Wanna be nurse needs a JOB!

Sue Damones · Sep 25, 2007

I dont know what type of training unit secretaries need, but that might be a job where you'd learn a lot. Check out some hospitals for what they require to be a PCT...that might be another option for you.

santhony44, MSN, RN, NP · Sep 25, 2007

Maybe a receptionist or clerical job in a clinic or medical practice? You probably would not get home before your kids, but should be able to get them to school before going to work.

Also, most offices and clinics are not open weekends, evenings, or holidays, so you would have less of a child care issue.

You could look into something like phlebotomy training and go to work in the hospital or an office setting.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 25, 2007

It only takes a couple of months to obtain certification as a CNA. Once you possess CNA certification, you could accept a dayshift job at a skilled nursing facility from 6am to 2pm or from 7am to 3pm. The CNA job will expose you to some basic nursing skills, and provides a good foundation upon which to learn and build a fund of knowledge.

Warning: CNA work is backbreaking!

ann945n, RN · Sep 25, 2007

I will also chime in CNA work would be the way to go. I know a lot of LTC places have some pretty flexible hours. I know some CNA's that work just 4 hours a day and come in to help with showers and meal time. Something like that might be ideal while the kiddies are in school.

AggieNurse2B · Sep 25, 2007

The phlebotomy thing sounds kind of interesting...Any idea how long it might take me to be able to do that? I would just kind of like something to help me get my feet wet.

Sassybottom · Sep 25, 2007

Work as a unit secretary for the unit/ hospital you eventually want to work for. Unit secretary know about all the doctors, who to call when something needs to be done, where all the papers are, what forms are needed for what, etc. Unit secretaries are awesome! You'll have such a competitive edge when you eventually graduate - especially if you apply for that same unit.

Sometimes I wish I could have health unit secretary training.

widi96 · Sep 25, 2007

I agree with most of the posters - I was fortunate enough to have a job as a tech (did the same as a CNA) but they also cross-trained me as a unit secretary. At our hospital you could do that and work 7-3 without a problem. I highly recommend that and I think it helped me so much in school - not to mention with boards and an easy transition into being a nurse. I already felt comfotable wtih things that the other new nurses still had to learn.

Sassybottom · Sep 25, 2007

Oh yeah, working as a nursing assistant will also provide you with extremely valuable experience. I have learned a lot from the experienced and knowledgable nursing assistants I work with.

KenCCRN · Sep 26, 2007

Okay, nurses, I need a professional opinion from you, the nurses whom I hold in such high regard.
I'm somewhat of a pre-nursing student. Just trying to take a class here and there to finish my pre-reqs so I can apply to a 2nd bachelors BSN program. My next opportunity to apply is Feb. 09, so I'm in no particular hurry to get done with my 3 remaining classes. I just came home from a one year stint in the UK with my husband's job, so I'm trying to settle back into US life. So, there's the background.
Now, the professional opinion part: I worked before I left the US as a tax accountant, but I would rather die than go back to that life. I'm considering getting myself a job to make some extra money, but I would like to do something nursing-related. Although it would be idea to get something 7a-3p, I do live in the real world and realize that's a pretty tall order. (I have two kids who go to school from 7:30-3 M-F.) Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

First of all....going for your BSN is a mistake for a returning student. You should be going for a 2 year degree and here is why.

1) The 2 year program has a night schedule and is flexible and easier to get into.

2) It is mucho cheaper.

3)You can become the same RN and get the same pay in half the time and less headache and studying. You have a family to take care of while you study.

4) You already have a degree and most of the prereqs will count towards the 2 year degree....they used mine back 15 years.

5) You will get to work 2 years sooner an begin earning serious money.

6) The hospital you will work for will help pay for part if not all of the other 2 years when you want to go for your BSN or MSN.

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · Sep 26, 2007

I think going for the 2nd degree is the way to go. Here there is a program that if you already have a Bachelor's degree then the BSN will only take 14 months. So that is faster and you are making money sooner.

I say unit secretary, CNA or PCT is the way to go. Plenty of jobs out there that are 7-3. I'm working 3-11 because I don't want to get up too early! :lol2:

AggieNurse2B · Oct 9, 2007

The 2nd degree BSN is a 15 month program, so it's actually faster than the 2 year RN. And I have the grades to get into it...Not that it's a sure thing, but I think I have a decent shot. And I don't necessarily have to work. I've got a husband who takes care of our family monetarily. I just wanted to do something nursing-related for a little extra pocket change (Christmas and such) and to take some of the pressure off hubby and gain a little experience at the same time. In short, I want to have my cake and eat it, too.