What should I do while I wait?

[conezone80]

In less than a year I'll finish my pre-reqs and I'll be waiting to get into nursing school. I figured that while I wait the 1.5-2 years I should try to get a job in the medical field.

My aunt told me that it only takes a year to become a pharmacy tech and that it would be good enough pay to help me get through nursing school.

I also considered trying to get a job as a nurses aide, but I'm not sure where I'd even start or what would be required.

So any advice about what I should do and how I would go about doing it would be very appreciated. Thank you.

[WeirdNurseKelly, BSN, RN]

If you have work experience it looks good on your application. Check with your local community college to find out about their nursing assistant program.

Also, check with your local care homes and assisted living facilities. Some of them may offer the course for free if you work for them afterwards. Check with your state board of nursing to make sure they are accredited.

I got accepted to nursing school and I start this September. In order for me to actually go I have to take a state board of nursing certified nursing assistant course. The college that I am going to offers a nursing skills class instead, which I am taking. Your college may not offer a course like this unless you have been accepted into their program.

I think it would be wise to get some work experience. I live in Oregon, a lot of the colleges here work on a point system. You get points for grades, having your prereqs done, work experience, etc. One college that I applied to gave so many points for so many hours. You work x amount of hours you get x amount of points. I got 4 out of the possible 6 for my work experience.

Also, look into a medical assistant program. You can work in a clinic, make decent money, do injections and what not. Some of the classes you will take for that might be able to be used towards your prereqs.

I got my MA in 2001. It gave me an opportunity to work in the field. I was no where near ready for school right out of high school. I don't 'think I was mature enough. Also, I didn't have the confidence in myself that I do now.

Good luck.