Should a pre-nursing student get a nursing related job to increase future nursing job prospects?

[Kara638]

Should a pre-nursing student get a nursing related job to increase future nursing job prospects? I am taking my nursing pre-requisites right now for ABSN program. I already have a Bachelors degree. I am wondering if I should start working or volunteering now so I can be a good job candidate for RN jobs after I graduate and become a nurse. I don't have any nursing-related jobs on my resume right now. I also plan on becoming a CRNA. Please advise. Thank you!

[TheMoonisMyLantern, ADN, LPN, RN]

While it's not required. I think it certainly doesn't hurt. It allows you to get a taste of what healthcare is like and what is expected of you. It also allows you to network and often if you prove to be a good employee it can open doors for you.

Becoming a CNA or certified nursing assistant is a good way to get started in nursing and most classes are fairly short and reasonably priced. 

[Emergent, RN]

You should because you want to learn and become competent and confident. 

[Delia37, MSN]

It doesn't hurt. It give you a chance to see first hands what nurses do and figure out if it works for you. I am currently working as a clinical instructor and I often witness students have a hard time in clinicals because it was not what they were expecting. On the other hand, many of my students had been hired right out of nursing school because they already were working as nurse assistant ( ….around my neck of the wood, hospitals tend to hire nursing students as nurse aides); It definitely improve your chances of getting a job after graduation. 

[peach2218, CNA]

I honestly can't recommend being a CNA enough. I was a CNA in a nursing home for almost 4 years (0/10 do not recommend) but now I'm working as a CNA in a hospital as I finish up school and it has helped me so much. My hospital also lets people who already work with them get first pick of RN jobs after graduation, so that's a huge perk. 

[turtlesRcool]

CNA and EMT are both great roles to get relevant experience.

CNAs definitely get their foot in the door for hospital work because in addition to getting really good at the patient care aspect, you learn a lot about the flow of the floor, see the effect of interventions, and are often the first one to notice a problem with a patient.  Obviously, you would bring it to the RN's attention rather than handling it yourself, but it can give good clinical observation practice.  It also gives the nurses and managers a chance to know you and be impressed by your work ethic.  In my class, the ones who had jobs first were the ones who already worked in a CNA/PCT role, and were hired onto their units.

EMT is a bit different because you're not right inside the hospital, so you don't get to know the nurse managers, etc.  But you do get to learn a lot of skills that are really helpful for nurses - IV insertion, EKG interpretation, administering a limited group of medications.  Coupled with on-the-scene assessment skills, many EMTs find themselves in a strong position to transition to nursing, especially Emergency nursing.

Most volunteer positions are not worth it, if your goal is clinical experience or getting your foot in the door with an organization.  Most facilities will not allow you to do any patient care at all.  Before COVID, our volunteers did things like bake cookies or push around the comfort cart (books, magazines, lip balm, etc.).  Since COVID, we don't allow volunteers on the floor at all.  The only exception I can see would be hospice volunteer. While it might not directly translate the way CNA or EMT would, some home hospice volunteers do get to provide some direct patient care, and can get a really solid understanding of the dying/comfort process and navigating family dynamics that can come in handy later.  This is probably not as helpful to your particular goals as CNA or EMT, but it's an often-overlooked opportunity so I thought I'd mention it.

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

I think every previous post has been spot on!

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Whether it helped them get a job or not, I'm not sure, but my classmates that were CNAs had a huge advantage in the first couple clinical semesters by comparison with those of us coming into nursing without that experience. I am a second career nurse and spent much of my first 17 year career behind a microscope or at a Chemistry bench. I had no experience moving patients, or touching people, I couldn't even get a blood pressure without feeling awkward at first. I marveled at how easily my fellow students that were CNAs navigated around all aspects of patient care. I highly recommend it before school.

EMT and hospice are both excellent recommendations for their own skills. Good luck.

[the bloody nurse]

I can't suggest it enough.  Although I was not a CNA, I did perform the duties as a nurse tech for a year before graduation.  Charting alone will knocked me around for a bit, especially regarding time management.  It will make you feel more confident once you hit the floor.  Best of luck

[RNperdiem, RN]

It is optional, but CNA does make a good student job with the shifts available on nights, evenings and weekends. You also get to meet people who might help you land a job. The majority of new grads hired into our ICU, and we only hire a few, have been CNAs or unit secretaries working there. 

[DavidFR, BSN, MSN, RN]

Can only second what peope have said, not obligatory but a good idea. I was a Nurse's Aide (or Nursing Auxilliary as we called it in the UK back then) before starting my training, and yes, the experience was very useful. I felt I was a little ahead of those who'd had no hospital experience whatsoever.  

[sleepwalker, MSN, NP]

Just putting it out there....

I did an accelerated BSN program and we had 2 students that attempted to work during the program...both failed out. You weren't told you couldn't work but it was HIGHLY discouraged due to the extremely fast paced and heavy course load along with clinicals.