What job can I get now?

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Nov 20, 2006

Have you tried getting a job as a unit clerk or maybe something in admissions.

I am currently a RN student, and through recent family problems, i am in need of work. I don't want to work some retail job, is there anything i can do in the hospital? can I be a nurse's aid ( just being a student ? ). canyone a nurse's aid- what do i have to do to be able to get that job? do you HAVE to take classes, since i am a nursing student i have learned everything a nurse aid does- as we do this in our clinicals.
what about an LPN? I have all of the classes completed, can i get certified even though i'm not in a lpn school?
can anyone please reply with any suggestions possible? i would really need something that pays atleast $10 an hour. I am still in school and i would probably will need to get my own place.
thank you in advance

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Nov 20, 2006

You may have to check your state requirements, but I do know of some RN students who have been able to sit for their LPN boards after a certain point in their education.

Some hospitals will allow you to work as a nurse tech while you are in school without your CNA classes, but that is up to the individual hospitals. Do a little research.

As far as other jobs, yes, you can get a job and it is a good idea to work in a hospital while you are in school. Nothing like being there to get a better understanding of the job. You can get your CNA either thru a local vo-tech school program or some hospitals offer classes. I know many nursing schools are now requiring that you have a CNA as a requirement to start the program....great idea!!

Different areas of the country offer a variety of salaries, so you will have to check that out. You may want to look on monster.com for jobs in various states.

Sorry about your family problems, school is stressful enough without adding that. Good luck, and working as a CNA, nurse tech, etc. will give you great experience to jump start your nursing career.

JustJen, BSN, RN · Nov 20, 2006

After I finished my first semester of nursing school, I got a job as a tech (functioned as a CNA) in Florida. Starting pay was around 10 bucks an hour. Call the nurse recruiter at local hospitals. They often like to hire you as a tech anticipating that you will stay with them after you become an RN.

paccookie · Nov 20, 2006

You can get a job as a unit secretary, registration rep, dietary aid, housekeeping, etc without any additional training/schooling/certification. You may be able to get a job as a nursing assistant without further training if you have completed your nursing fundamentals class, although they may ask you to take the certification exam. You can work as a nurse extern if you have completed at least the first semester of the nursing program (I don't mean pre-reqs). Go talk to someone in HR at your local hospitals. See what they can do for you. Hospitals LOVE to get nursing students in early so that they can try to retain you as an RN when you finish school. Good luck!

CG

PurrRN · Nov 20, 2006

I'm sure that you'll get better advice than mine, but I wanted to chime in for support. I think it depends on your state whether you can work as a CNA. I'm in my first semester of NS, but we were told that when we finish this first semester in Dec, we will be eligible to start working at the hospital if we wished because this first semester got the basics of patient care out of the way (learning wise). As every program is different and every state has it's own rules, I'd check with someone at school to see if you are able to work at a facility doing some sort of patient care. It would be worth looking into. Good Luck I hope you are able to find something that works for you.

youngever · Nov 20, 2006

Hi, IF I were you, I would apply as many hospital setting or nursing homes as a nurse aid. After putting a resume in, you need to be persistent with follow up calls. It may be a good idea that you visit manager's offices of the places. Take your resume with you. Consult with your instructors of your nursing school. They could help you to put your foot in the door. Mean time,If you already completed LPN course, you will need to take board exam for LPN. Until you get a job, you may want to get a financial aid via school such as student loan. I always believe if there is a will, there is a way.

Best regards! :nurse:

bisson · Nov 20, 2006

thank you for all your help, i contacted my school, i should hear the answer tomorrow morning. my nursing school is part of a hospital, i sure hope they would give their own students some kind of opportunity. if not, i will check out hospitals on my own

you guys are life savors !