To be a student nurse tech or not (to be)

I'm thinking of taking the plunge. Leaving my cushy well-paid desk job to be a student intern/extern/nursetech/whatever they call them. Starts in May until graduation May 2006 (next year.) I'm terrified.

Is it worth it? I think i need more healthcare experience, b/c I don't do anything moderately related right now. Clinical time isn't enough to get into the groove. And I'm cutting my pay by more than half to do this. The other option is to be bored out of my mind at this job all summer and start there in December. Plus, this is the final big leap to nursing. No turning back after you leave the other job. I don't make big decisions well.

[jenrninmi, MSN, RN]

How much of a paycut will you have to take and will you still be able to pay your bills? That's what I'd be worried about if I was in your shoes. If I was able to work right now, I'd definately choose the tech position. My husband tends to leave for a week at a time and is gone about 1/3 of the year with the National Guard so because his schedule is so unpredictable it wouldn't be worth the extra stress of me working. And then there's our childrens afterschool activities.

[Fraggle]

Pay cut is okay. It just cuts into my shopping. The hours will be less regular, but might as well get used to it now! No children.

How much of a paycut will you have to take and will you still be able to pay your bills? That's what I'd be worried about if I was in your shoes. If I was able to work right now, I'd definately choose the tech position. My husband tends to leave for a week at a time and is gone about 1/3 of the year with the National Guard so because his schedule is so unpredictable it wouldn't be worth the extra stress of me working. And then there's our childrens afterschool activities.

[CarVsTree]

Pay cut is okay. It just cuts into my shopping. The hours will be less regular, but might as well get used to it now! No children.

If you're financially able, I say definitely! I'm so glad I did. I have learned and continue to learn so much. It is well worth it.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Is it worth it? I think i need more healthcare experience, b/c I don't do anything moderately related right now. Clinical time isn't enough to get into the groove. And I'm cutting my pay by more than half to do this. The other option is to be bored out of my mind at this job all summer and start there in December. Plus, this is the final big leap to nursing. No turning back after you leave the other job. I don't make big decisions well.

I think you said it best yourself ... I've never run across ANYONE who said, "oh yes, I've had plenty of clinical time - it was more than enough."

If you can afford the pay cut, do it. Get into the groove, hone your skills (doing something 100 times makes you much more comfortable than having done it 5 times), and you may even get your foot in the door of a hospital where you choose to continue working after graduation.

I took my tech job in the ED purely for the experience - I don't need the money right now (not that a few extra bucks hurt ... )

Good luck to you. :)

[KrisRNwannabe]

If you can leave your job, I say go for it!! I am in my second semester and I totally agree that there is not enough clinical time. I work as a tech and the experience i am gaining is invaluable. i get to do pretty much everything but pass meds. I love it! I am gaining so much confidence in myself. I work contingent so it easy scheduling. plus contingent position usually pay more!! go for it, you will be glad you did!

Kris