Please help! On advice with unrelated work experience vs related volunteer experience

[Emmy115]

Hello my name is Emmanuel I am currently taking prereqs to apply for the Licensed vocational nurse program in san diego california.

i have never worked a day in my life because my parents want me to focus 100% on school. However, i worry that when it comes to applying for jobs in the future for nursing jobs it's going to look bad that I don't have any job experience of any kind.

Would volunteering at medical centers and hospitals makeup for that lack of job experience?

Or is unrelated job experience not important at all?

what do you guys suggest I do? My schedule is pretty tight.

[RubyRabbit, BSN, RN]

I don't think nursing programs look at any unrelated experience. They want to see if you've had any clinical experience or direct patient interaction. If you have, it really speaks volumes. My advice would be to apply as a volunteer at a local hospital, but many require a minimal number of hours per week (~4). Hospices, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, etc. may be more lenient if you are stretched for time.

If you can commit to it, look into a CNA or MA program. It's a great way to get clinical experience and make some money at the same time. I work full-time and am taking 17 credit hours. I just got accepted to a nursing program in the spring. Anything is possible! Best of luck.