Which would be better for me in the long run? To work while in school or not...

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Long story short, I am starting an ADN program in Jan with to intention of going for my BSN upon completion of that. I would, however, want to find a job out of school while I finish up my BSN but I'm afraid that finding a job with no experience and an ADN is going to be next to impossible with what I've gathered. My question is, should I find a job as a tech (I guess that's what it would be?) while in school or just focus on school right now and worry about finding a job when the time comes? I don't have to work right now so just being able to put all of my energy into my kids and school would be wonderful...but I'm unsure what would be the better thing to do. Hopefully I've posted this in the right place! Thanks!

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If you don't have to work, I would say don't. Like you said, put your time/energy into your kids & school work.

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I work full time and go to school full time. If I were able I'd cut back on hours of working or quit.

I would say, spend the time devoting to your school studies and your family. You are fortunate enough not to need to work while in school, so use that opportunity to your advantage..spend it with the husband/kids/and studies..just my humble opinion :)

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Specializes in ED.

I agree, however, getting a tech job may also help you land a job after graduation.

I know where I live (NE Ohio) ADNs are being passed up for BSNs.

So with that said it may help get a foot in the door.

You could also call to nursing recruiters at your local hospital and get there opinion.

Good Luck!!!!!:)

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Thanks guys. My husband tells me to not worry about a job right now, but he isn't on All Nurses to read the job stuff about new grads like I do. Lol I start in January so I guess I will give it some more thought before then. I just don't want to lose any time with my family that won't already be taken up by school. :/

Calling the nursing recruiter is a good idea, also.

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I worked as a CNA all through nursing school, just part time. Was hired on full time as an RN as soon as I got my authorization to test (before taking NCLEX). Other classmates that didn't work while in school were looking for jobs 6, 8, and 12 months after I started mine. I had already been promoted before some of them found their first jobs. Finances were tight for me, and I really needed to start working as soon as possible. I was able to pay off my debt from school within two years, while others were still adding to theirs looking for a first job.

You don't have to work full time while in school, but if you're serious about wanting a job when you finish, having a foot in the door is one of the best ways to go. If you don't mind a long job search after graduation, then don't work and focus on school.

Good luck deciding!

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If you feel strongly about getting a job during school before you graduation, I say go for it. Can you work as a CNA or patient tech after 1 semester? I would recommend starting the program in January without a job, getting used to how nursing school is (your study habits, how you manage time, etc) and spending time with your family. Then in the summer try to get a job as a CNA or patient tech.

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If you feel strongly about getting a job during school before you graduation, I say go for it. Can you work as a CNA or patient tech after 1 semester? I would recommend starting the program in January without a job, getting used to how nursing school is (your study habits, how you manage time, etc) and spending time with your family. Then in the summer try to get a job as a CNA or patient tech.

That's a good idea. Take some time to get used to it then see if it's something I can handle on top of school work.

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Specializes in Med Surg.

I work in a non-medical position at the moment, but I plan to try to find something in the medical field next semester, because I do want to work while I go from ADN to BSN.

If I didn't have to work though, and if I had health coverage without working, I would prob not work until I got my BSN and then try to work my way through my Master's in the field.

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Hi! I would advise you to find a part time job in the medical field. I just graduated from nursing school w/no recent healthcare experience and it is a handicap, for sure!

A tech job or nurses' aide job will allow you to network and hobnob w/ other healthcare personnel, and absorb types of learning that is not available in the classroom. Look at it like a paid clinical. After graduation you will have professional references as well. It is hard to juggle working and going to school. But I think that if you can handle it, it will be smart in the long run. Maybe try "per diem" and you can choose your schedule. I wish I had done that.

good luck!

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I'm in the same boat as you, sapadgett. Just got accepted into an ADN program starting in January and I'm also worried about the job search after graduation. Thanks for posting.

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I work in a non-medical position at the moment, but I plan to try to find something in the medical field next semester, because I do want to work while I go from ADN to BSN.

If I didn't have to work though, and if I had health coverage without working, I would prob not work until I got my BSN and then try to work my way through my Master's in the field.

Well my program I'm about to start is an ADN and I certainly don't want to wait until I get my BSN to work...I'm ready to get into the field. I don't know that a Masters is anything I want at this point either, def my bachelors though.

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