Attending nursing school while working full or part time, on top of potentially caring for your family, isn’t easy, but it can be done with thoughtful time management and realistic goals. You can reduce the stress of working while in school by choosing a job that isn’t as demanding as nursing school, that’s amenable to your schedule and, ideally, is relevant to your nursing program.
Best Jobs to Have While in Nursing School
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): CNAs assist nurses in routine patient care, helping bathe and feed patients and monitor their vital signs. This job has fewer duties (and thus less pressure) than a full-time nurse while also giving students hands-on exposure, helping them develop essential skills they can utilize in school and their careers.
Patient Care Technician (PCT): PCTs are similar to CNAs, but the position can be more demanding, having more responsibilities such as performing EKGs and basic medical procedures. As a PCT, students can gain valuable exposure and experience. However, these positions may offer far less scheduling flexibility compared to a CNA.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Enrolling in an EMT course before nursing school can allow students to work as an EMT during their program, which has the benefit of a personalized schedule and the opportunity to gain crucial healthcare skills such as working in emergency situations, quickly diagnosing patients and administering treatment under pressure. However, this job can be immensely stressful, which can be detrimental if your nursing program is already difficult.
Phlebotomist: Phlebotomists collect blood samples, giving students the opportunity to practice basic skills like drawing blood and interacting with patients in a low-pressure position. Students who earn a diploma from successfully completing the Patient Care Technician program have the opportunity to work toward qualifying for Phlebotomy Certification as well as the LPN to RN program, providing a dual-purpose stepping stone.
Medical Scribe: Medical scribes document patient visits in real time for patient assessment, helping nurses and doctors focus on interacting with patients without worrying about taking notes for future reference. This position will give students deeper insights into medical terminology and the daily workflow of a clinic, making it useful to those studying to become nurses and administrators alike.
Home Health Aide (HHA): HHAs provide care to patients at their homes, assisting with their daily routines and medication regimens. These positions can give students access to flexible shift-oriented schedules and a comparatively low-pressure work environment, as well as experience in patient care and forming relationships.
Hospital Clerk: Hospital clerks handle administrative tasks such as managing patient records and answering calls at the nursing station. Students interested in pursuing further education in healthcare administration will find this job especially useful, as they’ll gain insight and experience into how hospitals operate.
Is It Possible for Me to Work While Getting My Nursing Degree?
Nursing school represents a significant investment of time and resources for students, and working while in a program may be a necessity. Between rigorous coursework, exams, hands-on training and lab work, it can be challenging to fit a job into your education.
Staying organized, planning ahead and having understanding employers can help make the juggling act easier to balance. The stress of school and work can also take a toll on your mental health – exercising, sleeping regularly and taking some time to relax whenever possible will help protect you from burnout .
Choosing the right program can also make working while in school easier – especially for degree paths that can be completed in stages. Certain programs can require rigid, in-person coursework that can make earning money on the side nearly impossible.
St. Louis College of Health Careers’ programs have start dates throughout the year and are designed to be accommodating to students’ needs without compromising academic quality. Our staff understands the struggles students face and strives to be accommodating. Some bachelor’s and master’s programs are fully online, so working professionals looking to advance their careers can take courses on their own schedule while still enjoying a reputable and accredited medical education.
An Approach to Nursing Education Tailored for Real People in St. Louis
Receive a comprehensive yet flexible medical education that will thoroughly prepare you for a fulfilling career in nursing at St. Louis College of Health Careers. Our nursing programs offer a compelling combination of in-depth coursework and ample real-world experience so you gain the knowledge you need to tackle your certification exams and be ready to enter your chosen career with confidence.
Reach our admissions team at 866-529-2070 to learn more about our programs and start your application today.