Where to work during nursing school?

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I have to work while in nursing school but I just don't know where! I'm trying to decide whether I should keep my job as a CNA in a hospital or get a "mindless" job as a bartender or barista. A job as a bartender or barista would allow me to make tips and I think it may be better for my mental health since it's less draining. On the other hand, continuing to work as a CNA is much more physically and emotionally demanding, but the upside is that I can apply what I'm learning in nursing school while at work and keep my foot in the hospital's door. What do you all recommend? Thank you!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

You're right about working as a CNA, not only can you add that to your resume, but it really does give you the edge on other nursing students.

When I started nursing school our instructors told us you can have "two things". Family, kids, boyfriend/girlfriend, school, job. Pick from the two because if you have more you probably won't do so well. The mindless job may make you more money, and less stress free so this is really something you need to decided based on your life. Do you need more experience or do you need less stress? Which is more important?

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Let me also add, that I highly respect my CNA's and a lot of them are in school for nursing and they come to me all the time with questions. I absolutely love it and encourage them all the time. I think you will find it hard to find a nurse that doesn't respect a good CNA. :)

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Oh dear, can I pick three? haha I don't necessarily need more experience as I've already had this CNA job for over a year and I've also had previous medical experience...but more experience is never a bad thing. Shoot this is a tough decision. Thank you for your input though!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.
Oh dear, can I pick three? haha I don't necessarily need more experience as I've already had this CNA job for over a year and I've also had previous medical experience...but more experience is never a bad thing. Shoot this is a tough decision. Thank you for your input though!

As you learn things in nursing school you will be able to see how it really affects the real life world if you continue your CNA job. I recently had a CNA struggling with fluid overload and we had a patient with CHF... it kinda just clicked for them

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Another time we had someone with an INR of 5.2, my CNA asked "that means they aren't clotting right"? Was a perfect opportunity to teach why we monitor INR and yes that means they can bleed out

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Specializes in School Nursing, Home Health.

I was a nanny through nursing school, I found the flexibility and non stress nice. I currently work in an area where I would have no problem getting into the hospital with no experience, so it depends on what works for you. I also had many classmates get hired by large hospitals after graduation because they were sharp, not because they already worked there.

Good luck!

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