Finding work while working on prereqs?

Published

Hi there,

I'm trying to figure out what kind of job I can get while in school or an idea on who likes hiring those of us working toward our nursing degree.

Right now I'm working on my prereqs but would like to find something part time so I can afford health insurance and gain experience. I'm an older student (32) and have work experience just no degree I can use.

Thank you for your help!

Cna? Most programs require it anyhow. Depending on where you live $12-16/HR might be possible.

Cna? Most programs require it anyhow. Depending on where you live $12-16/HR might be possible.

Is that the same as a PSAV? I see that certificate under my schools nursing assistant area.

Nvm answered my own question!

Specializes in Interested in Hospice.

I'm also a pre-nursing student, same age. I currently work night audit at a hotel. No this doesn't give me any hospital or patient experience, but I have most of my shift where I am free to study and do homework (while getting paid!).

To balance out not gaining any hospital experience (even though CNA work will not count as nursing experience), I have my application in and will hopefully start volunteering with hospice patients soon. I know that won't be looked at as medical knowledge, since it isnt, but volunteering is always a plus on a resume.

I'm also a pre-nursing student, same age. I currently work night audit at a hotel. No this doesn't give me any hospital or patient experience, but I have most of my shift where I am free to study and do homework (while getting paid!).

To balance out not gaining any hospital experience (even though CNA work will not count as nursing experience), I have my application in and will hopefully start volunteering with hospice patients soon. I know that won't be looked at as medical knowledge, since it isnt, but volunteering is always a plus on a resume.

I wish overnight was an option but with a kiddo I just can't work overnight. My partner works overnight 3-4 days a week (veterinarian) and we wouldn't have childcare. What hours do you work?

I was also considering volunteering with our hospice company! We have a couple here in town and I know for sure that one allows volunteers. I would like to work in hospice at some point too.

Thank you for your tips!

Specializes in Interested in Hospice.
I wish overnight was an option but with a kiddo I just can't work overnight. My partner works overnight 3-4 days a week (veterinarian) and we wouldn't have childcare. What hours do you work?

I was also considering volunteering with our hospice company! We have a couple here in town and I know for sure that one allows volunteers. I would like to work in hospice at some point too.

Thank you for your tips!

I am fortunate, my partner has a Mon-Fri day job. I typically work 11pm-7am. My job is pretty flexible on the days worked, as long as I work most weekends.

As of right now, hospice is where I want to work, so I feel very fortunate I have the opportunity to volunteer. All I did was find out on their website who the volunteer cordinator was and gave her a call. She said they are always looking for volunteers, I would think yours would be too!

Specializes in Allergy/ENT, Occ Health, LTC/Skilled.

PRN PCA at a hospital. You pick your hours and work around child care. I am working PRN as an LPN now in LTC while I finish my bridge program and it's worked out better than I expected. My husband also works nights and with three kids under 7, daycare is an unrealistic option on an LPN salary. I have to work a minimum of 2x/month but I usually average anywhere from 4-6 shifts a month and because we are not using daycare, it goes directly into savings. Generally, I work second shift on the weekends to leave the week open for school . Thankfully, my mother in law wil come sit with the kids in between my husband leaving his job and me getting home and hour or two later.

I know most places around here do not offer insurance for part time employees and if they do it's usually more than what you would make working. Can you be on your husband's insurance??

Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

PRN CNA (via a registry) work was good for me. The hours were flexible. I sometimes went to work after my night classes. I could work weekends any shift and stay for overtime. I was 30/31 ish when I became a CNA.

Regarding insurance: I was not able to obtain health insurance thru my job. It may be different now that the ACA has passed. I used insurance thru my then spouse and later thru medi-cal.

I start my prereq's in January and opted to secure a job within the hospital I ultimately want to end up in. I start as a patient access specialist this month. During my interview I let them know my long term goal was to become a nurse. Also, once you're at this hospital 6 months you're eligible for tuition reimbursement. Plus there is the benefit of insurance. My husband and I run a fitness studio so there's no insurance. I am the same age as you .Olive. It's not direct care but it is experience within the hospital. Perhaps you can find something similar where you are. Good luck!

Specializes in Allergy/ENT, Occ Health, LTC/Skilled.

Have you looked into just catastrophic insurance OP? Not even sure if that exists anymore but back in 2010ish I didn't have health insurance so I purchased the major accidents only thru einsurance to cover those bases. I paid for doctors visits in cash and they usually cut me a deal for that and would stock me up on drug samples if I needed an ATB or something.

+ Join the Discussion