Jobs before applying to nursing school

[onelovefob]

I currently hold a bachelors of science in a non-nursing field, and will be applying to masters entry programs. I would like to get a part time job that would show the admissions committees that I have some experience in a nursing type setting so that it further supports that I'm confident in my career change decision.

I was looking at positions that didn't require any certifications like "health technician", "patient care technician", "behavioral health technician", etc. and are in a hospital setting so that I can see what nurses do. I was also considering getting my CNA, but it costs ~$900 to get certified and I don't feel like that's the most cost efficient route.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Thank you!

[Cherokeegirl08]

Is there a specific reason you are getting a masters instead of a BSN or ADN?

[hooliebug, BSN, RN]

I'm not sure many jobs like what you're describing exist; however, I get emails from school constantly about volunteer opportunities in hospice/long term/acute care facilities. I imagine these volunteer positions don't involve much direct patient care since you wouldn't be certified to do anything but it may at least show admissions people that you've got empathy and want to get involved in the field.

Same question as Cherokeegirl08, though. What program are you applying to that allows you to bypass a BSN or ADN program?

[onelovefob]

My ultimate goal is to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I know that if I go the accelerated masters route, upon graduating and passing the NCLEX, I'll still need to work entry level RN positions for at least a year or two before I can apply to post-masters NP programs and/or DNP programs.

I have exhausted my financial aid funding for undergraduate education. I have funding available for graduate level education. That's the primary reason for me pursing a masters over an accelerated BSN or ADN.

[onelovefob]

Is there a specific reason you are getting a masters instead of a BSN or ADN?

My ultimate goal is to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I know that if I go the accelerated masters route, upon graduating and passing the NCLEX, I'll still need to work entry level RN positions for at least a year or two before I can apply to post-masters NP programs and/or DNP programs.

I have exhausted my financial aid funding for undergraduate education. I have funding available for graduate level education. That's the primary reason for me pursing a masters over an accelerated BSN or ADN.

[onelovefob]

I'm not sure many jobs like what you're describing exist; however, I get emails from school constantly about volunteer opportunities in hospice/long term/acute care facilities. I imagine these volunteer positions don't involve much direct patient care since you wouldn't be certified to do anything but it may at least show admissions people that you've got empathy and want to get involved in the field.

Same question as Cherokeegirl08, though. What program are you applying to that allows you to bypass a BSN or ADN program?

Thank you! I just looked into a couple different Chicago hospitals that offer volunteer positions in hospice floors where you assist the CNA's. I plan to do that :)

My ultimate goal is to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I know that if I go the accelerated masters route, upon graduating and passing the NCLEX, I'll still need to work entry level RN positions for at least a year or two before I can apply to post-masters NP programs and/or DNP programs.

I have exhausted my financial aid funding for undergraduate education. I have funding available for graduate level education. That's the primary reason for me pursing a masters over an accelerated BSN or ADN.

Theres a handful of accelerated masters program in the area I live. I'll be applying to the following: University of Illinois at Chicago (Graduate Entry Master of Science Program), Marquette University (Master of Science in Nursing Direct Entry), DePaul University (Master Entry to Nursing Practice), and Rush University (Masters Entry in Nursing).

[rock hopper]

EMT? I'm considering getting my EMT-B this Fall before starting nursing school in the Spring. My nursing school is hella easy the first semester (basically all classes i have already taken at uni) so I figure that I could work a bit to pay rent.