Working Options for Nursing Students

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I begin nursing school this fall. Besides CNA work, what are some other good employment avenues for nursing students?

---

Dear Fall Nursing Student,

There are other options besides working as a CNA while you are in nursing school, but why? The best option by far is to work as a CNA. You will learn so much and gain an appreciation of what CNAs do, which will help you later.

Your chances of getting hired after graduation are exponentially increased. If you can get a job as a CNA in the facility where you later want to work as an RN, you are GOLDEN compared to other RN applicants.

You have insider advantage. You can actively network and impress Charge Nurses and hiring managers with your work ethic. reliability, and skills. Managers love to hire a known quantity over an unknown person who may or may not work out.

I wish every nursing student would consider working as a CNA. They would be SO much more ahead of the game when graduation comes around, especially in impacted areas where new grads are not finding jobs.

There are some experienced CNAs here (Red Kryptonite, CNA, is one) to follow, and helpful threads about working while in school "Don't Work" Isn't an Answer

Best wishes whatever you decide,

Nurse Beth

[mirandaaa]

Although I am a CNA and fully agree that I do feel that everyone with prior CNA experience is a little ahead of the ballgame, my one issue with it is that CNA jobs unfortunately do not pay well. (I actually gave up the CNA life for a while because I was making under $10 an hour even with 2 years of experience).

If you can get PRN job, they often pay a few more dollars an hour, but you don't get benefits and the hours aren't guaranteed.

If you need to work to support yourself, I would look into getting a PRN CNA job and working one or two shifts a week and having something else that brings in a little more money on the side (bartending is great for this). If you want to work just for the experience and the leg up and don't necessarily need it solely for income, I definitely think getting a CNA job is a great idea.

[southshore2014, APRN]

I anticipate the work/school balance to be a perpetual dance. I am wondering what the maximum number of hours a nursing student can/should work. Is 32 hours manageable?

[seasidesoul]

I worked as a bartender. Since I live in a large city, it helped me network (I met many nurses, physicians, and other healthcare workers). Made about $17-20/hr through tips, learned to prioritize and juggle tasks, etc. I mentioned my job in every interview I went on, and each time the managers mentioned that they saw it as an added bonus. I agree that working PRN as a CNA could be a great way to get your foot in the door! This is especially true if you live in an area with less available positions for nurses. That being said, I relied on the income I made while bartending.

(PS - 4 job offers and I didn't work at all as a CNA. It's possible!)

[seasidesoul]

I anticipate the work/school balance to be a perpetual dance. I am wondering what the maximum number of hours a nursing student can/should work. Is 32 hours manageable?

I worked 35 during my first year, then cut back to 20 during my last two years (and 40+ hours over the summer)

[southshore2014, APRN]

That makes me feel better. I just accepted a 32/wk position. My nursing program is hybrid, so I'll still have the same workload, but should be more flexible schedule-wise.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

I worked as a bartender. Since I live in a large city, it helped me network (I met many nurses, physicians, and other healthcare workers). Made about $17-20/hr through tips, learned to prioritize and juggle tasks, etc. I mentioned my job in every interview I went on, and each time the managers mentioned that they saw it as an added bonus. I agree that working PRN as a CNA could be a great way to get your foot in the door! This is especially true if you live in an area with less available positions for nurses. That being said, I relied on the income I made while bartending.

(PS - 4 job offers and I didn't work at all as a CNA. It's possible!)

That is a great alternative, bartending. It's good money, and flexible hours. I met 2 nurse applicants last round who bartended, come to think of it. Thanks for sharing!

[Mushu6]

So having CNA experience will make you more employable when you become an RN? Say, even if you apply to a different organization?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

So having CNA experience will make you more employable when you become an RN? Say, even if you apply to a different organization?

Yes, yes, and yes :) More so if you've been a CNA in the facility you want to work in as an RN (then you are almost a shoo-in), but also having CNA experience on your resume will set you apart from many other candidates. :)