11 answers
Aidan
Student
Des Moines, Iowa
1
Question
Updated
1861 views
Does having a job in healthcare while going through nursing school lead to burnout?
For some context, I've been a certified EMT for 3 years and I'm in my first semester of nursing school now. I left my EMT job for what I'll call a "tangentially-healthcare- related" job recently to work with my new schedule for nursing school. But I feel like I really don't like this new job. I feel like I'm losing skills, I haven't had a patient contact in a couple months, and I feel like I don't do anything; on top of the stress of working full-time while going to school nearly full-time. Do you think looking at PCT jobs at a hospital or clinic in the meantime is a good idea? I don't want to burn out from school or my job, but I don't think what I'm doing right now is good.
Thank you for your opinions!
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11 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Aiden !
It's great that you have come here for support for this as you have described your situation and it does help to get feedback.
Information about your circumstances have not been provided such as are you in an academic institution, college/University Nursing Program or a technical school for Nursing ? Also, are you already qualified to be a Patient Care Technician at a hospital ? Do you think a PCT job is a low energy job while doing Nursing School at the same time ? It sounds like exhaustion to me.
Right now, there's a tremendous amount to learn and focus on with learning Nursing. You already have insight about possible burn out, so my first advice is to not work in a hospital. I would give your Nursing Program top priority right now - it's a serious career and you need to be "into it" 100%. Healthcare is not about stretching yourself thin. You can either quit your "boring" job if you don't need the money or stay with it as it has the slow pace that you'll need while going to nursing school. You're not exactly going to love every job you have, but you have to coordinate things so you're not tired all the time. You have to do what you ultimately know is best for you.
You said you are attending Nursing school "almost" full time. I am not exactly sure what that means, but if you are at a University or community college for it, you can apply for Financial Aid and get a Work Study job on campus, maybe in the on campus clinic or any department. To receive financial aid, you'd need to be enrolled full time. Having a work study job would allow you to stay on campus and work your hours around your schedule.
If you are attending a technical school for a nursing program, see if they are accredited to offer Federal Student Financial Aid and apply for it and Work Study. If not, obtain a new job and quit your current one once you get a new job. Only you know what you really want to do. You do not have to have a health care job while at the same time going to Nursing School.
Make strong connections with your teachers, professors and staff at your Nursing Department or Nursing Program. Your commitment for this path is crucial and passing the exams, clinicals and credentials is necessary, so you shouldn't overextend yourself. Follow your instincts because I think deep down, you're seeing what you need to do and it's perfectly okay to not work a hectic job right now. Whatever job you take, make sure you're accepting of the job duties and energy needed or not needed for it. Strive for high grades in your nursing courses. It's awesome that you are an EMT, but that is not a Nurse which is your goal, so ask yourself what are the important things right now and how willing are you to set priorities ? College/School is a sacrifice for many people and it's temporary, so make the choices that comfortably fit your circumstances and see how it goes.
I hope that you make a choice that makes you relaxed and happy ! Best wishes !
It's great that you have come here for support for this as you have described your situation and it does help to get feedback.
Information about your circumstances have not been provided such as are you in an academic institution, college/University Nursing Program or a technical school for Nursing ? Also, are you already qualified to be a Patient Care Technician at a hospital ? Do you think a PCT job is a low energy job while doing Nursing School at the same time ? It sounds like exhaustion to me.
Right now, there's a tremendous amount to learn and focus on with learning Nursing. You already have insight about possible burn out, so my first advice is to not work in a hospital. I would give your Nursing Program top priority right now - it's a serious career and you need to be "into it" 100%. Healthcare is not about stretching yourself thin. You can either quit your "boring" job if you don't need the money or stay with it as it has the slow pace that you'll need while going to nursing school. You're not exactly going to love every job you have, but you have to coordinate things so you're not tired all the time. You have to do what you ultimately know is best for you.
You said you are attending Nursing school "almost" full time. I am not exactly sure what that means, but if you are at a University or community college for it, you can apply for Financial Aid and get a Work Study job on campus, maybe in the on campus clinic or any department. To receive financial aid, you'd need to be enrolled full time. Having a work study job would allow you to stay on campus and work your hours around your schedule.
If you are attending a technical school for a nursing program, see if they are accredited to offer Federal Student Financial Aid and apply for it and Work Study. If not, obtain a new job and quit your current one once you get a new job. Only you know what you really want to do. You do not have to have a health care job while at the same time going to Nursing School.
Make strong connections with your teachers, professors and staff at your Nursing Department or Nursing Program. Your commitment for this path is crucial and passing the exams, clinicals and credentials is necessary, so you shouldn't overextend yourself. Follow your instincts because I think deep down, you're seeing what you need to do and it's perfectly okay to not work a hectic job right now. Whatever job you take, make sure you're accepting of the job duties and energy needed or not needed for it. Strive for high grades in your nursing courses. It's awesome that you are an EMT, but that is not a Nurse which is your goal, so ask yourself what are the important things right now and how willing are you to set priorities ? College/School is a sacrifice for many people and it's temporary, so make the choices that comfortably fit your circumstances and see how it goes.
I hope that you make a choice that makes you relaxed and happy ! Best wishes !
Gena Beliveau, MSN, RN
7
Answers
Updated
Gena’s Answer
Aidan,
I went through my ADN program working fulltime during my pre reqs and about 20 hours a week during the program. Having something constructive to do away from studying is beneficial. Hobbies are hard to maintain, because you always feel like you "should be studying" and with work you get experience and money. I would say, as long as you feel rested and can study enough, working as much as you can is helpful. My daughter is in a BSN program and works about 12 hours a week as a pharmacy tech. Congratulations on your next career step and remember, just because you're an EMT, you don't HAVE to work in ER.
Best wishes for your continued success!
Gena Beliveau, MSN, RN
I went through my ADN program working fulltime during my pre reqs and about 20 hours a week during the program. Having something constructive to do away from studying is beneficial. Hobbies are hard to maintain, because you always feel like you "should be studying" and with work you get experience and money. I would say, as long as you feel rested and can study enough, working as much as you can is helpful. My daughter is in a BSN program and works about 12 hours a week as a pharmacy tech. Congratulations on your next career step and remember, just because you're an EMT, you don't HAVE to work in ER.
Best wishes for your continued success!
Gena Beliveau, MSN, RN
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1205
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Aidan,
I want to start by praising your self-awareness and honesty. That kind of awareness makes you stand out in the healthcare business already. You're not only concerned with finishing nursing school; you're also considering how to support yourself throughout that time, which is important.
Likewise, you are completely right that working in the medical field while enrolled in a demanding degree like nursing increases the risk of burnout. Your physical and emotional abilities can be easily exhausted when juggling clinicals, homework, and patient care. But working in a field close to healthcare may also be quite motivating; it helps you remember why you initially picked this line of work and maintains your clinical awareness, feeling new.
A PCT (patient care technician) position seems like a good balance if your current role feels unrelated to patient care. It allows you to stay close to practical work without the uncertainty and high-stress nature of EMT shifts. A lot of nursing students discover that PCT positions better fit their coursework; you'll continue to learn, be actively involved, and gain useful experience in a medical setting.
Balance and boundaries are important. Pick a timetable that allows for both homework and relaxation. The goal is long-term sustainability, not survival mode, so you don't need to overextend yourself just to show your resilience.
It is clear that you have a strong commitment because you are passionate about patient care. Believe it. You will become a more empathetic, grounded nurse later if you take care of yourself today. Nursing is a marathon, not a sprint.
Aidan, remember that you are intentionally improving rather than slipping behind.
Best wishes!
I want to start by praising your self-awareness and honesty. That kind of awareness makes you stand out in the healthcare business already. You're not only concerned with finishing nursing school; you're also considering how to support yourself throughout that time, which is important.
Likewise, you are completely right that working in the medical field while enrolled in a demanding degree like nursing increases the risk of burnout. Your physical and emotional abilities can be easily exhausted when juggling clinicals, homework, and patient care. But working in a field close to healthcare may also be quite motivating; it helps you remember why you initially picked this line of work and maintains your clinical awareness, feeling new.
A PCT (patient care technician) position seems like a good balance if your current role feels unrelated to patient care. It allows you to stay close to practical work without the uncertainty and high-stress nature of EMT shifts. A lot of nursing students discover that PCT positions better fit their coursework; you'll continue to learn, be actively involved, and gain useful experience in a medical setting.
Balance and boundaries are important. Pick a timetable that allows for both homework and relaxation. The goal is long-term sustainability, not survival mode, so you don't need to overextend yourself just to show your resilience.
It is clear that you have a strong commitment because you are passionate about patient care. Believe it. You will become a more empathetic, grounded nurse later if you take care of yourself today. Nursing is a marathon, not a sprint.
Aidan, remember that you are intentionally improving rather than slipping behind.
Best wishes!
Maureen Komperda
Nurse Practitioner
58
Answers
Elmhurst, Illinois
Updated
Maureen’s Answer
Hey Aidan,
I guess my first question is...can you financially live on a part time job while going to school full time? Yes, you can burn out with a full-time work, full-time school situation.
I would recommend a PCT position at a hospital or clinic part-time or full-time depending on what you can afford to do. While in nursing school, I worked nights during weekends in a large Chicago ED. I learned a great deal and I gained skills as the nurses were willing to teach me skills I hadn't learned in nursing school. I then took a position at that very same ED. It was my dream job right out of school. If RCT positions are available, I would choose a specialty you're interested in. You will have direct patient care so that will improve your skills.
I hope this helps Aidan, good luck on your journey.
Maureen
I guess my first question is...can you financially live on a part time job while going to school full time? Yes, you can burn out with a full-time work, full-time school situation.
I would recommend a PCT position at a hospital or clinic part-time or full-time depending on what you can afford to do. While in nursing school, I worked nights during weekends in a large Chicago ED. I learned a great deal and I gained skills as the nurses were willing to teach me skills I hadn't learned in nursing school. I then took a position at that very same ED. It was my dream job right out of school. If RCT positions are available, I would choose a specialty you're interested in. You will have direct patient care so that will improve your skills.
I hope this helps Aidan, good luck on your journey.
Maureen
LaRue Cook
Currently Fitness/Wellness Professional in Private Practice; Former Practicing Attorney; Former Hospital Administrator
4
Answers
Woodbridge, Virginia
Updated
LaRue’s Answer
Taking a position that will give you more patient care experience while at the same time attending nursing school could serve to give you important insight into primary patient care. This could bode well for you in your classroom studies. So long as you're needing/wanting to continue to work while attending school, why not pursue the PCT position if having patient care responsibilities is important to you and your job satisfaction?
Ashley Wallace
Occupational Therapist
5
Answers
Barnum, Minnesota
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
The best thing you can do to prevent burnout is set boundaries for your time and energy, be engaged in meaningful activities outside of school/workand reflect on your values and what about your job and your schooling brings meaning to your life and be mindful of the process. Healthcare workers are at high risk for burnout no matter what, but learning to do these things will help whether you are working in health care right now or not.
Ogochukwu Onyia
Optometrist
1
Answer
Nnewi, Anambra, Nigeria
Updated
Ogochukwu’s Answer
Aidan, it is nice to let out thoughts that weigh you down to ease off. Now it is no news to the world that most health related courses are strenuous and exhausting. It drains one physically and mentally as well, therefore it is important to watch yourself and know how you cope with learning when facing it wholly or haphazardly.
Many persons thrive with working and schooling simultaneously while most persons juggle around with the two. I advice since you've watched yourself and realised that you can't keep up with both, that while at the two one lacks attention, pay utmost attention to learning.
Work waits for you after college. If you take medical courses for granted they do the same to you. I know it might be hard but studying should be of utmost concern to you, Aidan.
Don't burn out, I wish you the best of luck!!
Many persons thrive with working and schooling simultaneously while most persons juggle around with the two. I advice since you've watched yourself and realised that you can't keep up with both, that while at the two one lacks attention, pay utmost attention to learning.
Work waits for you after college. If you take medical courses for granted they do the same to you. I know it might be hard but studying should be of utmost concern to you, Aidan.
Don't burn out, I wish you the best of luck!!
Jami-Lyn Greer
Program Management
3
Answers
Oxford, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jami-Lyn’s Answer
I really admire your dedication to juggling a full-time job while attending school. It shows how committed you are to achieving your long-term goals.
It sounds like you're feeling a bit dissatisfied with your current job, especially since it doesn't seem to align with your career goals. This might be contributing to feelings of burnout. Burnout can happen due to various reasons, like a heavy workload or how we perceive our tasks. If your job felt more connected to your goal of becoming a nurse, it might feel more rewarding.
When you experience burnout, start by taking a deep breath and assessing the situation. Figure out what's causing these feelings. Is it the workload, the type of work, or something else? Once you identify the cause, try to refocus on why you're doing this. Remind yourself of your ultimate goal, which can help shift your energy towards positive outcomes. Look for aspects of your current work that might be useful for your future career.
Also, make self-care a priority. Even just taking five minutes a day to breathe deeply and remind yourself of your goals can make a difference.
Stay focused on your goal. You are on your way to earning your degree.
It sounds like you're feeling a bit dissatisfied with your current job, especially since it doesn't seem to align with your career goals. This might be contributing to feelings of burnout. Burnout can happen due to various reasons, like a heavy workload or how we perceive our tasks. If your job felt more connected to your goal of becoming a nurse, it might feel more rewarding.
When you experience burnout, start by taking a deep breath and assessing the situation. Figure out what's causing these feelings. Is it the workload, the type of work, or something else? Once you identify the cause, try to refocus on why you're doing this. Remind yourself of your ultimate goal, which can help shift your energy towards positive outcomes. Look for aspects of your current work that might be useful for your future career.
Also, make self-care a priority. Even just taking five minutes a day to breathe deeply and remind yourself of your goals can make a difference.
Stay focused on your goal. You are on your way to earning your degree.
Kwame Amin, DMSc, MBA, PA-C
Psychiatry
1
Answer
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Kwame Amin,’s Answer
Hi there most programs will tell you not to work if possible while in school. Risk benefit analysis usually proves this point. Ask a family member to sleep on their couch until your done with school. You can reimburse them once you start making money. The future earnings compared to what you're earning in additionn, to the risk of failing out the program , having bad grades suggesting you are not getting what you need to get from the material doesn't add up.
Kathleen Rezek
Laboratory and compliance
109
Answers
Stanwood, Michigan
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
Great question, great insight.
The point that strikes me is that you don't like what you're doing now. So...how is it relevant to the career path you're on? If it is part of what you want to do, perhaps a reassessment of the career is in order. If not, there are likely other jobs that are more closely related that you might do instead. You are wise to take stock of where you are related to where you're going and ensure a good fit overall.
Best to you!
The point that strikes me is that you don't like what you're doing now. So...how is it relevant to the career path you're on? If it is part of what you want to do, perhaps a reassessment of the career is in order. If not, there are likely other jobs that are more closely related that you might do instead. You are wise to take stock of where you are related to where you're going and ensure a good fit overall.
Best to you!
Althea Duke
Certified wound, ostomy, foot care specialist
9
Answers
Monterey, California
Updated
Althea’s Answer
Hey Aidan,
I can totally understand how you’re feeling — it’s not easy trying to balance work and nursing school at the same time. You’ve already shown a lot of self-awareness by noticing that your current job doesn’t feel fulfilling or aligned. That insight is huge.
Here’s what I’ve seen (and learned myself): burnout doesn’t just come from doing too much — it comes from doing too much of what doesn’t feed you. If your job feels disconnected from patient care or your bigger “why,” it’ll drain you faster than a long clinical shift ever could.
Working as a PCT could be a good move if you can find a schedule that leaves you time to rest and study. It keeps your patient-care instincts sharp, lets you learn how nurses move and think in real time, and gives you that sense of belonging in the environment you’re training for. Just keep your hours light — school is the main priority right now.
You’re already thinking ahead, and that tells me you’ll do just fine. Nursing school is intense, but you’ll get through it one step at a time. You’ve got this — truly. 🌱
— Althea, RN, CWS, SWOC — Wound & Ostomy Care Nurse, CFCN, & former Clinical Instructor
I can totally understand how you’re feeling — it’s not easy trying to balance work and nursing school at the same time. You’ve already shown a lot of self-awareness by noticing that your current job doesn’t feel fulfilling or aligned. That insight is huge.
Here’s what I’ve seen (and learned myself): burnout doesn’t just come from doing too much — it comes from doing too much of what doesn’t feed you. If your job feels disconnected from patient care or your bigger “why,” it’ll drain you faster than a long clinical shift ever could.
Working as a PCT could be a good move if you can find a schedule that leaves you time to rest and study. It keeps your patient-care instincts sharp, lets you learn how nurses move and think in real time, and gives you that sense of belonging in the environment you’re training for. Just keep your hours light — school is the main priority right now.
You’re already thinking ahead, and that tells me you’ll do just fine. Nursing school is intense, but you’ll get through it one step at a time. You’ve got this — truly. 🌱
— Althea, RN, CWS, SWOC — Wound & Ostomy Care Nurse, CFCN, & former Clinical Instructor