to work or not to work

noelly10 · Jul 14, 2015

I'm new to the forum but I've used your resources many times in my nursing school career. You guys have been GREAT!. My question is this, I'm currently not working while I go to school full time but I'm starting to think I should. I have heard from recent grads about difficulty finding positions as a new grad hire. I recently got my CNA license and am wondering if I need to find a job in a hospital so I have my foot in the door once I graduate and god willing pass the NCLEX. Thoughts and suggestions appreciated.
I am 3rd semester, going into 4th this fall. I'm enrolled in an ADN RN program, pretty good one with very high NCLEX pass rates. I have not worked in the past because I felt I need to focus on school. It's a catch 22.

It is totally up to you and what you feel you can handle. I didn't work because I was dedicated to my studies. Sometimes I wish I did work, but I don't regret it one bit. However, I do know that some in my class worked as CNAs and would work a couple shifts per month. This could help you get your foot in the door, but it isn't 100% necessary. A couple of the CNAs in my class never got hired at the hospital they worked, while others did. And the majority of those who didn't have healthcare experience, like myself, actually did get hired. I say it also depends on your area and what the hospitals you are applying to look for. I also felt that working in my last semester as a CNA might have been to stressful because I had so many other things to worry about such as studying for NCLEX, perfecting my resume, applying to jobs, preparing for interviews, marketing myself to get references, studying for my classes, etc.

But again, that was me personally. It's really what you feel you can handle. Good luck :)

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 14, 2015

Working as a CNA can help you get into a hospital because you're an internal hire and people get to know you and your work. Plus you're getting healthcare experience, which makes you an more appealing candidate.

That being said, being an internal hire is no longer the automatic free pass to a new grad job that it used to be. Lots of nursing students try to go that route, but there isn't always enough RN/LVN positions at the end for all of them: I see it all the time with the new grad residencies at my hospital.

You can try it as long as it doesn't negatively affect your studies.

gardenkim · Jul 14, 2015

I had an instructor suggest to me I needed to get a job, because she said I wasn't as comfortable as I needed to be with patients. But I'm really worried about not being able to keep up with school if I do work. But her words have haunted me, and she will be my main instructor for the coming semester. I guess I'm scared if I don't get a job she'll think I don't want to do better or something.

Emergent, RN · Jul 14, 2015

I suggest that nursing students work part time as CNAs while in school, especially those with no health care experience. It's invaluable.

I was totally green when entering nursing school, so got myself a nursing assistant job in a hospital after my first semester. Big, big help!

noelly10 · Jul 14, 2015

I suggest that nursing students work part time as CNAs while in school, especially those with no health care experience. It's invaluable.
I was totally green when entering nursing school, so got myself a nursing assistant job in a hospital after my first semester. Big, big help!

Oh I don't doubt it was a huge help! That's why sometimes I wish I had done it. But nonetheless, I like to live with no regrets. I think it would have helped me more when I first started out, but I think I finally got the groove of everything after a bit.

However, I do agree with you that it is an invaluable experience.

Jules A, MSN · Jul 14, 2015

I had an instructor suggest to me I needed to get a job, because she said I wasn't as comfortable as I needed to be with patients. But I'm really worried about not being able to keep up with school if I do work. But her words have haunted me, and she will be my main instructor for the coming semester. I guess I'm scared if I don't get a job she'll think I don't want to do better or something.

This would have me nervous also and especially since she will be your instructor again I would take her advice. My guess is if she feels you are really trying she might be a bit more understanding if you are still floundering a bit. Good luck.