What jobs did you do before nursing?

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For a short time 20 years ago I cut hair, I consider myself a "people person". I also worked as a medical assistant (certified ophthamic assistant to eye surgeons, and Lasik technician) for 13-14 years so this helped me feel more comfortable (a little) as a new grad because of previous experience interacting with doctors and patients.

Just curious what other jobs you did before going into the nursing field? Do you think your previous experiences help you now?

waitressing, hostessing in a restaurant, hostess in a night club, retail, office work, internship where I shadowed a nurse for a few weeks and had cna type responsibilities and a couple more. All of the customer service jobs really helped with that aspect!

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I had a pretty diverse career path before I became a nurse. Some of it I'm not very proud of as I was quite a different person in my former life. So, let's see, in no particular order:

Professional poker player - the 2008 WSOP was good to me. I still play and go to Vegas regularly, but I just got burnt out.

Drug dealer - One I'm not very proud of and don't really mind admitting, simply because I'm not that person anymore.

Manager of a video store - I was a lot like Sam Malone, except I gave away free movies to good looking girls instead of beer.

Accident investigator for a large transportation company - it prepared me well for charting as a nurse.

Various sales/casher jobs as a kid - meh. I goofed around.

Umpire - best summer gig ever.

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I've been a waitress most of my adult life, like many of you. I expected it to be very similar to nursing, with multi-tasking and being quick on your feet, etc. I was surprised at how demanding a nurse needs to be. It's not like "Can I get you something?" It's more like "GET OUT OF BED! AMBULATE!!!"

Plus I was a dish-washer, and a go-go dancer when I was 18 to 20. That was my favorite.

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I was a mail lady, I think it prepared me for this crazy world of nursing.

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.
waitress for 2 mouths .
Well, that must have been pretty easy. LOL.

I worked in a grocery store as a kid in HS.

USMC for a bit after graduation. Broken back ended that.

16 years or so as an officer and supervisor on the Texas death row. Then Gang investigations unit for Tx Dept Corrections.

Moonlighted in county sheriff's office.

Did some public school teaching for a short while.

Worked for a large credit card bank for several years before I decided to go to nursing school.

Now I work in the NICU. Yes, I went from Death Row to the NICU.

Best. Change. Ever.

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Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.
ooooh my!

i was waiting for that reaction from someone sooner or later, regarding the honesty of the bar dancer....however, you made me lol..& i thank you...aloha~

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Specializes in Med Surg - Renal.
Just curious what other jobs you did before going into the nursing field? Do you think your previous experiences help you now?

Paperboy

Caddie

Grocery Store Bagboy

Dishwasher

Prep Cook

Waiter

Bartender

Short Order Cook

Library AV Staffperson

Painter

Office Furniture Factory Worker

Sheet Metal Worker

Writing Center Staff/Tutor

Mechanical Engineer

Quality Engineer

Project Manager

Home Health Aide

CNA

Yep. Those helped.

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Research engineer (Mechanical and production)

Computer programmer

systems analyst

Project manager for multi-nationals

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Rehab.

My previous career was as a Medical Technologist in a clinical lab in a hospital. It helps me now because I know more about significance of lab results, and I also got to work with many doctors and residents. However I don't currently work in a hospital so it's not too relevant.

I've also been a waitress, delivery driver, cashier, patient observer (1:1 sitter), and security receptionist at college. Nothing that has really helped in nursing.

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I've been a nanny, pet sitter, house sitter, and non licensed private caregiver.

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Specializes in Psych, Maternity, ER, Ortho.

Before nursing I was an avionics electronics technician. Way back I worked as a vet tech too, among other various high school jobs. I think all previous jobs add to your knowledge base whether they are related or not.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I'm 25 and just recently graduated LPN school.

I have worked as a CNA for the past 4 1/2 years at the same facility.

Before that, I worked as a a dental assistant and a waitress/hostess at a restaurant.

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