Want to get job before going to nursing school

[lostsincedischarge]

I had to leave full time nursing school. I was so broke I am lucky even to have internet serivce, food or a home to live. I was thinking about doing a short term course but I am unsure which one is better for learning before I get into the program again. I was doing pre reqs and I only have receptionist expereience so what would be better-- a medical assistant, occupational tech or a pharmacy tech? I could get certified and go to school part time and not be destitute. I have NO modern job skills since being an office clerk in the military and I hated office work. Any suggestions?

[Devon Rex, ADN, BSN]

Hi,

Any of those three programs are good. It all depends on waht you want to do... only you can make that decision. However, let me suggest... there is also the LPN program. It's only one year and gets your foot in the door in the medical field. True, you might have to start at a nursing home (many hospital stopped hiring LPNs), but that will give you the income you need. Once you are an LPN and have a job, you can do the LPN-to-RN bridge program. Many universities and community colleges offer it.

I do not know how a medical assistant, occupational tech, or a pharm tech would help you in saving you time in completing the nursing program... but they do give you exposure and extra knowledge... which is also a plus. If you have one of those three in your background once you become an RN... hospitals will value that when hiring.

It's all good in my view. :)

[devyn renee]

Pretty much everyone I know who wants to go to nursing is going for CNA certification so that is a another option. CNA work honestly isn't very appealing to me so I was looking into EMT-B while I wait for nursing school. In my area you only need to take a 3 unit lecture and 1.5 unit lab class to be certified so you'll be finished in one semester. From what I've heard from past EMT-B's and what I've read online it seems the pay isn't particularly good (starting out it is usually a couple dollars per hour above minimum wage) but I think the experience would be great for nurses-to-be. I feel like if you can handle the stress of being an EMT out in the field you can do anything. It is also significantly easier and cheaper than some of the other options you listed although they do tend to pay more. My BF is currently going to school for pharmacy tech and the program takes over a year to complete. I'm sure you could do it faster at one of those for profit schools but I'm scared to even look at how much money that would set you back. Since you intend on going to nursing eventually I would say just pick something that you are going to enjoy doing since it is hopefully only going to be a temporary job. Good luck! :heartbeat

[Devon Rex, ADN, BSN]

I agree with Devyn... EMT will help you a lot in getting a job as a nurse later on. One of my colleagues got hired by the local hospital before he passed the boards... all because he had completed the nursing program and had EMT experience. He is making $33/hr ... for Florida, that's a good start.