Jobs: Nursing Tutor or PCA

kickstunt · Apr 30, 2015

Which one would be more flexible with your schedule?

Christinajoannne · Apr 30, 2015

Hi, thank you for the response!

I know for sure that the tutoring job WILL be flexible. And it does have that (+) factor, because at least I don't have to travel somewhere far. It is right in the campus. As for the PCA job, I still haven't gotten any offering in positions...so I don't know how flexible they'd be.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · May 1, 2015

If it were a choice between PCA and, oh, barista, I'd say PCA for the patient-handling experience. But being asked to be a tutor is an honor, and carries with it more long-lasting benefits:

First, there's nothing like teaching something to make you learn it better, which translates into all sorts of goodness like test results (yours too!), including NCLEX.

Second, you'll be putting something on your new-grad resume that bespeaks interest in supporting others and love of learning, which translates to "top quality hire, possible leadership potential" to HR and nursing management.

Third, your faculty will take note, which translates into better reference letters.

Last, you never know when someone you help will be able to help someone else down the line because of how you helped them with an important concept, which translates into an unquantifiable gift to patients unknown and to our profession.

You'll pick up those patient-handling skills and socialization-into-work-milieu fast enough anyway. But this is a gift with a limited shelf life and so much going for it that you should not let it pass you by.

So, now you have my opinion.

Raven Sierra, BSN, RN · May 1, 2015

I agree with GrnTea. There are many nursing students who become CNA/PCTs; only a very few will be asked to be a tutor because of outstanding academic performance. This is good when applying to jobs as it makes you stand out from the crowd. If you decide to be a tutor, make sure you put that high on your resume with the notation that the Asst. Director asked you to do this because of your performance (in some academic departments in some colleges/universities, you can become a "tutor" with very little expertise, so the notation should be in there).

Congratulations on your excellent performance, and best of luck.

Christinajoannne · May 1, 2015

Thank you guys so much for your opinions and kind words! It has definitely helped spread some light on my situation!

direw0lf, BSN · May 1, 2015

I love being a tutor! I'm not a nursing tutor yet, but I am a writing and biology/genetics tutor. It's so much easier honestly, since I'm a commuter already and I really enjoy helping other students. I think PCA would give you more experience of course, but tutoring nursing will reinforce the concepts with you each time. So what do you think you need more strength in, maybe answering that will help your decision? Do you need more clinical help - PCA then. Altho here you need to work 12 hour shifts and I can't with my current schedule.

lissy1214, BSN, RN · May 3, 2015

Hi :)

Both positions have merit and would look good on a resume.

However, hands-on clinical experience is so, so valuable. If you are able to find a PCA job, I think it would be in your best interest to take that. When you graduate and begin applying to RN jobs, you want to have had as much clinical experience as possible.

Typically, hospitals are more likely to hire a new RN who has worked in a hospital or a nursing home setting versus a new RN who has never held a clinical job.

In the meanwhile, I would accept the tutoring position.

If you don't find a PCA job, then at least you have the tutoring.

And if you end up getting a PCA job, then you can adjust your tutoring hours accordingly (I'm assuming the tutoring schedule will not be too demanding).

Hope this helps !

Good luck with everything.

lissy1214, BSN, RN · May 3, 2015

Also, your academic excellence will be reflected in your GPA and potentially, in your induction to honor societies such as Sigma Theta Tau.

Don't feel as though you need the tutoring position to prove your academic achievements.

Christinajoannne · May 3, 2015

Hi :)
Both positions have merit and would look good on a resume.
However, hands-on clinical experience is so, so valuable. If you are able to find a PCA job, I think it would be in your best interest to take that. When you graduate and begin applying to RN jobs, you want to have had as much clinical experience as possible.
Typically, hospitals are more likely to hire a new RN who has worked in a hospital or a nursing home setting versus a new RN who has never held a clinical job.
In the meanwhile, I would accept the tutoring position.
If you don't find a PCA job, then at least you have the tutoring.
And if you end up getting a PCA job, then you can adjust your tutoring hours accordingly (I'm assuming the tutoring schedule will not be too demanding).
Hope this helps !
Good luck with everything.

Thank you for your kind words and advice!