Nursing Student or CNA...Job Hunting

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Specializes in MICU.

Hello all! I am applying to nursing school for the fall and I am also looking for a part time job. I wanted to get the opinion of the people on the board. Assuming that I am accepted into nursing school for the fall, should I just wait until I start school to look for employment as as clinical partner, monitor tech, patient care tech/associate, etc., or should I obtain my CNA license and look for work? Thanks for the help.

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Hello. I think it would be a great idea for you to go ahead and start looking for work as a PCT now. Not all hospitals require you to have your CNA certification or even a PCT class before working as a nursing assistant. I worked as a PCT in a hospital before going to nursing school and it was great experience!

This is just my opinion, and I hope I'm understanding your question correctly. But I say go for it!

Good luck with whatever you decide.:)

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Specializes in MICU.

Yes would like to go ahead and start working before I start nursing school. Do you mind my asking what hospital you worked at as a PCT? I live east of Atlanta. About twenty minutes away. Thanks for your help. I am trying to compile a list of hospitals that have open positions.

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Specializes in Orthopedics; Geriatrics; Case Management.

Whatever you do, DO NOT WORK AT PARKVIEW MANOR NURSING HOME on Auburn avenue in Atlanta. It was horrible. I worked there 4 days and quit

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Specializes in MICU.

Wow. It must have been a bad experience for you. I am sorry. I will take that into consideration. I really want to work in a hospital. If anyone knows of anyone knows of any hospitals actively hiring PCTs right now, let me know. Thanks.

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Specializes in Orthopedics; Geriatrics; Case Management.

I think Atlanta Medical Center is and maybe Dekalb Medical. Grady has i think a couple of job openings

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The one I worked at was in Gainesville, so that might be a littler farther away than you were wanting. And I'm not sure if they have any positions open right now or not. But maybe some of the other member's suggestions will work out well for you. :)

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Specializes in MICU.

Thank you. Yes please keep the suggestions coming. :wink2:

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Specializes in MICU.

Does anyone have the inside scoop on who is hiring these days? Thanks!

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I know you posted this in April, but if you don't mind me asking...did you find a job? I am in the same position now, that you were then. I am applying for nursing school this coming up spring semester and I'm trying to figure out what jobs I should apply or whether, what jobs I CAN apply for. Unlike you, I do not have a CNA license. How do you get that? I guess the only thing I can do is look for internships or volunteer work.

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Specializes in MICU.

Hi malloryc79,

Nope. I still don't have a job and I don't have a CNA license. I am still on the fence about getting it. I am thinking that it would be to my benefit to maybe secure a job now, but if I am accepted into nursing school in the Spring like I am hoping that I will be, I will just roll with that and try to get a nurse externship over the summer. Good luck to you! What schools are you applying to?

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Well I go to Georgia Perimeter now, and they have a great nursing program so I know I'm for sure that I'm applying there. I almost might apply to Georgia Baptist College of Nursing and Kennesaw University. What about yourself? With the information I have gathered about becoming a CNA, I'm probably just going to run in to a couple of local nursing homes and see if any one would train me. If not, well I guess it's fate :) lol. I really wanted to get some experience under my belt before starting nursing school. I'm sure the experience would help out alot :).

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