What kind of a job did you have while in nursing school?

TeflonNurse · Jun 27, 2014

I worked full time throughout nursing school; as an aide for the first year, night shift, 40 hours/week. Then worked as an aide at a hospital the second year: 3 12hour shifts. No one to support but myself. Saved all PTO for clinical days, exam days, and mandatory seminars we had to attend.

Thankfully the schedule just worked out at the nsg home and my Unit manager followed through on her promise to work around school that last year. I felt incredibly lucky!

doodlebuttRN · Jul 4, 2014

I have heard nursing school described as "academic boot camp" and it sure was for me.

I waited tables 5 evenings a week and on Sundays from 8 am to close (11pm). Thankfully I was just out of high school, and lived with my parents. No kids, no husband (at the time), but I just about killed myself stressing to get all A's (you know the type :-) and graduated with a. 3.8. But it was not worth it. I could have gotten all Bs and been a lot happier.... And less stressed, probably done better in clinically, etc for having less stress. But at least I didn't have to support a family, as many of my colleagues did. One of my classmates delivered her baby on a Friday and was back in class Monday. We do what we have to to survive

laKrugRN · Jul 4, 2014

I was a CNA until my boss was just asking way too much out of me. I soon became a cashier at a local grocery store. Better hours and I actually made good money! When it was dead in the store, I studied! :)

christina731 · Jul 4, 2014

I'm not a nurse yet (I will be in December though!) but I'll still chime in. I've been working as a pharmacy tech throughout school. During the semesters I only work limited hours depending on my exam schedule. Some weeks are 15-20 hours and others are none. During summer and winter breaks I work full time. I worked 2 full time jobs during prerequisites so I was able to save up enough to not have to work much and live on a very tight budget. I pretty much only work the limited hours to have some spending money and to keep my status as an employee to get benefits. I don't use any financial aid (loans/scholarships/grants) to pay for school either. I'm lucky that they are very flexible with my shifts and I won't have any gaps in employment on my resume when it's time to hunt for a job.