Bartending or Sterile Processing Tech(Nights)

I think it would depend on the school you are at! I know a lot of schools around me prefer students who have worked as CNAs, but it is not necessary to work in the medical field. I looked around at the job descriptions for a sterile processing tech and it looks like it isn't necessarily related to hands-on nursing like a CNA is, so it may not be too important for an application. Bartending can be great for strengthening interpersonal skills, so that honestly could be better depending on how you explain it. Most schools don't ask about current employment unless you are already working as a CNA/MA/LPN, so it should not make you a less qualified candidate. I worked as a CNA ahead of time, so I got a few extra points on my application, but my school gave a few points for any other type of employment that was either non-direct patient care or non-healthcare.

I agree with the response above. For my school, you get 10 extra points if employed in a nursing-adjacent field, like as a CNA or PCT. You get 5 extra points if employed in a medical field somewhere else. And you still get 1 extra point if employed, regardless of where. I would prioritize your mental and physical health, because that is going to matter way more in the long run, especially once you are in a nursing program. Volunteer experience also earns these points. Go back to bartending! Volunteer for the Red Cross once a month for blood drives. This will look great for your application and sounds like it would be a lot less stressful. Good luck!

Wow great advice! I was unaware of a point system. I will have to look into that. I plan to do CNA for experience & something to add onto nursing applications. I plan to definitely volunteer as well.