Good Job for Nursing Student?

[SeanPN777]

Hello Everyone!

Very excited to be starting my pre-nursing courses next week. However, the downside I have encountered is I am receiving a lot less financial aid than I was expecting. This means I am going to have to work a lot more than I expected.

I would really like to have a job that contributes to my learning for my new career. I am strongly considering applying for Patient Care Tech jobs or something like that.

I would love to hear from people with more experience than me... Is this a good idea or would the work load plus school be too much? DO you have any other jobs that you would recommend that would get my foot in the medical field and help build some experience for me before becoming an RN?

Thanks in advance!

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

First off, the best job you can have as a student is one that does NOT conflict with your class schedule. After that, your next best job is one that allows you to be considered an "internal employee" as that gives you an earlier chance to apply to job postings before anyone else can. All of this assumes that the pay is sufficient to make up the gap between financial aid and what you need.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

I don't know that being a PCT necessarily gives you an advantage. When it comes down to it you will be doing clinicals at the same places as all of your other classmates and you will all graduate and be new grads with no RN experience. Probably those who shine in clinicals will be getting the jobs and you need to make sure you do well there.

[Sparrow91]

Try finding out if your school has work study positions available. If you want a foot in the door at a facility but worry about commitment and time you may want to think about volunteering. A lot of hospitals have ways for people in the community to volunteer. One way to volunteer too is to become a hospice volunteer. It usually takes minimal training and it is very rewarding. Plus it is an important aspect in nursing that you will one day encounter. Good luck to you! :)