job advice for a nursing student

[sprintin08]

I am just finishing my second summer working as an aide in a nursing home. I'll be starting my third year of nursing school in the fall to be an RN. I am trying to decide what I should do for a job next summer, as it will be my last summer before I graduate, and I'm not sure what my best option would be in terms of what would look best to get a job after I graduate. Should I stay at the nursing home I've been working at (absolutely LOVE it there, and they will take me back) or should I try to get a job as an aide at a hospital??? I think I want to be a hospice nurse (or definitely working with the elderly population), and I was doing some research and saw most places require you work med-surg for atleast 1 year. So, I'm not sure if I should attempt to get experience at a hospital outside my clinicals, as that may look better than a nursing home to get a future RN job???? Any thoughts would be appreciated :)

[evolvingrn, BSN, RN]

im a new grad hospice nurse :), im definately one of the lucky ones as you are right they prefer people to have a couple of years of experience. Do they have an inpatient hospice where you live. if so i would try to get a cna position there as sometimes if you have worked as a cna at the facility they will make an exception. gl! and its great to hear you love your job.... that is a hard thing to find so definately think twice before giving that up.

[icuuci]

I would suggest getting a job as a NA in a medical center. They can (at least in less desperate economic times) lead to a job. I think the experience and employment on a med/surge unit is invaluable. It will provide you with skills you will occasionally need, it will make you better in hospice or what ever you choose in the future. Its a solid foundation, if you don't have it and you decide to try something else later it might be more difficult.

Or not.

[GM2RN]

A CNA job is ok, but I would see if any of the hospitals in your area offer student nurse externships. Those positions pay much better than a CNA and you get more of the actual nursing experience. Not to mention, if you do well and they like you, you have a much better chance of getting hired as a new grad at that facility.