How important is it to get a nurse tech job?

Honestly, with preceptorship looming, it may be too late for you. Right now your goal should be finish school, pass NCLEX ASAP. Start applying to jobs as soon as you graduate and let them know your testing date for NCLEX.

But it can not be denied, a tech position helps immensely in getting a job...especially in getting the job you want.

I completely agree. A tech job will make you much more marketable. If you can swing it with school, I would absolutely look for a position in the hospital I wanted to work at after graduation. Good luck!

Start applying to jobs as soon as you graduate and let them know your testing date for NCLEX.

quote]

IMO - Start applying for jobs about 2 months before graduation.

I agree with the first poster (sorry I forgot to look at your name ). But for anyone else that is reading this, the experience, if you can swing it of course that you will gain as a tech is invaluable...if nothing else, just being comfortable around the patients, learning the real flow of a unit for 12 hours, time management, skills like blood drawing, starting IVs, etc. It will also help you get your foot in the door, a lot of nurses start off on the unit that they tech on, because they are comfortable there. At this point for you, since you are starting your preceptorship, I think you should focus on that...I know that I drastically cut my hours as a tech while I did my preceptorship because it was too much, my program was accelerated, and I had to do 150 hours in 9 weeks. So, working 24 hours a week on top of that plus still taking 8 hours of lecture and studying, would have been more over the top than anything I had ever done before. Good luck

do what is best for YOU. Nurse tech jobs are not that easy to find and not for everyone. Yes, they are nice but not necessary

Relating tech experience to nursing is like relating unarmed security guard experience to police work--some similar duties, but not the same field of practice or expertise. I had no previous health-care experience (other than basic first-aid), was a bakery manager before school, and ended up hired directly into an ICU setting/Versant-style training program-- your confidence level and knowledge will help you if they're there. If you can get a job as a tech, and the job doesn't interfere with school (as others have said), and YOU feel it will give you confidence, then go for it. But there is no iron-clad rule that says being a former tech will get you a job faster. Good luck!