Jobs while in school?

Pixiesmom, BSN, RN · Sep 2, 2006

I work at the college book store. Granted I only get 10 hours a week during the majority of the semester but during book pick up and drop off my hours more than double. My job works out for me because they work around my classes. I would love to be able to pick up a second job but with two children and a husband that works third shift there just isn't time or money. (I say money because it would literally cost me more money to hire a babysitter for them after school, while dh sleeps, than what I would be able to make part-time)

I hope you find something that works for you.

ErikaMarie · Sep 3, 2006

Currently I work full time, & in order to afford school, I need to work full time.

Thanx for the info.

WannaBeMaleRN · Sep 3, 2006

I am currently working a sales job (selling newspaper subscriptions) while attending school. I work 22.5 hrs. a week and believe it or not make as much as a nurse does (average RN). However this is not a stable job like nursing so I will continue going to school. I cant get a medical assistant job because I also have no experience even though I spent 7k to take the course. I was offered one for 8.50/hr. I said no thanks. Needless to say I will keep this sales job I have now untill I absolutely have to give it up when attending nursing 1-4. Good luck.

ellieRN06 · Sep 3, 2006

Try to get a job as a tech in a hospital. That is what I did through nursing school. I know you will have no difficulty in getting a job. Hospitals jump at the chance to get nursing students as techs hoping that once you graduate you will stay there and work. It is a good opportunity for them (to decide if they are going to want to hire you) and a good opportunity for you (to scope out the hospital as well as gain experience that many of your peers may not get). Good Luck

Ellie

paccookie · Sep 4, 2006

I work full time as a unit secretary in a hospital. It's a good learning experience, but it's hard to get this sort of job at my hospital. I got lucky. If you can, get your CNA and work at a hospital or nursing home. It gives you a great opportunity to learn how hospitals work and to learn the language and the routine. After your first semester of nursing school (meaning the nursing program, not the pre-reqs), you can work as a nurse extern. At my hospital, they are paid pretty well.

Christina

AggieQT · Sep 4, 2006

I am a Pharmacy Tech while getting all my prereqs for nursing school. I lucked into the job and feel it was a blessing from God. I have been told from sooo many people that the experience and knowledge gained as a pharm tech is sooooo helpful in nursing school because one of the hardest things to grasp is all the meds. In Texas I started out at 12/hr and now am getting paid 14/hr after one year of work. I had a friend that left to go to school full time and not work and they called her back offering her 22/hr to come back (here in Tx thats a LOT of money for this level of work) Techs are needed soooo bad that you can go just about anywhere, work any hours you want. Part time/ full time no problem! It takes a certification which some schools offer programs for training but you can get a book from Barnes and Nobles, study it, and take the test without ever attending a class (thats what I did) Many places will also hire you and train you on the spot AND pay for your certification (also what happened to me)

It isnt a front office position, but you help pts, deal with insurance billings, learn all kinds of things about meds, and the experience is one that gives you a good foundation for nursing school. I also dont know how many times Ive been in class and have been able to answer questions because of my job. I would suggest to anyone to research more info about Pharmacy Techs if you need a good flexible decent paying job during school.

Good luck with school and your job search!!!

JaxiaKiley · Sep 4, 2006

I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to do, too. I want to get experience, but it is hard to find people who are willing to take people who have no experience. I wish you the best!!

LaceyRN · Sep 5, 2006

Right now I'm working in cellular (sales) & I'd like to get a job working at a doctor's office or something. Only thing is, no one wants to hire me because I have no experience. Atleast that's the only thing I can think of. I have schooling in IT & a ton of administrative knowledge. I'm doing my pre-reqs to get my AS in nursing. I'd love to work front office @ any kind of doctor's office & no one will even call me back for an interview. Help? What kinds of jobs are you guys doing?

I am in New York and have the same problem. Unless you know someone, it is basically impossible to get your foot in the door in the medical field without experience. I have over 10+ years of customer service experience and 2 years working with business clients at the Ritz-Carlton and could not find a hospital or doctor's office to give me the time of day. I have a very professional appearance and I am articulate but I did not get one single interview! My plan right now is to find something temporary until I start nursing school in January, then work as a student nurse assistant after the first semester.

MB37 · Sep 5, 2006

I bartend 30 hours a week while doing my prereqs, and that's hard. I don't know what I'll do once real nursing school starts next year. My husband works, thankfully, but doesn't make a ton of money so it'll be very hard to live off of his income alone if I have to severely but my hours or quit my job entirely. That's the part I'm really not looking forward to.

LaceyRN · Sep 5, 2006

I am a Pharmacy Tech while getting all my prereqs for nursing school. I lucked into the job and feel it was a blessing from God. I have been told from sooo many people that the experience and knowledge gained as a pharm tech is sooooo helpful in nursing school because one of the hardest things to grasp is all the meds. In Texas I started out at 12/hr and now am getting paid 14/hr after one year of work. I had a friend that left to go to school full time and not work and they called her back offering her 22/hr to come back (here in Tx thats a LOT of money for this level of work) Techs are needed soooo bad that you can go just about anywhere, work any hours you want. Part time/ full time no problem! It takes a certification which some schools offer programs for training but you can get a book from Barnes and Nobles, study it, and take the test without ever attending a class (thats what I did) Many places will also hire you and train you on the spot AND pay for your certification (also what happened to me)
It isnt a front office position, but you help pts, deal with insurance billings, learn all kinds of things about meds, and the experience is one that gives you a good foundation for nursing school. I also dont know how many times Ive been in class and have been able to answer questions because of my job. I would suggest to anyone to research more info about Pharmacy Techs if you need a good flexible decent paying job during school.
Good luck with school and your job search!!!

WOW! I would love to do that!! What was the name of the book you used from Barnes & Noble and was it the only material you studied for the certification exam? Were you hired and trained without any prior experience?

I am thinking of going around to all of the local pharmacies and ask if they have a tech position available. I have an AA degree and have completed A&P 1+2 and Micro plus I am a matriculated student at the community college. I am hoping they will look favorably on my education and consider hiring me if a position is available.

AggieQT · Sep 6, 2006

I have since given all my study material away to friends also trying to gain medical experience while awaiting acceptance into a program... so i dont remember the author or title... but do a search for one... also you can go to ptcb.org (pharmacy tech certification board) and find out more info... i know major pharmacy chains have programs to teach, though i did mine through a hospital. There are two types of places pharm techs mainly work... in retail pharmacy like walgreen cvs walmart etc. and then some in hospitals. I worked in a retail pharmacy owned by a hospital. Both have great opportunities.

Technically all you need to do is study the book and sign up to take the national certification exam. Many pharmacys will hire u before u are certified ( you just wont be able to do some of the stuff until your certified) I work in the state of Texas andmany places require you to be state certified as well... BUT if we are Nationally certified then Texas recognizes it and all you have to do is pay the registration fees (no more tests) just check on ptcb about your states laws and such.

As a pharmacy tech you WILL learn to read drs orders, scripts etc. you will also have to know common medical terminology... all of which will be helpful as a nursing student or if you want to eventually get another job in a drs office.

My suggestion to study for the test is to know your conversions! Be able to convert (simple algebraic math) grams to miligrams liters to mililiters... you know simple stuff... but memorize the conversions... also memorize abbreviations that drs commonly use when writing scripts... like po qd ac pc that kind of stuff (any pharmacy tech exam book will have a big list of them) just make note cards and study... you will also need to learn about iv drips and flow rates (also simple calculations) and the basic pharmacy laws and saftey guidlines. Thats pretty much the basics of the test. Of course do as many sample math problems you can. They are questions like " a dr writes a script for *blank med* 2 tabs po qd" how many tabs need to be dispensed" that kind of thing... so you need to be able to read the script and do BASIC math... its really not that hard. there are also generic to brand questions... but all that info is in one of the books. Study, sign up, and good luck! ITS WORTH IT!!! You willl learn sooooo much and it really will help you prepare for nursing schooL! If you have any more questions just let me know!