 5 days a week, overnight.
– Directly related to my goal of becoming a psych nurse.

Option 2: CVICU Tech
– 12-hour shifts, 3-4 days a week, overnight.
– Provides more medical experience, which is valuable for nursing school.

Both positions come with tuition reimbursement contracts. What would you suggest? Should I prioritize my interest in psychiatric nursing or the broader medical experience from the CVICU role?

One Reply to “Work/School Balance??”

  1. It sounds like you’re in a great position with two solid job offers! Balancing work and nursing school is crucial, especially since you want to succeed in both areas. Here are a few points to consider for each option:

    OPTION 1: Psych Tech (8h 5d overnight)
    Flexibility: Working five days a week could limit your time for classes and studying. However, the shift length is manageable and may allow for a routine that you can adapt to.
    Relevance: Since you want to become a psych nurse, this job will provide you with direct experience in the field and help you build skills related to your future career.
    Burnout Risk: Overnight shifts can be taxing, especially if you’re also studying. Consider how you handle shift work and if you can manage the potential sleep disruptions with school demands.

    OPTION 2: CVICU Tech (12h 3-4d overnight)
    Flexibility: With fewer days at work, you may have larger chunks of time off, which could be beneficial for studying or attending classes. This could provide a better balance if you can manage the long shifts.
    Experience: Working in the CVICU will give you a broader medical background, which is extremely valuable in nursing school and could make you a more versatile nurse.
    Fatigue Factor: 12-hour shifts can be exhausting, especially overnight. Make sure you’re comfortable with the demands of this role while balancing school.

    Ultimately, think about your priorities:
    – If being a psych nurse is your passion and you want relevant experience, the psych tech job might be the best fit, despite the potential challenges with balancing classwork.
    – If gaining a broader medical experience is more important to you right now, and you feel confident managing longer shifts, the CVICU tech position could be advantageous.

    Consider how each job complements your schedule, not just in terms of hours, but also in your capacity to study and perform well in school. Good luck with your decision!

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