What Job Did You Work While Getting Through Nursing School?

[Shookclays, ASN, BSN, CNA, RN]

I am currently applying to jobs before I start clinicals (Jan 2017)(RN).

Here are my options

• Fast Food(KFC/Pizza Hut)
  
• Retail Worker(Walmart)
  

I'm 21 & still living with mom who insisted I stay until I graduate and become a licensed RN. The only bills I have is cellphone/car note & half of the electricity/gas bill.

I would like to know what jobs you worked while attending nursing school.

P.S. I am attending school in Louisiana and I believe this state allows RN students to, after the first semester, apply/register for CNA license and, after the second semester, challenge the LPN exam.

If this was your experience I would also love to read it. :)

[Libby1987]

Initially a food server (waitress back then) Excellent prep for multitasking, efficiency and catering to customers under pressure.

The last year I had an extern position on tele and was crossed trained as a unit clerk.

[Shookclays, ASN, BSN, CNA, RN]

Initially a food server (waitress back then) Excellent prep for multitasking, efficiency and catering to customers under pressure.

The last year I had an extern position on tele and was crossed trained as a unit clerk.

Were you in an Associates or Bachelors program?

[Libby1987]

Were you in an Associates or Bachelors program?

Bachelors. We were eligible to test after the 2nd year. As a 3rd year student in an extern position, we could do everything but pass meds. Or start IVs if I recall correctly, though it seems like we could heplock.

It was great to graduate from a 4 yr having had lots of experience on the floor.

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

I worked as a CNA before and through school. My boss lives nursing students, so she was very understanding of my schedule. It was great experience and helped me get my first nursing job. I definitely recommend getting the experience if you can, but as long as the job pays the bills and works with school, that's what's important. You can always find ways to relate retail, good service, and anything customer-facing to nursing later, on your resume or in interviews.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

I worked as a unit secretary/ monitor tech. If you can get any hospital job it will help you in school.

[AJJKRN]

Worked as a float CNA and cross-trained for unit secretary & cardiac monitor technician. Got my foot in the door and was familiar with all the floors and respective managers.

[RN-ing, BSN, MSN, NP]

I worked as a student nurse's aide at the local hospital one day per week and bartender on the weekends.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

Got my CNA asap and then CNA II (something NC has). Worked in HH all through school. It was very nice as the hours were flexible, I could work as much or as little as I needed for school schedule.

It help get me a job. Many places look for longevity of jobs. Even though I did not work in acute care, I was a loyal employee for 3+ years and even worked prn as a nurse for the agency after I got a job. I was told recruiters like to see that. Not only was health care related, but I was there a fairly long time.

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

I worked in a call center. I also volunteered in an ER.

Apparently, nursing students in that state can skip the written portion of the CNA exam after the first semester, though they still have to pass the practical exam. I tried to find out how, but the ER PCAs were no help, and my advisor acted like it was none of my business. The only options I could see were my school's $1,500 CNA course or the Red Cross's $700 CNA course. I applied for nurse tech jobs, and was turned down.

[sevensonnets]

I worked as an attendant in the recovery room of the hospital where I did clinicals and in ER.

[cherryelle07]

I currently work as a PCT at a retail clinic where I will continue to work as I start nursing school. I will most likely go PRN and work when I have the free time.