Published Oct 31, 2005
CHARLIE2000
2 Posts
Hi, I need some advise from all those Coloradian's out there. I have been working in the legal industry for the last 7 years, but I really want a change and I also want to move to Loveland. I have been intrigued with the idea of nursing for quite a while, but haven't made any serious moves. Most of all, I really want out of Denver. My question is, is there a job I can start while I am in a nursing pragram that can pay my bills? CNA's, especially new ones, don't seem to make any money!! Is it worth becoming a sonogram tech, or radiology, to cover short term expenses while I am in school? I already have a B.S in Criminal Justice, so I am hoping to get through a 20 month program. Any suggestions or ideas would be really helpful!!
Sherri
sddlnscp
876 Posts
I don't think that your job necessarily has to be in-line with nursing for you to be successful in a nursing program. I am currently a pre-nursing student and I work as an eligibility tech/case manger for my local Social Services department. I don't plan on changing jobs prior to (or during) nursing school. I'm not sure about the economy in Loveland, but out here (the plains of Colorado), jobs are hard to come by - so my suggestion would be to take what you can and don't sweat it if it's not healthcare related, you can always work towards that goal during or after school. Best of luck to you!!!
hope3456, ASN, RN
1,263 Posts
Working during nursing school isn't easy (been there done that)- it is very important to have a job with flexible hours because of the clinical rotations that you have to do. Also, with the nsg schools trying to increase enrollment, they are expecting the students to get their rotations in during nonconventional hours (including nights, evenings and weekends).
And in the "fast-track" programs, you might not have that much time for a job b/c the classes run pretty much 8-5 everyday (not to mention clinical rotations) and then you have homework....
That's true. I will be attending classes part-time, so it will take me longer to get my degree, but at least I will be able to continue working - something that I have to do.
sddlnscp, what school in Colorado lets you attend nursing school part time?
Otero Junior College in LaJunta - their part-time program is pretty new, so far only one round of students through it. I just met with my a/c yesterday to sign up for spring classes (A&P II and Micro - the last of my prereqs, finally!). The part-time class is Tuesday & Thursday evenings (I think 6 - 10 p.m.) and then every other weekend for clinicals. (Although, don't quote me on that, but I'm pretty sure that's how it works.) Anyway, if you have further questions, ask here or feel free to PM me - I only live 50 miles away from there (that is the big city out here - I go there at least once a week for groceries/whatever), so I know a lot about the area.
MTBanRN
39 Posts
Nursing Administrative positions would be good and in line with what you already do also there jobs in radiology making enough for you to purchase a home. I have moved as a Nurse for the past ten years and all of my positions were not necessarily in Nursing but they were in the healthcare industry. You need to use what you have and turn it into what you want to be. This means take the education and schooling that you have and incorporate it into your nursing career. There are administrative positions that you could gain.