Job to live off of while in nursing school?

[jojofutureRN]

I'm 21, married, and about to start pre-nursing classes next semester. Right now I work at an occupational med clinic as a tech, so I've gotten some very basic experience in vitals, toxicology, etc. I really enjoy where I work as a start, but it has set hours Monday-Friday, so I won't be able to work there once I get into nursing school. I may even have trouble in pre-nursing not being able to always schedule night classes.

So my question is, what's a job with at least decent pay that usually works well with nursing school? Something to live off of and with flexible hours. Something with experience would be a huge plus, but I'm open to anything! My husband is also a student, but has an internship/job through his school, so he's guaranteed a job till graduation (and will of course get a job with his degree after). I need something that would pay at least $10 an hour (more would be awesome). Any suggestions?

I heard being a CNA is a good start, but what training and all would that require? Thanks in advance!

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

Most schools, once in nursing classes, don't have night classes. But being a CNA is a great place to start! Good luck on your journey

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

Apply to be a tech at a local hospital. Most will train you on the job, and since they are open 24/7 you should be able to work around your school schedule. You'll get experience with some hands on care, earn a paycheck, and have a better chance of an RN position when you pass the NCLEX.

[BBboy]

But to be a tech you need to have your CNA or MA first (some places even both depending on what department and hospital you're at).

[sweetsthrnsass]

There's quite a few girls in my class that work as techs at our local hospitals with no CNA or MA experience. Contact hospitals in your area! From what I understand, nursing school provided the necessary skills training to qualify these students to work as techs.

[Xlorgguss]

I agree with working inpatient as a tech on a hospital floor. Depending on the floor and hospital you will get all the CNA skills, plus be doing vitals, and potentially do EKGs, blood draws, etc. Then there is the potential for your first job, potential tuition reimbursement, etc. It really is the best "experience" you can get. You can tell in school who has had inpatient experience and who hasn't. For some of my peers handling one patient was daunting. Getting the experience as a tech gets you used to consolidating tasks and working efficiently.

[jojofutureRN]

Thank y'all so much! I'm going to look into it soon :) I just didn't want to go in blind, ya know? I'm so excited!

[arianarodz]

I believe a great option to look into would be medical scribing. I have scribed for 2.5 years and have met a few active nursing students on the way. In my company, we are required a minimum of 8 shifts per month, and our shifts average 8 hrs. My company doesn't pay well, but there are others that pay >$10/hour and let you choose your own schedule.

One scribe I met was still a nursing student, scribing part-time, AND was a CNA PRN night shifts. The cool thing with PRN is that you can pick the time you can work with little pressure, but idk what CNAs are paid. Front desk is another option, and at our ER, they are paid $15/hour and include PRN positions.

[kristimarieSC]

I hate to say it, but waitressing. I tried multiple times to change over to CNA to get experience and foot in the door, but the hours were long and I was making more in my 4-5h serving shift than I would in a 12h CNA shift. I'm stand-by, which means I pick up shifts when I have time, but have many people in my class that work consistently 2-3shifts a week. You have a few years to figure it out, though, since you're in pre-nursing!

[melliemel22936]

I also tried the CNA route but found waiting tables a much better fit with nursing school. I worked lunch shifts on the days I didn't have class or clinicals and also picked up a Friday and/or Saturday night shift. Made more money working half the time!