First year nursing student needs some advice.

tachybradyRN · Jun 11, 2008

Part-time CNA/PCA in a hospital? That would be my first thought. You'll get the basics down, which you'll have to know and be able to do as a nurse anyway, make decent money, and possibly get your foot in the door at an institution you'd like to work for as a nurse.

PS: I currently go to Nassau. Congrats on your acceptance and welcome to the jungle

loriann, BSN, RN · Jun 14, 2008

I second the CNA job, however, I'm not sure how long it would take you to become certified. It would be great experience and put you ahead of the curve in terms of floor experience and total patient care.

Good luck!!

girls1 · Jun 15, 2008

A cna or pca job would help to give you experience but it may not be worth the stress. I think it's a blessing that you have a desk job. You won't be worn out when you go to school in the evening.

Wsmith16, ADN, BSN · Jun 15, 2008

I'd stay put. Trust me when I say most people are trying to quit their jobs once they start nursing school. When you enter Nassau the hard work will truly beginning. Starting a new job will add even more stress--the folks at the new job probably will not understand.

You will get plenty of practice/nursing experience once you are in school. If you insist on looking for a job in the nursing field your best bet is a CNA job. Once you complete your first semester you will be eligible to sit for the boards & you will not have to pay for a CNA class.

tabrown1 · Jun 16, 2008

I agree, I wouldn't take any job that is demanding, I found out the hard way and my grades suffered in Med Surge. I made adjustments and I pass. I study a University in LI. The security guard there have a desk, nobody disturbs him for 8 hrs. No noise, If you can get a job like that, it will be perfect (you can study and get paid).I wouldn't worry about getting experience during clinicals, that will come. Also as I recall, those who were CNA did not have a advantage on the Careplans you have to turn in. The important things is not getting on the job training, its having the time to pass the class.

I never heard faculty encourage getting a CNA job will help you pass. The less stressful job, the better. I know many Falculty encourage not to work. I know many of us have to work, you should try to see if your job support you in passing your class 1st. Once you quit and take that demanding CNA job, it might not be no turning back. It can fail you and that can be your new career. (no offense to CNA).

Natingale, EdD, RN · Jun 16, 2008

tabrown brought up a good point, a security job where u get paid for 8 hours (should be securing something though LOL) is a good idea

tabrown1 · Jun 21, 2008

If you know any students who is ahead of you, ask them. They'll tell you if its do able about having another job. Example, at my school, the 1st semester you can survive with a job. Every student told me during the 2nd semester(medsurge), not to work. They were RIGHT.

Students in Nassau is your best resource.

PS. Make sure you enjoy your summer. Once school starts, you won't have that much time for fun. Congrats on being accepted.

Lovely_RN, MSN · Jun 21, 2008

I agree with Tabrown and WSmith, the easier your job while in nursing school the better. CNA work is very strenuous and you don't want to wear yourself out at work and then have to face going to school and clinical.

shailee · Jun 29, 2008

If you decide to stay put at the desk job, you will have to monitor it as you go. I started out with a desk job (law firm) that was very busy.

As Tabrown1 said, it was ok for my first semester. By med-surge, that same desk job had burned me almost completely out. Yours may not do that, but if it leaves you no time to study as the classes get harder and harder you will probably still need to make adjustments. Regarding working as a CNA, I have to agree with Wsmith16 and Tabrown1, in my class we had at least 2 cna's that failed because of not having enought time to study.

I had to finally quit work and take a salliemae loan to focus more on my study. If I take another job, it will be one that allows me to study, even if it dosen't pay well.

**new!! · Nov 25, 2008

I quit my job, so that I can finish this program. My mother who is an RN on the other hand became a nurse....worked full time and raised my sister and I..My sister and I suffered because she was never around..but...she became a nurse and has been ever since. I think its up to the person...for me, I am paying to much money to mess around with school...sqaut for a little while, I know 2 girls who did that..didn't have to work and passed.