Summer Employment for Nursing Student, No CNA

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Hello! I just had a quick question.

I am about to enter the nursing program in the fall. It's a BSN program and I've already finished pre-reqs, been admitted, yada, yada, yada. :) I really don't have any nursing experience. I don't have a CNA or any type of license.

That's just some background.

So, my question is, next summer (I already have a summer job this summer, non medical, 1 time summer help type of deal) could I work in a hospital (even without a CNA?) I mean, I will have gone through the first year of nursing school so I'm sure I could be of some help somewhere. But, obviously, hospitals/clinics have laws that may not allow this...

(makes me wanna kick myself that I didn't get my CNA last summer. But now it almost seems like it would be a waste of money and time.)

Anyway, I thought I'd ask! Allnurses is my lifeline. I don't have much experience so thank you all for any and all answers! :D

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I have heard of people working as nursing students, but I'm not sure what that would entail. I would also love the hear the answer to this question. :)

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I think I did too. But I wasn't sure if it was part of their program or not. :) Hey! You're a Hoosier too! :D

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Pharmacies might have some need for summer help for techs if you're in a bigger college town! Could always look there. :)

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Pharmacies might have some need for summer help for techs if you're in a bigger college town! Could always look there. :)

Thanks for the input! They don't require any certification?

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Thanks for the input! They don't require any certification?

I'm not sure about Indiana... I know in Wisconsin (where I live) there isn't a certification required to work as a tech. There might be one that the pharmacy pays for after so many months of working, but to get a job you don't need one here. (I have an interview for a tech position this afternoon, fingers crossed! :)) You'll have to check out some openings in your area and see if there is a requirement for that.

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I'm not sure about Indiana... I know in Wisconsin (where I live) there isn't a certification required to work as a tech. There might be one that the pharmacy pays for after so many months of working, but to get a job you don't need one here. (I have an interview for a tech position this afternoon, fingers crossed! :)) You'll have to check out some openings in your area and see if there is a requirement for that.

Hey! Good luck on your interview! I will definitely be keeping that in mind! Thank you so much! :D

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I think I did too. But I wasn't sure if it was part of their program or not. :) Hey! You're a Hoosier too! :D

Yup Midwest represent. :)

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Specializes in PICU, Pediatrics.

Check with your school and see if the hospitals that they have a relationship with have any options. My school's affiliated hospital offers nursing students who have finished the first semester of school,the opportunity to work in a position similar to a tech, called a CNE (Clinical Nurse Extern). In this case, the education replaces the need for a CNA course, but there IS still a process for sending away to the state for "permission" to operate in that capacity.

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As far as actual paying jobs I'm not sure, but I know volunteering is a great way to get your foot in the door at a major hospital that you're thinking of applying at once you graduate.

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You can work as a patient transporter in a hospital. The position doesn't require any license or certification and you will be all over the hospital working side by side with the clinical staff. Patient transporters job duties are: To provide exceptional hospitality service to patients and guests in an attentive, friendly and efficient manner. To transport patients to and from clinical, ancillary and support areas via wheelchair, stretcher or beds as requested to include transport of patients with oxygen tanks, intravenous pumps, drips and special equipment. Other responsibilities to include locating, storing, and cleaning of all departmental equipment. Good luck :up:

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Pharmacies might have some need for summer help for techs if you're in a bigger college town! Could always look there. :)

I've been a pharmacy tech for 7 years. It is not very helpful for anything related to being a student nurse, except for knowing the names of a few drugs. In my state (NV) you need a state license with the board of pharmacy. You need to either go to school or train on the job (like I did - it took me 1.5 years) in order to get licensed. The money is ok but the experience isn't helpful.

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