Summer Nursing School Choices

[eta15]

I am a rising sophomore in a BSN program. I've been working as a file clerk in a clinic for 3 years, and I'm volunteering doing clerical work at a medical non-profit this summer as well. I really want to study abroad, which I can only do in the summers. I'm not sure if employers would rather I had clinical experience during my sophomore and junior summers over studying abroad my sophomore summer and doing clinical work my junior summer. I only ask because a lot of people in my class are already working as techs and CNAs for their freshmen summers, and I only have clerical medical experience, so I feel like I'm behind.

[Katie71275]

Aside from some cultural aspects and volunteer experience(if you do it) Im not sure that studying abroad would really give you more experience.

I would highly recommend working as a tech though...Not only does it give you some experience, it also gets you a foot in the door at that hospital!

[eta15]

I want to study abroad primarily for language immersion plus the cultural reasons. its something i've always wanted to do but i dont know if it would set back my job prospects after graduation. would you advise i spend my next summer working as a tech then?

[pixiestudent2]

I would study abroad for the summer if given the chance. You still have your junior and senior year to work as a tech

[Katie71275]

If you still have 2 more summers to work as a tech, I would study abroad I think..That's a great opportunity!

[♑ Capricorn ♑]

I say go for it. If you're given the opportunity to do that, why wouldn't you take it? You will be taking general education classes still, yes? I wouldn't worry too much about the CNA/tech unless if it is required for nursing school acceptance. In that case, yes, you'll need to get it. But, if its not required don't worry about it. My school didn't require CNA for acceptance. After my first semester of nursing school I'll be able to work as a tech in the hospital. You might be able to do the same. I'd check into that. Good luck.

[Stephalump]

I definitely think you should go abroad! Working as a tech is great, but you still have another summer to do it, and honestly, the best way to open up job opportunities is to KEEP working as a tech. 3 months and then quitting to go back to school isn't as ideal as working there when you're about to graduate and starting to job hunt.

You only live once. After you start your career, odds are you won't be able to take months off to go immerse yourself in another culture. I say...be young and free :)