Chris
Nursing school has a lot of expenses associated with it! Us nursing students need to purchase uniforms, equipment, textbooks, computer programs, amongst many other things– it seems like the list never ends! When factoring this into living expenses like rent, groceries, gas, and bills, it can definitely be financially overwhelming. This is why many choose to get a job in nursing school. There are definitely a few things to keep in mind when searching for a job as a nursing student, though:
Scheduling
This is arguably the most important factor to consider when searching for a job. Nursing school is demanding; exams, papers, presentations, and skills check offs are just some of the many things that nursing students are tasked with on a regular basis. Getting these things done themselves can be stressful, let alone with the added stress of working, so it is important to factor this into your job search.
Many jobs offer flexible scheduling for students. I work at a local hospital, and we do self-scheduling, so I can essentially work when I want to. This has been a game changer in nursing school. If I have a super busy week coming up and do not think I will have the time to work, I simply don't sign up for a shift. Yup, game changer.
I also work in my nursing school's advising office, and they make my work schedule based around my class schedule, which helps to ensure there are no conflicts between the two. No matter where you chose to work, make sure the scheduling is feasible!
Relevant Experience
This factor is not as important, but it's still worth mentioning. It's always good to look ahead when seeking employment and building a resume, and nursing employers love to see relevant experience on there.
The good news: since nurses fill so many roles and are expected to possess a long list of skills, many jobs can be related to nursing. There are the obvious jobs, such as entry-level inpatient and outpatient positions, that offer great exposure to the field. These jobs allow nursing students to get experience interacting with patients and to practice performing the foundational skills of nursing. However, many other jobs can be related to nursing as well. Any job that requires punctuality, professionalism, organization, interdisciplinary collaboration, and/or leadership can be related to nursing, as these are all skills nurses are expected to have.
All in all, working in nursing school is feasible; just be cautious during the job search and do not settle for anything that compromises your performance in school or your health!
Good luck! You got this!
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