What jobs did you do before nursing?

[nursefrances]

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?

[NayRN]

I'm a pre-nursing student, so not technically a nurse. But, before I was a student I was a personal trainer. I thought I would mix my love of exercise with my want to help others. Not a good fit. I learned very quickly that people who are out of shape are out of shape for a reason. It was very frustrating.

Before that, I owned my own business. I sold log homes in Kansas which also didn't go over very well.

Way back in the day, I worked for the IRS, in a deli, and managed a pizza place.

Now that you are going to mix your "want to help others" with becoming a nurse, you should be aware that a lot of people who are sick are sick for a reason. It will also be very frustrating. No disrespect, not trying to deter you, just fair warning!

[CelticGoddess, BSN, RN]

Let's see:

Board of Directors for a very small non-profit (we were a support group for cleft affected families)

retail

pizza delivery

tour guide, and drove a carriage at the same time

radiological technologist (retired)

I much prefer what i do now.

[RainMom]

Chiropractic assistant for 16 yrs; 13 as office manager

[VICEDRN, BSN, RN]

Started working a 16: housekeeper for bed and breakfast, retail store clerk, bus girl, hostess, library aide, dishwasher, admin assistant, paralegal, mother and nurse.

[Staragate, ADN, ASN, RN]

Special ed aide.... lots of hands on experience there! I loved those kids.

First job was lumber company secretary/cashier. Not a bad one, but got hit on by a lot of men. Taught me how to deflect without insulting.

[Madras]

I'm a pre-nursing student, so not technically a nurse. But, before I was a student I was a personal trainer. I thought I would mix my love of exercise with my want to help others. Not a good fit. I learned very quickly that people who are out of shape are out of shape for a reason. It was very frustrating. Before that, I owned my own business. I sold log homes in Kansas which also didn't go over very well. :rolleyes:Way back in the day, I worked for the IRS, in a deli, and managed a pizza place.

Lmao! Love the log homes in Kansas! How about igloo salesman in Florida!

[UpTheLadder12]

Quizno's AND Subway

Vintage clothing store

after school dance/yoga/art teacher at elementary schools

front desk at a gym

inside sales (calling, e-mailing, yawwwn)

sales manager

receptionist

I had to take a job in sales for now because im having trouble getting hired as a new grad, but I'm just glad to be getting a paycheck again, and I am still putting in the effort to find that nursing job out there! And continuing my education in the mean time.....

[Chixie]

I worked in a warehouse for 2 years and then after my maternity leave i changed jobs and started working at Ann Summers store

[Lynx25, LPN]

Hrm.

First job at 15 I worked in the food court of our local mall.

Arby's- where I was fired when a lady threw her order at me, and I (stupidly) threw her sandwich right back at her.

Janitor at a church, where some of the churchy folk got rather inappropriate and grabby. I became so offended that I locked my supervisor/Deacon in the supply closet with my mop and walked off the job.

Was a medic in the Army for a bit, love love LOVED it, but a quick rappelling accident ended my career abruptly

Factory job- icecream plant, not as fun as you'd think

Dominatrix for a while, that was great pay for doing nothing at all but wave things around and threaten people.

Now I work LTC, and I love it

[StephMom&RN]

I've always wanted to go into health care... researched and even fell in like with a couple other professions (Physical

Therapist, Forensic Science, Lab Technician) but fell in LOVE with nursing after taking a serious look into it... my work history is wwwaayyy off course:

Very first job: Jr. Park Ranger, the summer before high school... learned about nature and taught what we learned to youngens..

I was a telephone interviewer on and off for many years starting at 16 (we called ppl & asked survey questions "would you say your service was excellent, very good, good, fair or poor?")

I started clerical/secretary work in undergrad (Front desk assistant, desk receptionist, office assistant)

After graduating with a bachelors and unable to find decent work related to my degree (Biology) my previous work experience helped me get my first hospital job: Senior Secretary in Outpt Psych.

After a year in that position I moved to Senior Secretary Emergency Department... where I was able to network, LEARN more about Nursing as well as healthcare and stay employed while in nursing school...

Just recently got hired as Staff Nurse: Mother/Baby ....100% my dream job

[al586]

Florist assistant

Waitress, at a couple different places. Very useful experience in dealing with people.

Bartender, also useful in learning people skills.

Tattoo Artist for 15 years. This was THE most useful in learning to deal with all sorts of people. And no, it's nothing like the TV shows.

[nursefrances, BSN, RN]

Florist assistant Waitress, at a couple different places. Very useful experience in dealing with people.Bartender, also useful in learning people skills.Tattoo Artist for 15 years. This was THE most useful in learning to deal with all sorts of people. And no, it's nothing like the TV shows.

On a side a note, just curious what is the craziest tatoo you have seen?