Work and School...What do you do?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hello Everyone,

I am trying to get a general idea of the types of jobs pre-nursing and nursing students work while in school? I am wanting to cut down my hours from a 45-50 hour a week job to something closer to 35 but I don't know what type of field I should look into that would help keep stress levels down and provide an environment that would be supportive of my being a student. I have two young boys and a husband that also works and this will put a little stress on us financially but this is what will have to be done for me to focus more on my studies. I'm worried that trying to take something like waitress would not provide for my family.

Thank you. We do have a Home Instead company here, I will look into that. Do they pay CNA's better than a Caregiver that isn't a CNA for Hospice type work?

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I don't think that a lot of places would really need heavy "experience" on doing janitorial work. It's not that hard to do, or train. Look it up and see what you can find. Good luck!

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my local cc offers the CNA class for around $350

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

I work as a CNA for a group home. I'm currently working part-time, but there are both full-time and on-call staff at my facility. I like it because the work is relevant to my classes, which keeps me motivated in school, but different enough that it feels like a bit of a break. As the home is run by a small non-profit things are pretty flexible. I have a set scheduled of evening shifts, but can always offer to pick up extra shifts if I want extra hours, and as long as I warn people in advance, taking a shift off during/before finals week to give myself extra time to study has been just fine too.

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Currently, I work PRN in registration at the local hospital. I absolutely love it! After I complete Fundamentals, I plan to switch to the clinical side.

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I was going to take a CNA course near me, especially because the hospitals around here hire CNA s, but the more affordable course does not mesh with child care hours (classes are at night and my husband works nights, one car with no one to watch the girls). But I lucked out, I just started working from home as a billing assistant for a NY biller that works exclusively with homebirth midwives. I set up my classes so that while I am taking pre reqs I only go to school 2 days a week, the rest of my classes are distance education and I work from home. It's taking a lot of self discipline but it's working so far

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I actually don't work right at a company right now, we are a family of five. My husband makes enough to support 2 people even working for the State. We coupon, meal plan, make 99% of our household cleaners. I make and sell homemade laundry detergent.

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Working as a CNA is a great option, however caregiving is also a good option for pre-nursing students. That is what I did for my two prerequisite years and it was nice because I didn't have to go through a CNA program; I just had to be CPR certified which I already was. Of course I can't speak for every assisted living facility or long term care facility out there, but I was fortunate that the company I worked for was 100% willing to work with my school schedule. It is also nice becasue such places are staffed 24/7 so if you have school during the day you could work swing or night shifts.

Another option is becoming a caregiver for someone in their home. I didn't do that but I know that the hours are much more flexible as you and the person you are working for can set your unique schedule.

Caregiving is a good option if you don't want to go through a CNA program but you still want a job that will provide you with some basic nursing experience. Just make sure that the nursing school you are applying to doesn't require you to have your CNA certification, because if it does, than you might as well get your certification now and get a CNA job as the pay is better than a caregiver.

I don't have kids though, so working swing and nights was different for me than for a parent. But I just thought I would put the option out there. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I think I found the ideal nursing school job!! I work as a "facility resource specialist" (ie reception/admission) at a free standing Emergency Room we are open 24/7 I am a PRN so I'm only required to work one 12 hour shift a week but can pick up 2 more if I want (which I have been to pay for books, scrubs and deposit). Full time is three 12 hour shifts per week, but I didn't want to commit to that until I got the hang of my school schedule. They started me at $16/hr, The Dr. and nurses on staff are happy to let me observe procedures, and even help with homework questions and when we are slow (which is often) they don't mind if the employees study and do homework, they encourage it actually!! Many of the employees are students and do our school work to keep us awake and busy! My normal shift is Saturday nights 7pm-7am and I pick up shifts when I need them. I have 2 kids so I like the flexibility to be able around for their school functions and be with them when my husband has to work or go to class. I think this job is ideal for any nursing student. The person who vacated the position that I replaced was a nursing student who graduated and moved on to a nursing job. Not sure where you live, but here in Texas, my company is opening a lot of new facilities so it might be worth it to look. Good luck to you!

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Danilu can you send me some info on your place? I am in texas also I live in Mansfield! I'm sorry it took me so long to see this I didn't get notified that you responded.

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Hi Danilu! Sorry to drudge up an old post, but I would also love some info on your company! I'm in Texas and that does sound like a dream nursing school job! I would be forever grateful if you had some information on where to start- thank you!

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Hi Danilu! Sorry to drudge up an old post, but I would also love some info on your company! I'm in Texas and that does sound like a dream nursing school job! I would be forever grateful if you had some information on where to start- thank you!

Hey girl it's the First Choice Emergency Rooms I've been trying to get into one but haven't had any luck yet.

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