Job ideas during ADN program???

Purple_roses · Jul 13, 2015

So I'm starting my pre-req classes Fall 2015. I plan on working all throughout college & ADN program. What is a good job to have during school that won't take too much of my school/study time away? Since I am already registered for my fall classes, I'm starting to look for a job, any ideas?

Whatever job happens to be flexible. I work as a home care CNA and my boss completely works around my school schedule. It's invaluable.

tay_rechea · Jul 13, 2015

That's what I'm leaning towards as of right now. It's a 6 - 8 week course, right? Not too long at all. Plus it will also give me some experience in the field. How do you like working as a cna?

besaangel, ASN, BSN, MSN, CNA, RN, APRN, NP · Jul 13, 2015

I worked as a clerk throughout my program. Although I'd been a cna for a year before school, the clerical position was better pay and less stress. And if I wanted to learn something neat, I'd ask and not risk being yelled at for not taking care of patients.

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cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Jul 13, 2015

My first year, I worked as a server at a restaurant on the weekends. This year, I'll be working as a CHHA.

Purple_roses · Jul 13, 2015

That's what I'm leaning towards as of right now. It's a 6 - 8 week course, right? Not too long at all. Plus it will also give me some experience in the field. How do you like working as a cna?

I do believe that's the course length, although I became a CNA when it only took 3 weeks, so I'm not quite sure. I have only ever worked as a home care CNA, so I will give you my input on that. Working home care and working in nursing homes and hospitals are two very different things. I'll give you a pro/con list of home care work specifically, from my point of view.

Pros:

1. Flexibility: as I said, this was the most important thing to me. This allows me to put school first.

2. Low stress: I only have one client to work with at one time. I can honestly say that, for the most part, my job is easy. I've had a few cases that have been very difficult, but overall, low stress.

3. One-on-One: I love that I can connect more with my clients because of the one-on-one factor.

4. A learning experience: My interpersonal communication skills have developed more because of this job, and taking care of patients (for instance, giving bed baths) stopped feeling awkward a long time ago.

Cons:

1. Lower pay: I believe I receive a $2 less per hour than my CNA friends working in hospitals/nursing homes.

2. Family drama: I have not encountered this often, but every once in a while I get a client who has a very difficult family. But--this factor can be a pro because it has taught me how to deal with difficult people. Once we all become nurses, we will absolutely deal with difficult people. In my opinion, it's better to learn how to keep your cool sooner rather than later.

3. Benefits: My company does not provide benefits. I don't know if every home care company is like this. I'm 23, and so I can still use my Dad's insurance, so it was not a major issue for me.

I hope this helped. If you have any more questions, please ask!

mirandaaa · Jul 13, 2015

I'm a CNA and I highly suggest it.

Most states allow nursing students to take the CNA test after their first semester of nursing school (or after certain courses are taken/passed). If this is something you're interested in, look into if/when you can take the CNA test for your state. It'll save you money and time taking the CNA course.

nynursey_ · Jul 13, 2015

I took an opposite path. I worked a part time job lifeguarding and instructing swim lessons. I also coached swimming and diving. I stayed as far away from the hospital as possible on my off days as to not burn myself out. Learning nursing all week long, going to clinical, and studying for exams for hours on end was enough exposure to the field for the time being. I felt I had my entire life to be in the hospital ... no need to spend my off time there working as a CNA.

Just my two cents!

RNperdiem, RN · Jul 13, 2015

I worked as a CNA full time and went to per diem when nursing school got busy so I could pick and choose my days and shifts. Twelve hour weekends, the occasional 3-11 weekday shift plus extra working time during school breaks provided my with enough income.