Starting my pre-reqs soon & working p/t in a non-medical field

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hi everyone. Would it be wise for me to seek a P/T (possibly a weekend job) in the medical field or a hospital possibly? I current work in an industry non-related to anything medical. I currently have no experience in the medical field. I wonder if I get a different a job close to the field and work that while in school, if it would be beneficial for me. Even in regards to just making connections with higher ups and showing them up front my work ethic/habits. Would you just stay at your job and go to school, or should I look for a different job? I could afford to resign from my current job and do Nursing school solely thanks to my Husband, but I am thinking ahead. I want to be doing something other than just school and I want to be able to have a decent resume once I've graduated. Thanks for all responses.

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Specializes in PICU, CICU.

I worked full time while completing my pre-reqs (start nursing school Monday). Is it easy? Not exactly but you have to manage your time well. I would suggest working SNF then trying to apply towards a Hospital after about 6 months or so. Working in school kind of allows you to kill 2 birds with one stone because you're not only completing your classes but you're also gaining relevant experience, learning skills and how to work with people, and building relationships (something you will need for references)

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

Working in the medical field can certainly help build connections, and help you learn more about the medical/nursing fields- many of the entry level positions though are very low paid so only do it if finances will allow. I'm not in nursing school yet but working as a CNA for the last two years has definitely made me more confident about going down this path and given me a lot of really great connections for advice along the way. If it makes sense to keep your current job look into volunteering at a medical facility - it won't be as much experience as working but it will allow you to get a glimpse of how the environment functions and offer another means of making connections and getting your foot in the door. We just hired a new grad RN into my unit who didn't have any real healthcare experience but who had been a stand-out volunteer for us for the last year.

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Working in the medical field can certainly help build connections, and help you learn more about the medical/nursing fields- many of the entry level positions though are very low paid so only do it if finances will allow. I'm not in nursing school yet but working as a CNA for the last two years has definitely made me more confident about going down this path and given me a lot of really great connections for advice along the way. If it makes sense to keep your current job look into volunteering at a medical facility - it won't be as much experience as working but it will allow you to get a glimpse of how the environment functions and offer another means of making connections and getting your foot in the door. We just hired a new grad RN into my unit who didn't have any real healthcare experience but who had been a stand-out volunteer for us for the last year.

Thanks a lot. Volunteering would be a great idea.

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I worked full time while completing my pre-reqs (start nursing school Monday). Is it easy? Not exactly but you have to manage your time well. I would suggest working SNF then trying to apply towards a Hospital after about 6 months or so. Working in school kind of allows you to kill 2 birds with one stone because you're not only completing your classes but you're also gaining relevant experience, learning skills and how to work with people, and building relationships (something you will need for references)

Thanks :)

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Just my opinion but I think it depends. If it's a good well paying job that's flexible with you going to school keep it. If your working a crappy job flipping burgers better to get some HC experience. But I wouldn't give up a good job to make $12 an hr as a CNA or something. Also IMO it's too early to worry about it. You can work full or close to full time in the pre's, once you're in a program is when to start cutting back on work IMO. (ignore all this if your program gives some kind of points for admission for HC experience.) I would really look at what is your job doing for you and are they guna be supportive once you get into a program.

Financial, time restraints, etc. I would plan for the worst and hope for the best. Reality will probably fall somewhere in-between.

It took me 3 years from where you are. 1.5 for pre's and 1.5 to get into a program. In that time I was able to save enough to put me through school debt free if I couldn't work during the program. I was able to work 2 days a week the 1st year, had to cut that to one day a week the last 2 semesters. Like you I was thinking of getting a CNA job. Ended up looking for a RN job with no HC experience but 10 years management at the same job. IMO steady work history with responsibility was just as good as CNA exp to land me a job and I didn't have to take a 15-20 an hr pay cut or student loans. IMO now is the time to pay off CC's, save money, learn study habits and organization. You have a lot of time before you're in a program. This is the time to set yourself up to be successful in the program. Edit: And yes I saw your husband will support you but you're probably not the only one reading this or thinking about this.

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Here's my advice , I'm a current nursing student , graduate in May and work as a student nurse in the hospital , I basically function as a tech but get paid a little more than a tech . If money is a big issue and you can't afford a pay cut, then keep your non medical job and then work the student nurse prn job. You will usually qualify for the student nurse job after you take the first semester of nursig classes , check you local area hospitals for the requirements .

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