Work during nursing school?

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I am completing my prerequisites, but have only volunteered at a hospital before. What are some jobs I can do during nursing school to gain experience?

I heard being a CNA is good, and becoming a PCA. I won't be able to be a CNA though because I'm going straight to nursing school.

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Becoming a CNA is your best bet...why can't you become one?

If becoming a CNA is out of the question you may be able to score a job on the floor as the secretary who answers call bells and inputs physicians orders. It may not necessarily get you the patient contact/hands on experience you are looking for but it will put you in the hospital setting and you'll be able to establish relationships with nurses, supervisors etc. which may increase your chances of getting hired as an RN post graduation.

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Specializes in ICU.

After you take your first skills class in nursing school, you are eligible to take the CNA exam and become a CNA in my state. I did that and I started working as a CNA the summer after my junior year and worked all of senior year as a CNA. I don't see why you couldn't be a CNA.

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After you take your first skills class in nursing school, you are eligible to take the CNA exam and become a CNA in my state. I did that and I started working as a CNA the summer after my junior year and worked all of senior year as a CNA. I don't see why you couldn't be a CNA.

Thanks!

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

You can absolutely be a CNA! :yes: In my homestate where I took my class, it was a 2 or 3 week 40 hrs/week program which included classroom and clinical hours.

I worked part-time as a CNA through nursing school, except for the final semester. I had a new baby and my nursing school practicum, so something had to give. I was fortunate enough to work with some RNs who, knowing I was in nursing school, would take time to teach me stuff. Of course I couldn't practice beyond my scope, but they'd have me come "help" w/ procedures (by supporting the pt's position or whatever) and explain what they were doing, talk about what the pt was having done, etc.

Oh, and in nursing school I was able to get Basic Nursing Skills I lab waived b/c I was already working as a CNA. Basic I lab was essentially ADLs.

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Specializes in RN.

Be a CNA...might be a good dose of reality. I worked as CNA, played music on the weekends, got my LPN, worked 3-4'jobs the whole way...good luck

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