Many nursing students need to work to pay for their education or cover their daily expenses. If you’re in this situation and looking for a job, consider something related to nursing. This way, you’ll gain valuable experience and become a more attractive candidate when you start applying for nursing positions. Plus, you’ll get a better sense of whether this field is right for you. Here are some excellent job options for aspiring nurses:
**Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)**
Becoming a CNA is a great way to find out what being a nurse is really like. You’ll shadow nurses, check patients’ vitals, monitor their conditions, and provide basic care. To become a CNA, you need to complete a training course that typically lasts between four to eight weeks. You can do this alongside your nursing studies. After your training, you’ll need some clinical experience and must pass a two-part exam. Once you’re certified, you can work as a CNA in places like senior assisted living facilities, private practices, prisons, and even within the Department of Defense.
**Phlebotomist**
Phlebotomists collect blood samples for lab tests. This job is great for nursing students because the tasks are similar to those you’ll do as a nurse. You also get to interact with patients, which helps you develop professional patient-nurse relationships.
**Hospital Transporter**
As a hospital transporter, you would move patients around a healthcare facility. This could involve taking them to different units for tests or bringing them to operating rooms. This job offers you a chance to interact with patients and understand the inner workings of a healthcare facility. It’s also a role that will stand out on your resume.
**Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)**
Working as an EMT is one of the closest roles to nursing. You’ll be on the front lines, dealing with various emergency situations, giving you a realistic view of what nurses face daily. This experience is invaluable and will prepare you mentally and emotionally for your future nursing career.
Each of these job options provides significant experience that can help you secure a better position in nursing later on. Consider these roles carefully and choose the one that fits best with your career goals.