If you worked while in school, what did you do?

LasVegasRN · Mar 4, 2003

I drove a horse and a buggy as a tour guide in downtown Memphis. Either out of the Peabody Hotel or down on Beale Street.

When I went home to Ohio during school breaks, sometimes I worked as a nursing assistant per diem.

mrh1953 · Mar 4, 2003

I was a nurse's aide in my final year (3-year hospital program).

Prior to that I worked in the school's library under the work-study program. I got to know the nursing school library's book collection *real* well (which was a bonus sometimes when I was doing research). I wonder if getting a part-time job unrelated to nursing would have been better--just for variety.

ThirdWorldGirl · Mar 4, 2003

I was kind of fortunate when I went to LVN school I didn't have a job outside the home of being a wife and mother of 2 young daughters, but now that I'm planning to go back and get my RN things are different, divorced and added a couple of kiddos to the batch, but I will work as I am now, float pool LVN, it's going to take me forevor to finish school though because I am going to be taking one class, finish it, then start another, at that rate I figure it will take me close to 2 years, but it's what I have to do and in the end it will be worth it, good thing about it is that since I'm a single parent, I'll get more financial help, didn't get any when I was going to LVN school, hubby made too much money.

Teshiee · Mar 4, 2003

I worked as a Unit secretary on a L&D floor til I became a LVN then worked registry and parttime when going to school for my RN.

Chiaramonte · Mar 5, 2003

"I drove a horse and a buggy as a tour guide in downtown Memphis. Either out of the Peabody Hotel or down on Beale Street" How cool, Las VegasRN!

I worked as a Bridal Consultant. Just like dressing up Barbies, only much larger...more frustrating also!!

P_RN, ADN, RN · Mar 5, 2003

I worked for a doctor (medical assistant), typed other students papers (this was WAY before computers) and did real estate title searches at the courthouse.......3 jobs at the same time.....had 2 kids under 6, hubby. and drove nearly 100 mi a day commuting to school......I was ALSO a LOT younger then. :)

rnstudentcnb · Mar 5, 2003

I am a student in my first year. I work at a local hospital as a patient care tech. I work per diem. I am required to work 2 days a month but I usually work one 12 hour shift a week. It pays good so i can help out with bills and have a little spending money. Trust me i know how busy you will be when school starts but working at a hospital is such good experience. I suggest you check into your local hopitals and see if they have any programs set up for working around your school schedule. I love it and still have plenty of time to study.

Mkue · Mar 5, 2003

I work as a call girl.. no.. not really.

Hats off to those of you who work and go to school and raising kids:)

Colorado1 · Mar 5, 2003

I worked almost full-time as a unit secretary which worked out nicely because I could work four hour evening shifts during the week plus eight hour shifts on weekends. It was a good way to become familiar with the computer entries, learn to read doctors' handwriting :-( , learn about labs, meds, etc.

shodobe · Mar 5, 2003

I worked as a Paramedic and in the local ER. School is hard so don't spread yourself too thin. Good luck, Mike

Paprikat · Mar 5, 2003

I worked as a waitress 5-11, five days a week. Awesome tips, which kept the bills paid.

deespoohbear · Mar 5, 2003

I did the CNA thing at a really nice nursing home in our area. I worked very part-time during the school year and picked up more hours during the summer. I didn't mind working as a CNA during school. The nurses would teach me little tricks here and there about nursing that they had acquired. I even got to hear a friction rub on a pt one time because the nurse knew I was in school. I have only heard one other one in all 8 years of being a nurse.

I guess you just need to do what fits best with your schooling and your life at this time. Some of the women in my nursing class worked as private caregivers in homes...some did the CNA route...some were LPN's already...and some worked in jobs not even related to nursing.

I am glad I worked as a CNA before becoming a nurse. I think it helps me be a better team player with the CNA's because I have been in their shoes. They work very hard, and 98% of them aren't paid even close to what they are worth....IMHO....kind off track there, sorry....