Nursing student seeking summer job!

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Jul 6, 2016

There are some positions specifically meant for nursing students (externships, internships, etc.), where you can actually practice some nursing tasks under the supervision of an RN. Howevet, it depends on your location and nearby hospitals.

LKVRN · Jul 6, 2016

Thanks! I am looking around the Houston TX area and am currently looking into patient care associates. However, I do not know if that job will lead to solid experience or if I should instead try to become a CNA. Which I don't mind working as a CNA, I would just rather have a learning experience under an RN.

PlzClarify · Jul 6, 2016

In my neck of the woods, you can get a PCT job a lot easier if you become a CNA first. There are some CNA courses that are faster than others, which would allow you to become a CNA much sooner and try to land a job this summer.

Good luck! :)

ZoeFrecn · Jul 7, 2016

Hi there!

My advice is to get your CNA license (if you don't have it already). If you would prefer to work in a clinical setting, like a hospital, I would recommend volunteering while you are working on getting your CNA. Most hospitals prefer patient care techs (PCT's) to have 6months to 1 year experience in a long term or subacute care facility prior to applying for hospital positions. However, I know plenty of people who volunteer and pick up patient care tech jobs that way.

I would recommend picking up a per diem position and trying to maintain it while at school. This is what I do, and I think its a great way to network. My department (Emergency Department) hires a lot of new grads/resident RNs who have worked there as PCT's. A lot of other floors in my hospital also hire PCT's into RN positions.

If learning experience under an RN is your focus, I think CNA is the way to go. In the Emergency Department I get to help the nurses with a lot of procedures and, they provide me with great learning opportunities. For example we had a patient the other day with decreased breath sounds bilaterally and they made sure I was able to listen to it with my stethoscope. Also, once you've completed your second semester of nursing you can apply for PCT II. This increases your scope of practice to include some of the skills you have learned in nursing school. For me I can monitor chest tube draining, EKG's, blood draws, blood cultures, inserting or doing straight catheters.

LonghornChic, BSN · Jul 13, 2016

Many hospitals will take nursing students that are in their sophomore/junior year without a CNA license although some might require at least one semester of clinicals.

I picked up a job as a CA at a major hospital system PRN this summer. I pretty much set my own schedule and work as much as I want. The experience has been great! I do blood draws, EKG's, catheters, IV's, patient transports, bladder scans, basic nursing care, etc. I work as part of the float department with this hospital system. I have floated to Med/surge, ICU, Oncology, Trauma/Ortho, PACU, Pre-OP, ED, Tele and L&D. The different aspects I get to see from each unit is wonderful.

The money is not bad also. I worked 124 hours in a 2 week period and made a little over $2000 before taxes (there is weekend and night differential along with OT pay).

The work is heavy at times but it it well worth it. You also get the opportunity to make connections that might land you a job post graduation. Good luck!