Yes! It is possible to work part-time jobs during nursing school.
In fact, many nursing students work part-time to help gain valuable experience and pay for their everyday expenses. At the same time, a nursing school student should be able to balance the demands of school and work while prioritizing studies and clinical rotations.
Furthermore, nursing students should prioritize self-care and avoid possible burnout from juggling school and work. With that in mind, if you are an aspiring nurse, read on for the best tips on how to balance nursing school and work.
Caregiver jobs can benefit students in nursing school by allowing them to gain hands-on experience in the field while earning extra income. And since nursing school can be expensive, working while in nursing school can help pay the bills and costs associated with obtaining a nursing degree.
Since nursing school can be hard, some of the best jobs to have during this time will be low-stress and flexible. That's because while working part-time as a nursing student, you must also juggle your studies and get enough sleep. While some nursing students choose to work nonclinical gigs, like waiting tables or even dog walking, many prefer to work jobs during nursing school that relate to their careers. Taking all this into account, here are some of the most popular jobs that nurses work while in nursing school:
1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Nursing assistant jobs are some of the best jobs to have in nursing school because they can allow students to gain hands-on experience in a clinical environment.
A certified nursing assistant provides basic care to patients in a medical setting, such as a hospital, and unlike many nursing jobs, working as a CNA doesn't require a college degree. However, you must attend a state-approved nursing assistant training class to receive the appropriate certification. A typical nursing assistant program will take an average of 12 weeks, divided into online or in-person instruction hours and clinical practice. Luckily, most CNA courses can accommodate a variety of student schedules.
That said, 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.
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 have to continue your education or advance your license to start earning more money. You can pick up per diem CNA jobs near you with Nursa.
2. Patient Care Tech and Phlebotomist
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.
In addition, some PCTs have advanced training and may be able to interpret electrocardiogram (EKG) readings or draw blood. Likewise, a phlebotomist job can fall under the umbrella term of patient care tech, as phlebotomists are trained to draw blood and prepare specimen samples for testing.
It's essential to remember that PCTs' responsibilities are often state-specific, so their medical duties will vary depending on what state they practice in. 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 job in nursing after graduation.
3. Certified Medication Aid
A certified medication aid (CMA) is a certified nursing assistant who has received additional training to dispense and monitor medications for patients in various healthcare settings. An accredited medication aid may be referred to as a medication assistant-certified (MAC) or qualified medication administration personnel (QMAP), depending on the state where a CMA chooses to practice. They can also be called medication techs, med techs, or med aids.
However a state abbreviates or 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—plus, working as a certified medication aid while in nursing school can give a student the confidence to pursue an advanced career in nursing over time.
4. Ultrasound Tech Assistant
Working as an ultrasound tech assistant can be an excellent job for a student in nursing school because this role gives them on-site job training and experience. 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. Most ultrasound tech jobs require a two-year degree from an accredited sonography training program. Some may choose to pursue a four-year bachelor of science degree specializing in sonography.
Working as an ultrasound tech assistant while in nursing school has a promising outlook. That's because the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 10 percent increase in ultrasound technician jobs between 2021 and 2031. Generally, ultrasound tech assistants will be in charge of cleaning and preparing the exam room, transporting patients to and from the exam room, and shadowing the leading ultrasound tech to note any unusual findings during the exam.
Moreover, an ultrasound tech assistant may be in charge of keeping patient medical records organized and filed.
Other Great Gigs for Nursing Students
You don't have to work in a clinical setting while in nursing school if it will add to your overall stress. However, learning new skills alongside nurse professionals can give you the self-confidence to advance your career. Other flexible jobs for a nursing student include working as a dietary aid or 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. Similarly, dietary aids will help prepare and deliver meals to patients during certain hours and keep track of the nutritional needs of their patients. Both are good jobs for nursing students studying to become registered nurses who also want some experience in the field.
To Work or Not to Work during Nursing School
Choosing to work while in nursing school is a personal choice, and it involves reviewing your financial situation and your ability to balance work with your studies. However, it may be necessary to work while in nursing school in order to cover all of your expenses.
On the other hand, students who don't need to make money during nursing school could opt to work as hospital volunteers, also known as candy stripers, to get their feet in the door of a clinical setting. Whatever your unique situation calls for, working in a healthcare role while in nursing school can enhance your understanding of medical procedures and patient care, setting you up for a promising career in nursing.
Are you looking for a flexible certified nursing assistant job during nursing school? You can pick up a per diem CNA shift at a local facility looking for coverage today!
