We know that a higher education is expensive, and becoming a nurse just piles on those student loan bills. There is also the additional stress of a full workload for students earning their Accelerated BSN degree. For many, a part-time job is the answer. These jobs for pre-nursing students can help pay the bills and give you experience in the medical field.
Before considering the dive into countless job applications, it's important for pre-nursing students to have developed education goals and adopt excellent study habits. These skills will be crucial for pre-nursing students who are looking for part-time work while enrolled in their Boston college accelerated nursing program.
One solution many pre-nursing students consider is getting work as either a babysitter or in the food services. Although these jobs are plentiful, you may want to consider a part-time job that can help your nursing career. There are plenty of job opportunities in healthcare that don't require any special training or licenses, although some may require additional classes that could span over a few weeks.
Working part-time in healthcare while in nursing school has many benefits.
- Jobs in health care actually have a higher pay rate compared to retail or food services.
- There's also a huge advantage in working with patients before you start your nursing career.
- You can get your foot in the door and start building your professional network while you’re still in school.
- And finally, working part-time in healthcare could also be extra motivation towards earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
When considering some of the following jobs for pre-nursing students, think about which ones will fit with any nursing specializations you are considering, as well as the time commitment for additional education to pursue them.
1. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
EMTs are healthcare providers of emergency medical services for people outside of a hospital setting. They are the staff inside of ambulances (don't mistake them for the ambulance drivers) who operate in a limited scope of practice. Typical duties may include performing assessments, taking vital signs, applying bandages or splints, performing CPR, or assisting the paramedic with treatments or procedures.
To become an EMT, training is required by completing a class that is about a semester in length. This will prepare nurses who plan on pursuing a career choice in an emergency room. Some EMT openings may only be volunteer positions in certain areas, such as fire departments or police departments. However, you can also seek employment within hospitals or private ambulance companies.
2. Nursing Assistant (Nursing Aides)
Nursing assistants administer care for patients in a variety of healthcare facilities, such as nursing homes, assisted living, hospice, community-based long-term care, correctional institutions, and other long-term care settings. They help patients of all ages with basic, everyday tasks under the supervision of a nurse. Nursing assistants are key to patient-nurse communication.
All states require nursing assistants in nursing homes to take a state test, be state-approved, and listed on the state registry. The length of training to pass may take anywhere from four weeks to a few months. Becoming a nursing assistant will give you a first-hand look at the duties of a registered nurse.
3. Phlebotomist
A phlebotomist is trained in the art of drawing blood (venipunctures) from patients for clinical or medical testing, transfusions, donations, or research. Their duties may include interpreting the tests requested, withdrawing blood into containers or tubes, restoring hemostasis of the puncture site, instructing patients on post-puncture care, ordering tests per the doctor's requisition, and delivering specimens to a laboratory.
Only four states require phlebotomists to be certified, although Massachusetts is not included among them. However, some private healthcare laboratories may still require state-specific certification while others will train on the job. Training for certification can take six months to a year to complete. This is an excellent first step to better understand lab procedures.
4. Home Health Aide
Home health aides work with patients who prefer getting medical assistance within the comfort of their own home. There are two different types of home health services: professional home health service and life assistance service. Both are an integral component for post-hospitalization recovery.
Professional home health services include medical or psychological assessment, wound care, medication teaching, pain management, disease education and management, physical therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy. Life assistance services include help with daily tasks such as meal preparation, medication reminders, laundry, light housekeeping, errands, shopping, transportation, and companionship.
Some states may require formal training to become a home health aide that could take roughly a semester. Massachusetts does not require this training but does ask for the national certification through NAHC (National Association for Home Care and Hospice). Being a home health aide is very similar to that of a nursing assistant and will give students a glimpse of registered nursing duties.
5. Monitor Technician
A monitor technician works in the hospital at the monitor station. They watch monitors for significant changes that could indicate a problem with patients. This is to communicate between nurses should any issues arise since nurses cannot be in every room.
Some monitor technicians may need to take an EKG interpretation course, but are generally trained on the job. Becoming a monitor technician is a great way to get started in a particular hospital, as you will be able to build your professional network before you graduate.
6. Caregiver
Caregivers work for individuals with an impairment for everyday life activities. The duties of a caregiver will depend on the individual needs of the employer, but typically include meal preparation, companionship, or household tasks.
There is no formal requirements to become a caregiver besides simply the desire to work in the medical field or becoming a nursing student. Since there are no medical duties as a caregiver, it's an excellent experience for pre-nursing students.
Working while Enrolled in Northeastern's Accelerated BSN Program
One of the great things about working in healthcare is the flexibility for work hours. Many facilities require workers around the clock, so that means students can schedule around schooling. But it's important to be honest with employers about being enrolled in the Accelerated BSN program to avoid taking on too many hours.
Keep up to speed on school assignments by not procrastinating. Falling behind while working can put unnecessary stress on you and can be overwhelming.
Juggling both a part-time job and nursing school can be a challenge as it requires skills in organization and time management, but the experience gained can help make better nurses of the future.
If you want to learn more about working while in nursing school or about earning your ABSN, contact an admissions advisor today.
