HOW Do I DO IT!!

rn-jane · Oct 15, 2008

I became a cna and worked eves, nights and weekends when I could.

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Oct 15, 2008

I became a cna and worked eves, nights and weekends when I could.

Ditto----Not only did it bring in some much needed cash, it gave me highly valuable exp and on the occasional slow night I could spread out my nursing books and study. An added bonus the hosp I worked for as a CNA not only then agreeded to help me pay my tuition but upon graduation I had Unit Mgrs come and ask me what my intentions were after graduation, so while the rest of my classmates were trying to study for boards and sched job interviews I could rest easily knowing I had a job once I got my lic.

If you want it, it can be done!!!

lvnandmomx3 · Oct 15, 2008

Try to get job somewhere in healthcare. CNA, PCT, Unit Secretary ect. It will give you somewhat of a "feel" for healthcare and pt. care.

rosygirl · Oct 15, 2008

I'm not so sure a job in health care is the best idea. I worked as a CNA and burned out before graduation:(. I think I would have been better checking groceries, waiting tables or working at a health club. There are lots of options. Try to find something in one of your other areas of interest. :yeah:

Good luck

pagandeva2000, LPN · Oct 15, 2008

It may be harder, but I would get a tech job in psych. Most times, it is like babysitting, really...unless the patients are agitated (and that is less than what most people imagine). You can work the evening or night shift, study all night, for the most part, especially if you are monitoring a 1:1. It may be burn you out to be a CNA, but it may be the quickest job to obtain, since we all gotta eat!

futurecnm · Oct 15, 2008

I'm not so sure a job in health care is the best idea. I worked as a CNA and burned out before graduation:(. I think I would have been better checking groceries, waiting tables or working at a health club. There are lots of options. Try to find something in one of your other areas of interest.
Good luck

I have to disagree. GEtting a job in healthcare is one way to assure you an interview (and hopefully job) after graduation. Many did not do any type of work in healthcare and some of those are still looking for RN jobs (we graduated in may). I would totally recommend it.

OregonGal · Oct 16, 2008

My husband covers the household bills (we sold stuff, like the vehicles that had high payments--and got cheap $1000 cars instead), he also took a pizza delivery job at night. My school portion is covered by school loans--which I can pay off when I'm an RN :nurse: :)

We have 3 teenage kids, and they do summer jobs to earn spending money. :yeah:

I, concentrate on nursing school--studying, etc, and will graduate in June 2009!!!!!!

NursingAgainstdaOdds · Oct 16, 2008

I worked through nursing school as a nursing assistant in a LTC facility. The experience was incredibly valuable, and I also needed to work to support my family. I worked every single weekend, picked-up the occ shift during the week.

I also learned a variety of ways to study. I figured-out that the best time to study for me wasn't necessarily the best time for my family. So, I played with it and ended-up learning that this NOT-so-morning person studied quite well at 0400. I would get-up super early before class and study while everyone was asleep. It worked, I did very well in nursing school. I also had recorded lectures on an MP3 player. At the time, I had an infant (then toddler) son. I'd listen to the lectures while laying down with him waiting for him to go to sleep. I'd listen to them while driving ... all the time.

Be creative, it is within reach if you make it so.

cwuthers · Oct 16, 2008

I went from being a pastry chef straight into nursing school with narry a drop of medical experience. I think it would help anyone to have some type of medical experience--even if you don't have to work to get through school. It not only looks good on your resume but it helps build your confidence level when it comes down to putting your new RN liscense to work. Forwarned is forarmed. Good luck.

BellasMommyOBRN · Oct 16, 2008

i haven't made it into the nursing program yet, but i plan to keep the current part time job (20 hours) i have at my school as an anatomy and physiology i tutor:wink2: my ex pays child support and so the extra income from that pays for my daughters expenses while i cover the few bills we have. i was so lucky to have been recommended for this position. i get paid minimum wage but hey, i get paid to study and go over information that will be extremely useful in nursing school! :up:

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Oct 16, 2008

I would recommend the CNA route. I'm biased. I was one for 2.5 years before I got my RN. I learned quick and fast, and hard.

It feels overwhelming at first. But, after that 2nd semester of NS, you start putting 2 and 2 together.....and you just do what you have to. You see interventions associated with diseases, you deal with body fluids, upset people, people who treat you like dirt, because you are the first line of care.

You get used to working short 12-13 pts for 1 CNA. It gets hard, you have to skimp on some care because you don't have the time.

BUT....I learned some of my most valuable lessons on my floor. I learned how I would interact with the regular staff. I learned which CNAs I worked with I could trust....which ones would do what I asked when I became a RN....and I am never above putting someone on a bedpan, talking to them, or helping them get up and down. Getting water, Ice, family members a cold drink or a extra chair....It's what I do. I care.

My manager was part of the panel that interviewed me for my RN job. And when asked what floor I wanted, I mentioned mine at night(my usual shift)...along with a few others I wouldn't mind...just in case. But I knew I would get my wish if A)my manger still wanted me there. and B) during the pre-interview, we were waiting for someone, and a few people said "well, you're the famous Lorenzo we hear about on days!" I am well-known throughout the place....what can I say?

I would advise it. If you're a hard worker, then you will be valuable and you will probably lock up that RN job!