Jobs Before/During Nursing School

Published

So, I’m currently a newborn hearing screener and have been so for nearly 2 years now for a very reputable children’s hospital in the Tampa Bay Area. I’ll be starting nursing school hopefully within the next year or even sooner.

I’ve been applying to jobs that do not require licensures/certifications such as unit secretary, mental health techs, non-cert sterile processing techs, Anesthesia techs, even “nurse helpers” as the positions have been called (I don’t have a CNA, but I am BLS certified and will have a bachelors in health sciences with two concentrations in a couple of weeks). So far, no luck. Not even an offer for an interview. Besides my hearing screener experience, I worked at a hospital for almost two years as a radiology department secretary and patient transporter. My resume has been reviewed by professors, I’ve excelled in multiple applications and interviews for other positions including the one I have now.

What could I be doing wrong? I really want to gain some more nurse-related experience. With the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 I’m unable to get my CNA and I’m out of my second job, so when I start nursing school working PRN as a hearing screener just won’t be enough to support myself.

Could anyone give me some advice on things to try or positions to apply for?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Pre-Op, PACU.

It isn’t you - it’s that most facilities are on a hiring freeze right now. I never thought I would see the day that a nurse wasn’t even an essential employee in most departments, except for ER/ICU, but we are some of the few nurses that don’t seem to be furloughed right now.

Keep applying - try to apply to areas that are likely higher needs like the critical care areas. When you are able to, try to either get your CNA or EMT. It will open up jobs a lot more to you.

Again, the job market simply isn’t the best right now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 5/2/2020 at 2:07 PM, speedynurse said:

It isn’t you - it’s that most facilities are on a hiring freeze right now. I never thought I would see the day that a nurse wasn’t even an essential employee in most departments, except for ER/ICU, but we are some of the few nurses that don’t seem to be furloughed right now.

Keep applying - try to apply to areas that are likely higher needs like the critical care areas. When you are able to, try to either get your CNA or EMT. It will open up jobs a lot more to you.

Again, the job market simply isn’t the best right now.

Thank you so much for replying. This information helps so much! I’m not going to lie, the rejections were working on my self esteem. I’m going to continue to apply for positions and definitely get my CNA when I’m able to again.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

I too suggest getting your CNA.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
56 minutes ago, db2xs said:

I too suggest getting your CNA.

I’m hoping testing centers will find a way to work with COVID-19 soon, I am so ready to get my CNA!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in BSN student.

I am in the same position, except I don't have any hospital experience and I am applying for PCT, non cert pharmacy tech, nurse extern, etc positions. I've only completed one clinical course in nursing school thus far so I don't even have that going for me. So far--I have heard nothing. And I have applied to at least 30 different postings (literally, every last position I am qualified for in my area). I am chalking this up to COVID and am planning on challenging the CNA exam once this debacle passes. I think that will open up numerous other opportunities that I am not otherwise qualified for (I, too, have BLS as a basic requirement of my nursing program).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
20 hours ago, blueskiesandsunshine.PRN said:

I am in the same position, except I don't have any hospital experience and I am applying for PCT, non cert pharmacy tech, nurse extern, etc positions. I've only completed one clinical course in nursing school thus far so I don't even have that going for me. So far--I have heard nothing. And I have applied to at least 30 different postings (literally, every last position I am qualified for in my area). I am chalking this up to COVID and am planning on challenging the CNA exam once this debacle passes. I think that will open up numerous other opportunities that I am not otherwise qualified for (I, too, have BLS as a basic requirement of my nursing program).

COVID is definitely to blame for a lot of things at the moment LOL. I’ve seen some CNA/ER Tech/PCT positions that will hire you if you have completed either fundamentals of nursing 1 or fundamentals 1 & 2.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in BSN student.
Just now, meme4 said:

COVID is definitely to blame for a lot of things at the moment LOL. I’ve seen some CNA/ER Tech/PCT positions that will hire you if you have completed either fundamentals of nursing 1 or fundamentals 1 & 2.

I just got ONE callback for an interview for a PCT position today (out of 20+ job apps).

I have completed fundamentals (my school doesn't do 1 and 2 LOL there's just one course).

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
1 hour ago, blueskiesandsunshine.PRN said:

I just got ONE callback for an interview for a PCT position today (out of 20+ job apps).

I have completed fundamentals (my school doesn't do 1 and 2 LOL there's just one course).

Yay good for you!

and oop, I’m probably wrong. I vaguely remember seeing a nursing student talk about fundamentals 2 or something like that on here, but honestly can’t remember for sure. Either way, so happy for and I hope everything goes well!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am halfway through nursing school and wanted to try and find something just to get some experience because I was completely non med, before starting nursing school. I have completed two semesters and had clinical rotations on a med surg unit and nursing home, unfortunately we didn't get to complete the Spring semester in a clinical setting because of covid and was already really lacking in the clinical skills area. I feel that I cant even complete CNA duties competently at this point. I have applied for nurse tech positions at the hospitals and even PCT positions in the nursing homes, but havent recieved a call back or the position won't work with my school hours. However I have recieved call backs from quite a few home health agencies looking for caregivers. I know it's a tough job, especially for the pay, I get the impression they will hire anyone that is willing with a pulse. Does anyone have any experience with this? Is it worth it to get some of the skills and experience working with patients. Ideally I would love a job in a hospital setting because I would be exposed to more nursing skills there I think, but beggars cant be choosers and they are pretty much willing to let me work when and how much or little I want, cant help but wonder if there is a reason they seem so desperate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, critical care, PACU, fertility, school nursing.

I worked as a unit secretary for a hospital for a little while. Just being exposed to terminology and observing was helpful before becoming a nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion