BA Psych - Need a job while in nursing school

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I have my bachelor's degree in psychology and recently graduated with my BSN. I am studying for my boards, but need to find a new job. What are the options for someone who has my education but doesn't have their license yet? Are my only options CNA, nursing assistant until I pass the NCLEX? Also, what are some options if I did not want to work in a hospital after I get my license? Thank you for taking the time to answer my question!

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Dear Needs a Job,

In the job market, you are on par with many Bachelor's degree holders- it meets the qualifications of many jobs where the employer is looking for a Bachelor's level of education. But you are not prepared for any specific job, if that is what you are asking.

Getting a job as a CNA is always a good option for someone in nursing. If you just need a quick source of income for a short time, you could consider waitressing.

Once you pass your NCLEX, there are nursing jobs available to you outside of the hospital setting. They include LTC, clinic settings, school nursing, and much more.

Don't delay your testing for too long. You are probably more prepared for the NCLEX than you realize. Best to move on it. Good luck.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

Not sure how it works in other states, but here in WI you can work as a GN [graduate nurse] pending boards. The only real downfall is if you fail the NCLEX you can no longer practice as a GN, so employers may be wary of hiring somebody that may or may not be able to continue working depending on NCLEX results.

My employer has hired a few graduate nurses, but all of them were already employed with us as either a CNA or LPN so they could continue to work in that capacity if the worst case scenario happened and the NCLEX was failed.

[debi49]

Psych tech or mental health worker in a group home or residential psychiatric facility...There are a billion jobs of this type where I live. But if you are going to move on in a month or two when you pass boards, tis the season for seasonal work.

[karrikon]

I was a psych tech with a BA in psych while I was in nursing school. Depending on where you live, you may not have to have a CNA. I enjoyed it!