Which job would look better on nursing application?

[kadegraw93]

Hi! I am currently planning on applying to accelerated nursing programs next month, and being that I am done with the prereqs, I am looking for a full time job in the meantime.

Currently, I have 2 job offers and I wonder which would give more the most applicable experience to nursing and which would look better on an application:

1. Surgical assistant for an oral surgeon. Prepping for surgery, taking vitals, filling out patient charts, calming/talking to patients before they are put under, helping with whatever the surgeon needs during surgery

2. Direct support profesional at resident house for patients with Autism. Helping patients with their ADLs, day to day life, communication and verbal skills, and eventually become certified to administer their medications.

Hours, pay and other things aside, I want to make this decision on which would give me the best experience. Thanks for the help!

[caliotter3]

If it were me, I would go with the first job.

[FutureNurseInfo]

I think second job is closer to RN job than the first one. However, how are you going to work full-time during your accelerated BSN?

[TheMurseChronicles, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I think it depends on what you are looking for career-wise. Most nursing schools are not really going to give you an advantage for picking between job 1 or 2. It's more about just obtaining patient contact hours. I personally think Job 1 will prepare you better for the medical provider role, while job 2 is more of a caregiver role. Job 1 is definitely harder to come by, and it's one of the few areas where you will get experience in critical care without liscensure. It depends on what suites your personality, desires, and expectations. Good luck!

[SouthpawRN]

I would say Job 1, also I would look into nurse apprentice jobs once you get into a nursing program. The hospitals will often come and make a presentation about their apprentice programs. They are hard to get into, because there are nursing students from every program in the area trying to get just a few spots. in each dept. within the hospital that has them. If you can get an apprentice job it looks great on resumes and often leads into your first RN job once you graduate. Most I believe are paid positions. here it's $15/hr