Do I NEED a hospital job before I'm an RN?!

[jimmy53]

Hello, I'm a newbie! I'm currently enrolled in A&P 2 (got an A in 1!) and look forward to Nursing School in the fall. I have a degree (Education, English) from just over ten years ago and I'm wondering if I should get a job in a hospital (mostly to pay for the expensive private college I'll be attending - Marymount University's accelerated BSN program) or should I stay at my current job as a bartender. Keeping in mind that I make pretty good money as bartender, I was thinking of taking out loans to pay for school. I am worried that I will not be adequetely prepared for hospital life without having worked in one! I was considering volunteering a day or so a week to get a feel for this and I still may do that....but, I'm still worried about hospital experience after graduating.

Will I have enough experience under my belt from Nursing School? Is three to four nights per week too much to work when attending an intense program like Marymount's?

If anyone can help me out with some information I would appreciate it! Also, which hospital in DC or VA is the best for ICU or ER experience - I love action and get bored with nothing to do! Thanks and God Bless! - Jim