To work or not to work while studying to be a nurse? That is the question. Many student nurses have to work while earning their nursing degree. Balancing a job and nursing, however, is tough. Finding a flexible job that works around your schedule could be the solution.
What are the best jobs for nursing students? Good jobs for nursing students are the ones that give them more experience in the field. That doesn’t mean picking up a restaurant or retail job is a bad idea, since these gigs are often enough to pay the bills while granting a student nurse the flexibility to attend classes and clinical rotations. However, healthcare jobs can help boost nursing students’ careers.
It’s also important to mention that “big” thing called self-care. While you may think that it’s okay to push your limits while holding a job and attending nursing school. If you don’t prioritize self-care, you run the risk of crashing and burning—even before you graduate.
With all this in mind, here are four part-time jobs for nursing students that are manageable and valuable and will help support you while pursuing your nursing degree.
1. Certified nursing assistant (CNA)
Nursing assistant jobs are among the best to have in nursing school because they allow students to gain hands-on experience in a clinical environment.
What does a certified nursing assistant do?
A certified nursing assistant provides basic care to patients in a medical setting, such as a hospital. Unlike many nursing jobs, working as a CNA doesn't require a college degree. However, you typically must attend a state-approved nursing assistant training class to receive the appropriate certification.
A typical nursing assistant program will take approximately 12 weeks, divided into online or in-person instruction hours and clinical practice, although some programs are as short as four weeks. Luckily, most CNA courses can accommodate a variety of student schedules.
It’s always best to check what your state's requirements are to become a certified nursing assistant, since requirements and even standard terms can vary from state to state. For example, in Ohio, “state-tested nurse aide (STNA)” is the most frequently used term for a CNA.
I have my CNA certification. What’s next?
Once you have your CNA certification, working as a CNA can help you develop relationships with nursing colleagues and managers. If you continue your studies to become a registered nurse (RN) or even an advanced practice registered nurse, like a clinical nurse specialist (CNS), these relationships could lead to excellent hospital jobs.
You do not necessarily have to continue your education or advance your license to start earning more money. You can pick up high-paying per diem CNA jobs near in your area with Nursa.
2. Patient care tech (PCT)
Patient care tech positions are exceptional jobs to have while in nursing school because they allow you to gain hands-on experience in the medical field without needing a professional license.
What is a patient care tech?
A patient care tech (PCT) is an unlicensed healthcare technician who assists patients with physical and mental impairments, usually in a medical setting. Patient care techs work under the supervision of a nurse or physician and provide patients with basic care.
The role of a PCT is similar to that of a CNA; however, some PCTs have advanced training and may be able to interpret electrocardiogram (EKG) readings or draw blood.
A phlebotomist job also has some overlap with a patient care tech position, as phlebotomists are trained to draw blood and prepare specimens for testing.
Tips for working as a PCT
It's essential to remember that PCTs' responsibilities are often state-specific, so their duties will vary depending on the state where they practice.
Also, keep in mind that you may be the first point of contact for some patients. It’s essential, therefore, to maintain a high level of professionalism.
Similar to a CNA position but often with more specific training, a PCT job can also help an aspiring nurse gain valuable clinical experience and be a launch pad for landing a great nursing position after graduation.
3. Certified medication aide (CMA)
A certified medication aide (CMA) is an ideal nursing job for students who want work experience in a more specialized field of nursing.
What is a certified medication aide?
A certified medication aide is a certified nursing assistant who has received additional training to dispense and monitor medications for patients in various healthcare settings.
An accredited medication aide may be referred to as a medication assistant-certified (MAC) or qualified medication administration personnel (QMAP), depending on the state where a medication aide practices. They can also be called medication techs, med techs, or med aids.
Things to keep in mind when working as a CMA
However a state refers to medication aids, working in this role is great for nursing students who want to work directly with patients and be involved in their treatment plans. In this role, it’s important to be very clear on the protocols of administering medications.
Working as a certified medication aide while in nursing school will also give students the confidence to pursue an advanced career in nursing.
4. Ultrasound tech assistant
Working as an ultrasound tech assistant can be an excellent job for a nursing student because this role gives them on-site job training and experience.
What is an ultrasound tech assistant?
An ultrasound tech, also known as a diagnostic medical sonographer, uses specialized equipment to create images of body parts, including internal organs, tissues, and blood flow in a patient's body. Ultrasound tech assistants support ultrasound technicians with various tasks:
- Transporting patients to exam rooms
- Monitoring their behavior and reporting any unusual observations to the technician
- Preparing exam rooms by ensuring the area is clean and properly stocked with required instruments and supplies
- Maintaining patient confidentiality during routine handling of patient reports, records, and files
Things to keep in mind when working as an ultrasound tech assistant
Although you would be assisting ultrasound techs instead of nurses, working as an ultrasound tech assistant will help you gain experience interacting with patients, monitoring behavior, and overall familiarizing yourself with healthcare settings.
Other great jobs for student nurses
You don't have to work in a clinical setting while in nursing school if it will add to your overall stress. So you can hold on to that restaurant job or retail side-gig if it gives you the cash and the flexibility to keep up with your studies.
However, scoring a gig in the same arena as your nursing degree will give you an edge. It will also help you network like a pro. Learning new skills alongside nurse professionals will help you build self-confidence to advance your career.
Other great jobs to have while in nursing school include the following:
- Dietary aid: Dietary aids will help prepare and deliver meals to patients during certain hours and keep track of the nutritional needs of their patients.
- Restorative aid: Restorative aids generally assist patients with treatment after major surgery or illness to help patients recover and rehabilitate their essential functioning skills. This position may also involve helping a patient with everyday tasks such as eating, bathing, and getting around in general.
Both are good jobs to have while in nursing school for those who want to balance studying and gaining experience in the field.
FAQ: Job tips and strategies for nursing students
To answer all your burning questions about working while in nursing school, here are some tips and strategies for nursing students.
Can you work while in nursing school?
Yes. Many nursing students will hold down a part-time job while also managing their studies and clinical rotations. You will need to prioritize time management and also self-care to keep from burning out. You should also look into a few strategies for surviving your first year of nursing school.
How to make money during nursing school?
Begin by organizing your school schedule. See where a part-time job would allow you to work while still having time to focus on studying for the NCLEX and doing clinical rotations. Choose a nursing student job that allows you to acquire experience in the field while making money simultaneously.
Picking up PRN jobs allows nursing students to earn higher hourly rates while maintaining control over their schedules.
What are the best part-time jobs for nursing students?
The best part-time job for you while attending nursing school will be one that fits around your schedule. Great options also provide you with hands-on experience in the field.
Examples of excellent part-time jobs for nursing students include working as CNAs, PCTs, phlebotomists, CMAs, ultrasound tech assistants, dietary aids, or restorative aids.
Are there jobs for nursing students with no experience?
Prior healthcare experience is not required for roles such as patient tech, dietary aid, and CNA. However, these positions typically require completing a training program, including clinical practice, and obtaining a certification/license.
What are post high school jobs related to nursing?
Working as CNAs, PCTs, phlebotomists, and medication aides are good post-high-school clinical roles. This is because they often require short certification programs. At the same time, they will provide you with the relevant experience to get your nursing feet wet in the field.
Are there jobs that pay for nursing school?
Certain hospital jobs will provide tuition reimbursements or give you a bonus if you decide to sign a full-time contract with them. The top-paying states for CNAs can also allow nursing students a chance to earn an excellent salary while studying to be a nurse.
Do you get paid in nursing school?
Yes. If you decide to work as a CNA or a PCT, you will be paid for your work while you learn valuable nursing skills. However, you will not be able to work as a nurse until you obtain your nursing license.
Can I get paid to become a nurse?
It depends. Some nurse apprenticeships allow you to earn in a healthcare setting, and your employer could cover some of your tuition costs. Some student nurses could be eligible for stipends and tuition coverage from military programs.
With the ever-changing politics and defunding of certain federal programs, some of these reimbursements (like loan-for-service scholarships) may no longer be available.
How Nursa can help you work smarter while in school
Trying to figure out how you will balance school, clinicals, and earn enough income while studying to become a nurse? Nursa is a healthcare marketplace where you can pick up high-paying and flexible jobs for nursing assistants, medication aides, caregivers, and other roles before graduating from nursing school.
Remember, you don’t have to work in a clinical setting to pay for your nursing tuition. However, having the experience under your belt certainly will help when you apply for your future nursing role as a professional.
Download the Nursa PRN marketplace app today and discover CNA and caregiver roles in your local area.
Sources:
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- U.S. Army Recruiting Command: Overview for Army Nurses
- National Nurses United: National Nurses United RNs, veterans, and federal unions denounce U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing administration to move ahead with massive federal layoffs
