so...any pointers on decent paying jobs to fill up wait list period?

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so i'm almost finished w/ all my pre-requisites for the nursing program over at my local jc, and i was eligible to apply for the program. BUT as some of you are guessing, i got slapped onto the waiting list; and, of course, you all know can last up to eternity.

now i need some way to get some cash between now and later. i was lookin into my local ROP and registered to take up the telemetry technician (monitor technician) class, which takes only 7 weeks. but the pay aint all that great which is making me rethink my choice. so if anyone knows of any good programs (not necessarily in the medical field) that can be finished in less than a year preferably, i'd like to hear em. or at least hook it up w/ some links to some informitive sites, cus using straight up google is turning up really broad results.

irie

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I was a medical assistant before I went to nursing school and worked in Dr's offices for about 6 years and made $8.00 an hour. WHile working there I got tons of experience drawing blood and I also got a phlebotomy cert. in MA school. From there I got a job in a hospital as a phlebotomist making $11.00 an hour. I did this throughout nursing school and quit the summer before my senior year when I got a job as an extern making the same amount. I was able to save up enough money so that I didn't have to work my last two semesters. When I got paid I would double my car payment one month and then my car insurance the next month. I also gave up my lovely apartment to move back home after being on my own since I was 18 years old. Nursing school was tough, but I always say not as tough as living with my mother again. I love her more than anything, but living with her is difficult and if it wasn't for her allowing me to move back in I'd have never made it. You gotta do what you gotta do to get through it, even if it means sacrificing your freedom, nice new clothes, going out to eat, or whatever. Good luck to you.

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I took a phlebotomy course which took about 6 weeks, one night per week, pluse 40 hours of unpaid internship. It helped me immensely in being comfortable with the hospital setting, approaching patients, doing hands on work, and of course sticking people with needles. I am now a nurse tech with one semester to go before graduation, and I still think my phlebotomy training really gave me an edge in clinicals, and I liked the work. Community education often has phlebotomy, and costs little (I think it cost me about $150.00). Phlebotomists are needed 24/7. Good luck!

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You might try to find a job that trains you on-site. I've been working as a medical assistant for 5 years and they trained me right there--blood draws and everything. I am not certified but I have the experience now and it helps for school. The med asst courses around here are an 18 month program that costs around $12,000 so getting trained on the job is a real plus!

You might look into tech positions at local hospitals. Around here, its a two-week full time paid training and then whatever schedule you were hired for. Most of them in my area start at about $10/hour, and they LOVE nursing students.

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I just graduated, and have only worked in a hospital setting for the past year. Prior to that, while in school, I was a server. If you really need money, and are willing to work in a non-healthcare job for a while, this is an option. On a good shift, I could make $40/hr. On a bad shift, I averaged $10/hr. This was working at one of the multitude of casual chain restaurants out there. I learned time management skills, people skills, and how to think on my feet. Hours are flexible at most places. Just an idea. Best wishes to you.:wink2:

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