Is getting a NA before graduation worth it for me?

[mevsmom]

I'm graduating in May, this May. However, I'm having an issue with the logistics of getting a job.

If I got an RN job at a local hospital it would require a minimum of 6 weeks of full time days for orientation. But I think that six weeks of days will be hard for us to figure out.

I have 2 children a preschooler and a grade schooler. My preschooler would have to go to a daycare center. My grade schooler has special needs, I'm not sure where I would be able to send her to summer camp let alone afford such a camp.

So, I was thinking I could apply for a part time tech/nursing assistant job during the evenings. It wouldn't have a long orientation so I wouldn't have to worry about that.

However I would only be able to commit to it for a few months as come fall I would be looking for an RN job. But having the summer off will allow me to properly dedicate my time to studying and preparing for the NCLEX.

Would it be better just to not work this summer or try to fill the gap with a nursing assistant job? Thanks in advance.

[msygrnbw]

I would probably look for a paid internship instead if they are available in your area. Most managers are not looking for someone looking for a year or less of experience. That being said, I worked for about a year as a PCT before getting my RN and job on the floor, so it can happen. They just have to see enough potential in you I guess. Maybe try and get an unrelated job for the time being? Or something that will apply to nursing - i.e. a daycare job if you want to go into peds, a nursing home job if you want to go into geriatrics, etc.