Looking for a part-time job while applying to RN Program? Good idea or bad idea?

[forevermn]

Dear Nursing students,

I've never had a job before and I really want a job. I'm 23 years old btw T__T

Should I look for a part-time job (working at fast food and etc.) if I plan on applying to the nursing program at Merced College? What if I apply and get accepted into the program? Would it be a good idea to have a job when I'm about to start the program? I don't know if it's a good idea to have a job at the same as being in the program. My friend is in her first semester in the program and she told me some have quit their jobs to focus entirely on the nursing program. I don't think I should have a job if I got accepted into the program since I feel like it would be too much work and stress. Any ideas or suggestions? Anything helps!

Meanwhile, I'm waiting to apply since they're not accepting applications until March of 2017 and I'm trying to look for jobs online. So far no luck. It's quite hard since I don't have any work experience.

[vanilla bean]

I say good idea. First, you don't have any guarantee if/when you'll start nursing school. Second, having had a job will help prepare you for future employment even in seemingly unrelated fields. Learning to keep commitments (working shift that you don't want to), showing up for work on time (all the time!), learning to work with difficult personalities (both in terms of managers/coworkers and customers), time management, and acting professionally will all be just a few of the skills you'll start to develop in just about any part-time job you're able to find.

[Lightning90]

I wouldnt waste your time working for minimum wage unless you really need the money. Focus on nursing.

[Banana nut, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

The following is what I suggest to all potential nursing students with no experience: Go to the dream hospital you want to work at and apply for the food service line. You will bring the food from the kitchen to the hospital units. Do this job for 6 months and after that you will be able to internally apply for a pct/uap/cna/lift team position and you will have first priority for the spot. Also work really hard and network with all the nurses on the units you delivery food to and ask when they are hiring for tech positions and mention you are going to nursing school. You will get a position supper quick if you are hard working and easy to get along with and persistent.

[forevermn]

Thank you for all of your suggestions.