Where to work while going to nursing school

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Hi, I just registered for my first round of nursing classes today and I am SO excited - can't wait to start!

I am having a little mind-game dilemma with myself over what kind of work I should do while in school. I've interviewed for a job at a local hospital as a Unit Clerk and the manager sounded very optimistic at the end of the interview. Tonight, I got a phone call from a high-end restaurant asking me to interview for a job as a server. I'd applied to a few of those as 'backups'.

So...can any more experienced Nursing students help me out with which might be the better choice? The Unit Clerk job would be a totally new experience for me, and probably fairly stressful for a while, and it's not my first choice (I want to be a Clinical Assistant but need to complete a year of school before I'm eligible), BUT I think I would learn a lot and get my foot in the door. Waitressing, on the other hand, I have down cold and it would really be more of just a job that I could walk away from and not worry about.

I don't know how money would figure in, as I can't say for sure what I'd make as a waitress, but it would probably be pretty good...especially during tourist season. The hospital job, however, would have insurance.

Disclaimer: I don't mean to sound cocky, as if I'm expecting to be offered both jobs for sure...but the UC job really sounded promising, and if I don't get this waitressing job, I should be able to find another...just want advice on which to pursue!

Thanks!!:)

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I'd go with unit clerk. It's steady and you get some exposure. There's also insurance which you like when you get old like me, plus you never know when you might get stabbed in a random robbery or anything. I'd get fired as a waitress, but of course I'd have to be a crossdresser to be one.

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Definitely the unit clerk. My last clinical rotation had the best ward clerk. She had just graduated nursing school and was waiting for an RN job to open up. I am a waitress now and I love my job but it's giving me no clinical experience which is not very impressive for a resume when I graduate in two semesters.

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Well, I just got a phone call offering me the Unit Clerk job. I told them I would give them an answer later today or tomorrow, so now I have to make up my mind. I think it's a good move; I'm just a little worried that I'll feel trapped at that desk!

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That's been something on my mind lately too! I will have to work part-time and I have extensive experience waiting tables and the hours are usually flexible for being a student. I noticed that a lot of the Unit Clerk jobs are full-time and/or 7 am to 7 pm shifts part time. It looks like ns is almost an every day thing with conflicting hours. How does one get a job in the medical field but also make it work with the school/clinical hours?

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Specializes in CVICU, CCU, MICU.

I think the unit clerk is the best one. You will gain a ton of experience and will be working in a medical setting so it is something for your resume. You will get to interact with doctors, nurses, aides, and patient families. Not sure if all hospitals are like this but in mine the unit clerk's can do their homework when the unit isn't busy so that might be something to consider with school.

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Well, I just got a phone call offering me the Unit Clerk job. I told them I would give them an answer later today or tomorrow, so now I have to make up my mind. I think it's a good move; I'm just a little worried that I'll feel trapped at that desk!

You will be trapped. I was once a desk jockey. I miss having an office though. :(

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You will be trapped. I was once a desk jockey. I miss having an office though. :(

:)I know; I had a desk job for a couple years in a brief former life; it was the reason I started looking into nursing! I think the surroundings will make this one a little more interesting...and hopefully after a year I can train to be a Clinical Assistant, since I'll have my foot in the door.

I think I'm going to take the Unit Clerk job. Thanks for your help!

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That's been something on my mind lately too! I will have to work part-time and I have extensive experience waiting tables and the hours are usually flexible for being a student. I noticed that a lot of the Unit Clerk jobs are full-time and/or 7 am to 7 pm shifts part time. It looks like ns is almost an every day thing with conflicting hours. How does one get a job in the medical field but also make it work with the school/clinical hours?

The job I am offered is 32 hours a week, 3-11:30 shift. I'm going to a school where I'm able to schedule most of my classes in the morning, so I think it will work out...but I'm not looking forward to those 7:30 clinicals after getting home at midnight! I think one could likely make more waiting tables, but would not gain experience or build a rapport with a potential employer. Have you looked at all of the hospitals in your area? I just applied and kept asking if they had any jobs for somebody without medical experience.

Hope you figure something out that works well for you - best of luck!

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Specializes in NICU.

I think you've already decided, but the unit clerk position is great experience. I just got a job as a unit clerk too! Just finished the general training today (start unit orientation tomorrow!!) and I've already learned so much...just being in the environment, seeing doctor orders, medication names, charting - it definitely can't hurt and it's great to understand that aspect of nursing while going to nursing school.

I know there is good money in waitressing, but UC's are paid pretty well. With shift differentials, I'll make close to $14/hour and after a year there are opportunities to move on to a tech position. Perhaps your hospital allows that too?

Good luck!

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