Pre-nursing student...not sure if i should take a part-time pca job?

[sbwpaso]

I am down to my last prerequisites and I am applying to various schools. One school, St. Louis University I will be accepted into if I am successful this fall in chemistry and a&p 2. I don't want to risk my gpa if I take this PCA job. Can anyone recommend if it's too difficult to manage school and part-time work as a PCA?

[LoveNeverDies]

In my opinion, being an Aide gives very valuable practice and skills. I work part time as an STNA while in school and have no problems. However, every person is different. Your success depends on how much you work, what school you are at, how often you have class, and how much work you are assigned. Some people can do it and some cannot. I would suggest PRN work, that way you can work more if you feel like you can or less if you feel like you cant. Be very very organized and plan ahead on when you will have your work done. Nursing is very different from pre-reqs, so do not base your ability for success of off those. ( Not saying you wont be successful, but I have seen people work full time in pre reqs with a 4.0 and quit working 3 weeks in and still barely pass the semester.) In Nursing school one test usually has the ability to fail you. Please be proactive, if you feel like you are drowning then cut your hours, or speak with your instructor. Good luck!

[green34]

Part-time work is very important in my opinion. It shows you have people skills and organizational skills. A lot of times hospitals will open up nursing positions to employees first and will start interviewing them before interviewing outsiders. Be prepared to say no to picking up extra shifts though. I overworked myself and my GPA suffered. Working 36-48 hours a week is too much. If you can limit yourself, then I recommend doing it.