Working during Nursing School

Published

I was at Orientation just a few days ago and when i sat down with the dean of nursing she recommended that i try to get a job at a local hospital... maybe 1-2 days a week since i cant do full time in the nursing program due to all of the college credits i transferred into the program. So i am on pace to graduate in 18 months with an nearly all part time schedule. She mentioned if i get a small 1 or 2 day job at a hospital.. it will be viewed as experience and net me a few more thousands on my first real nursing job when i graduate. Since this is a complete career change for me.. what kind of jobs did you guys do when you were in the nursing program? im not really worried about the income as im on the GI Bill and between staying with family to reduce my bills and my housing stipend... ill have plenty of money to survive.

Specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

Been working per diem as a lift technician for rehab. Love the job, love the pay, and love the experience. They also let me work once a week as well and never bug me about picking up extra shifts since they know I have school :). If I didn't have this job, I would definitely shoot for CNA, monitor tech (sometimes called unit secretary or coordinator), or ER tech. Some hospitals higher student nurses as well that do a little more than CNAs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am a former United Methodist seminarian and pastor.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

OP, congrats on being able to go to nursing school PT. I looked into any type of program in my area that would allow me to go PT so I could work my "real" job while I went to school -- I'm in N IL near Chicago, and could find no such program. AFAIK, in my area, every program is structured where everyone takes the same courses in pretty much the same order.

Also, I have a 4 year degree from a while ago, and no classes would transfer in as nursing credits. Just wanted to let you know you are most fortunate to be able to go PT and graduate in 18 months. Pretty incredible actually imo. The school I am at is a 5 semester BSN program -- all set in stone as a track program with no summer school option. Because I started in the Fall, I will have to wait an extra 7 months to take the NCLEX to be even able to start looking for work because of the required 5th semester. Just wanted to let you know how fortunate you are to have found a program that allows you to go PT -- not available to my knowledge in my neck of the woods. Take advantage of the opportunity to be able to work and gain experience in the field!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Speaking as a hiring manager - when trying to decide which new grad to hire, previous clinical experience would definitely be a deciding factor. This would not only indicate that the person was more comfortable dealing with patients, but also familiar with the routines and work flow in a patient care setting. This is a very big deal because the 'clinical practicum' experience does not prepare students for the real world.

The 'softer' benefit? It would also indicate that you are eager, self-directed & motivated to seek out that job to enhance your learning and make you a better nurse. That is a very strong positive message to potential employers, particularly if they are aware that you "didn't need the income".

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

I graduate from my ADN program in May. I have worked throughout college ( 3 years so far) and at one point I was working two jobs while doing my med surg classes and clinicals. I also commute 90 miles a day to school. I have worked as a nurse tech and now I work in the admitting department in the emergency department which I love and I am becoming very close to the nurses and doctors. Basically I have a job waiting for me when I graduate. I would say do it. Everyone from my school that works as a nurse tech is able to sign a contract with their hospital before they graduate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I was at Orientation just a few days ago and when i sat down with the dean of nursing she recommended that i try to get a job at a local hospital... maybe 1-2 days a week since i cant do full time in the nursing program due to all of the college credits i transferred into the program. So i am on pace to graduate in 18 months with an nearly all part time schedule. She mentioned if i get a small 1 or 2 day job at a hospital.. it will be viewed as experience and net me a few more thousands on my first real nursing job when i graduate. Since this is a complete career change for me.. what kind of jobs did you guys do when you were in the nursing program? im not really worried about the income as im on the GI Bill and between staying with family to reduce my bills and my housing stipend... ill have plenty of money to survive.

I work with a group of oral surgeons as their assistant, part time, since school is so demanding.

One of my instructors told us the same, to volunteer or find a per-diem job at a hospital.

In one of my clinical sites we encountered some combative patients, one of them "assaulted" the nurse as I was walking by, what an experience! I helped her, took control of the Pt and at the en of my clinical the head nurse talked to my instructor telling her that as soon I graduate she wants me in her team!

Take every opportunity you can, can't hurt in your future!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello. I currently work in ER Registration and they often have me do light tech work as well (vitals, EKG, etc.). This isn't typically allowed of clerical staff but I've worked here for five years and am proficient.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.
i told my family that i really wanted to focus on school as first priority and they were the ones that talked me into staying with them and selling my house..

Practical work experience in healthcare will allow you to network, and will make you more employable compared to new grads without experience.

in regards to selling your house, your home equity isn't included in FAFSA calculations, but any cash you walk away with is an asset. Maybe talk to someone in the know about whether it would be better to rent out your house for two years. Your house would then become a depreciating asset, and the depreciation would offset some of the rental income.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work as a tech and huc blend in the ICU and ER. Full-time hours and full time in the nursing program.

It is hard and I am always busy. Social life dried up.

However, both managers have offered me a job as a new graduate RN when I finish.

I think that it is a good way of boosting your chances of finding a job when done with school, if you shine as a tech.

I recommend you find a part-time job in a hospital and make sure it is within a year before you graduate.

Typically managers don't want to hire someone who is near graduation, and that time frame will allow you to prove your work ethic and how you mesh with the team. Then, you will probably have a job extended to you. Good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am in the position where I need to work in nursing school and not just part time. I know that it will be tough, but I quit my day job over a year ago to go out on my own as a taxi driver and have the flexibility to set my own schedule. In the cab business, you can work whenever you want and you can make okay money. So far in the last year, I have been able to complete all my pre-req's - over 15 credits of classes actually taken another 15 or so placed/tested out of. All while working full time and actually working less hours per week than at the regular salaried job I had before.

I am currently awaiting a decision from my local community college's ADN program. I have no healthcare experience outside of managing a courier service that did a great deal of work for the large health system in town.

My plan is to get in to nursing school and after my first year of school, try to get a job as a patient care assistant at the hospital here in town. They will hire nursing students in a CNA type role after one semester of school. My hope is that the experience I get in that position will help with landing an RN job as a new grad as well.

Of course, it all depends on what my financial situation looks like. I will need to have earned a decent surplus with my cab business to handle the lower wages of a CNA job for my final year of nursing school. Then, if I can't get an RN job right away, I can always have the cab to fall back on.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion