Working and going to school

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

Is anyone working as a CNA or PCT while taking their pre-reqs? Are you part time of full time? Do you plan on continuing with work when you get into any nursing program?

I just moved from out of state and am in the process of acquiring two different (part time) PCT positions. I know I'd be able to handle it now and probably next semester but want to hear others' takes on their plans.

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Specializes in CMSRN.

I worked 36 hours PRN weekends as a tech during nursing school, and I don't regret a second of it. It actually structured me, made me utilize every second of my time, AND gave me valuable application to what I was studying, as I was constantly interacting with patients.

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I am also trying to figure that out. I've saved a great deal of money for nursing school however, the thought of using all of my savings is unsettling. I signed up for a 5 week CNA course yesterday and I'm wondering if I should back out. I have several thing I need to purchase to prepare for nursing school so I'm not sure if the $900 course is worth it. I want to gain experience while in the program but I also don't want to work two 12 hour shifts a week to only to make between $10-$12 an hour. I could work half the time as a waitress and make double the money. Just unsure of what to do.

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Specializes in Dialysis.
but I also don't want to work two 12 hour shifts a week to only to make between $10-$12 an hour. I could work half the time as a waitress and make double the money.

But being a waitress won't get your foot in the door as far as jobs go. Nowadays, its who you know, and every contact and every work experience count in this tight new grad market

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You're absolutely right, which is why I considered the idea. I am from Texas and upon doing research for job openings I mostly found "techs" as the positions available. I didn't see any "CNA" positions available in the hospitals which is where I would prefer to be. I suppose I want to know if becoming certified would be beneficial while going to school if I do not wish to be in a LTC facility.

And thank you for your opinion, it's appreciated :)

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.
I am also trying to figure that out. I've saved a great deal of money for nursing school however, the thought of using all of my savings is unsettling. I signed up for a 5 week CNA course yesterday and I'm wondering if I should back out. I have several thing I need to purchase to prepare for nursing school so I'm not sure if the $900 course is worth it. I want to gain experience while in the program but I also don't want to work two 12 hour shifts a week to only to make between $10-$12 an hour. I could work half the time as a waitress and make double the money. Just unsure of what to do.

Agreeing with RNinIN. I'm thinking of accepting two different positions with two different hospitals just to get my foot in the door and pretty much get me a guaranteed nursing job once I'm done with school. Waitressing is good because it helps with customer service and social skills as well as multitasking but it won't compare to actual patient care experience.

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.
I worked 36 hours PRN weekends as a tech during nursing school, and I don't regret a second of it. It actually structured me, made me utilize every second of my time, AND gave me valuable application to what I was studying, as I was constantly interacting with patients.

Thank you for telling me this. I am mainly worried about whether full time tech work is possible while going to school. It makes sense that it would help with time management and organization skills,

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.
You're absolutely right, which is why I considered the idea. I am from Texas and upon doing research for job openings I mostly found "techs" as the positions available. I didn't see any "CNA" positions available in the hospitals which is where I would prefer to be. I suppose I want to know if becoming certified would be beneficial while going to school if I do not wish to be in a LTC facility.

And thank you for your opinion, it's appreciated :)

If you're a CNA, where I'm from, you're more competitive as a hospital applicant. They train you to be a tech.

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I worked four 8 hour shifts as a PCT at a hospital (when 8 hour shifts were still common) when I was going to LPN school. I worked 40 hours a week as an LPN when doing my pre-requisites for my RN program years ago. Now that I'm returning to complete the program I'm juggling a family with a young child so I work two twelve hour shifts on the weekend as an LPN while I'm doing the actual RN nursing program. It's definitely possible to do a job in healthcare and also do well in school. You will also meet people and make connections that may help you get a foot in the door for an interview once you have your license.

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Hi, I am done with all of my PRE-REQs but didn't get into the program in 2012 so I did Phlebotomy instead. I am now working towards the MA degree but can only manage one class at a time. I am a single mom and work night shift in a hospital. I want to be a nurse so bad but I don't know how I can go full time, so I keep doing these smaller steps towards the big one I really want to do. I don't have the option of doing 12hr shifts so I work 6 days one week and 4 the other. Its a rough road. My goal is to hopefully finish this MA by Jan 2017 and get a full time day job where I can go to school, but I am wondering if I am going about things the right way ? I just don't know!

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I worked full time as a nurse assistant in a hospital while doing pre-reqs and will continue when I start the RN program in January. Two of my coworkers worked full time as techs in the ER while attending school and another one is about to start in January. Working sucks but I have kids, bills, health insurance and a husband out on disability so I don't have a choice. It's absolutely doable!!!!

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.
Hi, I am done with all of my PRE-REQs but didn't get into the program in 2012 so I did Phlebotomy instead. I am now working towards the MA degree but can only manage one class at a time. I am a single mom and work night shift in a hospital. I want to be a nurse so bad but I don't know how I can go full time, so I keep doing these smaller steps towards the big one I really want to do. I don't have the option of doing 12hr shifts so I work 6 days one week and 4 the other. Its a rough road. My goal is to hopefully finish this MA by Jan 2017 and get a full time day job where I can go to school, but I am wondering if I am going about things the right way ? I just don't know!

Medical assisting isn't going to take you any steps toward nursing...why don't you just work on getting into nursing school? You can do a CNA class and be a tech in a hospital while going to nursing school

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