gobucky*

I am a senior nursing student at a 4-year university...graduating in May! I am living proof that you can indeed survive nursing school haha Anyway, I highly suggest working in a part-time/student position while you are in nursing school. If not right away, then definitely starting in the summer before your senior year and into your final year of school. I will say that the first year of a clinical program is a bit overwhelming, so you may want some time to get adjusted to your new hectic schedule. Maybe take the first semester or year off and once you are ready look for a CNA or EMT position (probably that summer). It will look great on your resumé and make you much more attractive to future employers. As far as choosing between a CNA or EMT position, it really depends on your interests. If you have your heart set on emergency/critical care nursing then an EMT job will give you wonderful experience. But if you are looking for a more 'nursing skills'-oriented experience (should you decide to apply to other nursing specialties), then a CNA will definitely provide you with that. I think either way you are on the right track and future employers will be very impressed with your initiative for working toward both your CNA and EMT certifications. Especially in the current job market, we as new-grads must do everything we can if we want to be considered for positions against experienced RNs. Kudos to you for being so driven and planning ahead. Best of luck in your nursing program...it will be a crazy couple of years, but so very rewarding! I promise :)

haha this is actually very sad, but still funny (if i dont laugh, i'll cry ). at least now i know im not the only one who feels like a broken record trying to explain "the nursing shortage". thanks for this post!

I'm new to this site, but I'm hoping to find some fellow nurses who can give me some serious advice! 2011 is going to be a BIG year for me...I am graduating in May from nursing school with my BSN and I am getting married 6 months later! Don't get me wrong, I am soooo excited for both of these things but at the moment I am seriously stressed. Here's my situation: As a new grad, I am obviously eager to put my education to use and start working! But, I am worried about the time off I would need for my wedding/honeymoon in November. I'm unsure of how hospitals typically work with vacation time (especially less than one year after hire AND for a new graduate in her first RN position). I would hate to not be able to go on our honeymoon after the wedding, as I have spent the past 4 years living in a different city from my boyfriend/fiance because of nursing school. I am so excited to FINALLY be in the same place at the same time and start our life together. Do I take 6 months off after graduation to regroup, plan our wedding, and get use to life after school? Or should I get out there into the workforce ASAP and put my personal life on hold once again? The wedding will still happen in November regardless, but the time off and honeymoon are my biggest concern. Part of me says I have my whole life to work & should focus on enjoying the 'happiest day of my life', while another part of me says I've worked this hard to get my degree & should start working NOW. Please help this very stressed out nursing student!