What's a decent place to work before/while in Nursing school?

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Mar 27, 2016

I think getting pt care experience is ideal. I don't think it should be required, though.

To take an entry level job providing pt care might mean taking a pay cut.

But I feel I was better able to understand hospital / facility basic processes and procedures. I also learned how to provide basic pt care by becoming a CNA 1st.

Specifically, I don't think most nursing schools really emphasize how to do the basics. It's covered in term 1, but in a quick manner.

Plus, some people use their time as a tech or aide to network, which will help them to hopefully, land a job.

The other perk of CNA work is that there are round the clock shifts available, therefore you can work around your prereqs.

HisTreasure, BSN, RN · Mar 27, 2016

Is your hospital currently hiring PCTs? As a student you may be able to be employed as a tech which will bring a lot of useful experience and opportunities to learn. You will already have a working knowledge of the technical aspects behind phlebotomy and tele which will prove invaluable once you start skill labs and clinical. Your employment as a tech may also count towards your overall tenure at the hospital once you become licensed which may help you get moved into an RN position of your choice or give you preferential standing if you apply for a BSN residency program at your hospital once your pass your NCLEX.

After your first semester you can probably challenge the CNA exam and get certified. This will be useful if you want to work LTC or perhaps rehab. There is a lot of value in going that route, as you are the first line care giver and the time management aspect of floor nursing will be lessons you learn early on. There is still a likelihood of future employment as a nurse, especially if your facility is associated with a larger hospital system that you can transfer within, should you so choose. Working in acute rehab I was able to better mentor the CNAs, especially the student nurses or those who showed an interest in completing school in the future. CNAs are able to form a closer working relationship with both the staff and the patients, as they are longer term. Maintaining multidisciplinary relationships and perfecting your bedside manner are important skills whose importance should not be overlooked or underestimated.

To think outside of the box, I know a gentleman who finished his pre-reqs then took an EMT course in the interim between pre-reqs and waiting for his time to start nursing school. He would do 24 or 48 hour shifts while in nursing school. The pay wasn't what he hoped but he said the experience was invaluable all around. The schedule was also a good fit for his education and studying. He still works pre-hospital on a volunteer rig a couple of shifts per month for our town. He's a great guy, planning to go for his PA in the next few years since he does have an interest in the medical model and feels he can be a better provider coming for both an EMT and nursing background.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 27, 2016

1. CNA at a hospital or nursing home

2. Home health aide for a home health company

3. Direct care worker for an IDD/MHMR group home

4. Dietary aide for a hospital or nursing home

5. Medication aide for an assisted living facility

Xlorgguss · Mar 28, 2016

Undoubtedly getting a healthcare job would be extremely valuable. But also consider a job that you like. I currently work as a PCT and the experience is great. But sometimes it gets exhausting doing this gig full-time on top of nursing school. I feel like I literally live at the hospital. Sometimes I miss having a non patient care job just for am bit of variety and/or mindlessness. For instance I used to work in a lab and a lot of it was super repetitive so naturally you would just shoot the breeze with your co-workers. I don't find as many of those opportunities now since its now always go go go. Just something to consider.