Opinion on job while a student?

[Java_Wench]

Hello Nurses! I had a question and I'm looking for ideas/opinions. I'm a pre-nursing student at the moment, and also unemployed (I was a business owner until the economy took me out last year). I've been looking for a job, and I was thinking that a job that was perhaps related to the field I'm hoping to go into would be a good idea. Here's my dilemma. I'm not a CNA, or anything else. So, I don't have any medical training. I'd be happy to get recertified for CPR and whatever else might be handy, but I don't know if there are any jobs out there in the hospital setting that would be available for me. I have a good deal of clerical knowledge, I can file like a maniac, and I'm good with customer service type stuff. I was thinking of keeping an eye out for unit secretarial type jobs, but are there any others you can think of that I might not be seeing? I'd really love to get my foot in the door, get used to working in a medical enviornment, and have a paycheck again. Do you all have any ideas? I'd really appreciate any help you could give me!

[GraceRN8]

I think it's a great idea to work if you can while in school. I worked my senior year as an aide on oncology floor, and that was actually what made me want to go into oncology. It also helped me become comfortable with patients. I had other jobs while in high school and college, but I would say I definitely become more comfortable with people the more hours I spent in the hospital.

It does get tricky trying to fit in study time and work time (not to mention classes and clinicals) and you will have very little sleep and few days off, but it is worth it. I promise. I hated feeling tired and not being able to watch TV sometimes, but I am so glad I had that aide job because it was what made me stand out from other new grads.

As far as CNA classes, it depends on your state. I know some states do not require a CNA license, but others do. And you will need the recert in CPR/BLS every two years.

I hope it all works out for you! :)

[tech1000]

I'd look for unit secretary, but I've noticed a lot of the secretary jobs are looking for you to be able to work on the floor too. I don't know what you'd be able to do without having your first semester of nursing school done. If you can't find a medical job now, wait till you do one semester of nursing school and definitely look into hospital jobs.

[kv07]

There are usually clerical positions open. Unit clerks/aides in different departments that you have an idea working in (whether that be NICU, Med Surg, etc).

Also. If you want "nursing experience" I would check into group homes/long term skilled nursing facility. I worked once in a long term facility for children (medically fragile) and did not need to be certified or anything in that manner. And I gained SO much experience with this (g tube feedings, trach care, medication administration, etc). So you can check your community for those types of opportunity.

Good luck.

[Java_Wench]

Thank you for your replies! I've done some research and most if not all tech jobs here require CNA. However, I did apply tonight for a unit secretary job at the hospital I'd like to go on to work in once I'm done with schooling, and they just require CPR (which I'll need to do). So...fingers crossed on that possibility. Thank you all again! :)