where should i work during nursing school?

jennafezz · Apr 30, 2013

hospital hospital hospital hospital. any job to get your foot in the door. there are usually plenty of part time options, like unit secretary, nurse aide, admitting representative, clerk, operator, etc.

gonnaB37nursedoc · Apr 30, 2013

dont hospitals require that you have a CNA license to get those jobs?

i dont have any licenses nor any experience working in a hospital setting.

would hospitals hire you without any experience?

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2013

dont hospitals require that you have a CNA license to get those jobs?
i dont have any licenses nor any experience working in a hospital setting.
would hospitals hire you without any experience?

Nope and with the exception of one state, there is no such thing as a "CNA license." The vast majority of hospitals will allow nursing students to work in a nurses' aide role after they have completed their first clinical rotation.

aloix14 · Apr 30, 2013

Try to find something per diem. I've been working pd as a CNA and it's worked out well because I can write my own schedule around tests, clinical, etc.

Mindylane · Apr 30, 2013

I've been babysitting my way through the last few months :)

cassie77775 · May 1, 2013

I am a Nurse Tech at a local hospital, you have to have completed at least 3 of your nursing classes(after the 2nd Med-Surg). I chose to work where I wanted to be a Nurse(NBN nursery/NICU). But I do think Med-Surg would be a better idea, you get to see more and learn more.

FeliciaPerdew · May 1, 2013

Some hospitals have nurse extern positions. I know for me the nurse extern is considered "special part time". That allows us to take time off from work if our school load is heavy. Last semester I only worked my breaks. This semester I didn't work any, and will go back as soon as this semester is over. As you progress though your school, the job duties change to allow you more hands on experience.

gonnaB37nursedoc · May 2, 2013

I am a Nurse Tech at a local hospital you have to have completed at least 3 of your nursing classes(after the 2nd Med-Surg). I chose to work where I wanted to be a Nurse(NBN nursery/NICU). But I do think Med-Surg would be a better idea, you get to see more and learn more.[/quote']
Thank you for this information.
I would like to work in an ICU while in nusing school to gain more hands on and knowledge. Wondering if i can start in an ICU as a nurse student.

gonnaB37nursedoc · May 2, 2013

Some hospitals have nurse extern positions. I know for me the nurse extern is considered "special part time". That allows us to take time off from work if our school load is heavy. Last semester I only worked my breaks. This semester I didn't work any and will go back as soon as this semester is over. As you progress though your school, the job duties change to allow you more hands on experience.[/quote']
That is actually a great idea! Seems like you can not got to work when the load is great but still have a job when you need! I will definitely look into that. Thanks!!

LifesAJourney · May 2, 2013

You can work as a NT in the ICU. It just depends on whether there is an opening. Those ICU jobs go fast lol. If one is not open, try float pool. With that, you float all throughout the hospital (ICU, med/surg, cardiac, ortho, etc). I have work all position. I started out on med/surg floor as a cna for over a year and switch to float pool for a couple of months afterwards. I left float pool to accept a NT position in our ICU. With ICU, they may require you to take a hospital provided course like cardiac monitoring. You will love it because you will know all sorts of rhythm like the back of your hand!

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 2, 2013

Oh wow, I am so sorry.........these jobs are not common to essentially non existent. There is no nursing shortage....the nursing profession has been as hard hit as all other professions. Most facilities no longer have these programs due to liability issues. You can get hired as CNA or PCT (patient care tech) and get paid the wage afforded to that position (usually $10.00 to $14.00). The $20.00 is probably California.

I have worked in a few states and I will tell you that true nurse extern positions are rare to non existent and many facilities don't care what your student load is....you work when scheduled.

I do not think you are going to find many non licensed positions that pays $17.00/hr and you will most likely not be able to choose your preferred area. I hate to add to the bad news......but, You will have to apply for what is open.

There is a misconception out there about nursing and it just isn't true....not any more.

I wish you the best on your nursing journey