If you’re an aspiring healthcare professional in nursing school, you’ve already said yes to a challenging educational journey. Kudos to you for choosing this rewarding career! And as a nursing student and future nurse, you’ll always find yourself learning new things. Just ask any nursing student who works part-time in several capacities to gain first-hand experience in the healthcare industry (as many do).
Holding a job during nursing school is worth the hustle for a few reasons. A job in the medical field will bolster all the knowledge you’re gaining in class. And you’ll earn a bit of extra money to help you pay for nursing school and cover your living expenses. While the hustle may be worth it, simultaneously working and studying for your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) isn’t easy. It’ll require a great deal of organization, stamina, and motivation.
Also, remember that this period of your life isn’t forever, and the efforts you make now will set you up well for success in the future. Imagine graduating from nursing school with less debt and more experience in your field. It’s a win-win! Just keep up with your self-care so that your mental and physical health doesn’t take a toll.
So, let’s delve into some of the top jobs for nursing students.
What are the best jobs for nursing students?
The best job for you is the one that makes you feel supported. While we recommend nursing student jobs that allow you to get hands-on experience in the medical field (we’ll break down the benefits below), if working in a cafe helps you shake off a stressful day and maintain your mental health, that’s a perfect option.
For those who like the idea of working in a healthcare environment, here are a few jobs that pay for nursing school and will serve you well in your clinical practice.
- Phlebotomist: If you choose to work in the field of medicine, it’s no newsflash that you’ll have to be comfortable with the sight of blood. In this role, you’ll gain experience drawing blood and be an IV pro on day one of your clinical rotations.
- Home health aide: A role as a home health aide is a great option for those wondering what jobs can a first-year nursing student get. As a caregiver, you’ll work with patients right in their homes, helping them fulfill everyday tasks like eating, dressing, and bathing. This job will provide an excellent experience with direct patient care.
- Hospital transporter: This is one of the best jobs for nursing students with no experience, as employers are likely to work with newbies. In this role, you’ll move patients around the hospital in wheelchairs or on stretchers so that they arrive safely for their procedures. This job will also give you a sneak peek into what a regular day looks like in a hospital.
- Psychiatric aide: Interested in mental health? This role is for you! Here, you’ll help patients in psychiatric hospitals with quotidian tasks like getting dressed or having a meal. You’ll also monitor patients’ conditions and escalate concerns as needed.
- Emergency medical technician (EMT): You can become an EMT after receiving your high school diploma, so this is a great hospital job for pre-nursing students and nursing students alike. Plus, the patient care experience is unmatched. The job has its fair share of stressful moments, but it prepares you for the intense nature of emergency work. You’ll stabilize patients, treat wounds, administer oxygen and help transport patients to hospitals for further care.
Benefits of working while studying
We promised we’d explain the ways the hustle pays off, so here are a few reasons why working while studying is #worthit:
- Networking opportunities: If you find work in a healthcare facility, you’ll be mentored by nurses and doctors who may later recommend you for career opportunities.
- A source of income: We understand that a part-time job paying under $20 an hour may not cover all your bills, but it will cover some, and that’s nothing. Even if this income only covers your nursing school books or the rent that allows you to live closer to school, it’s a plus.
- An easier job search: There are a lot of available nursing jobs, but there are also a lot of eligible registered nurses (RNs) out there. Part-time job experience will give your resume a boost––you can highlight the work you did in a medical environment during school and what hard and soft skills you learned there.
- Practice managing stress: Even if you choose to work as a barista instead of a phlebotomist, getting experience pulling long hours and managing stress will serve you in your nursing career. Nurses often work odd-hour shifts and have to manage delicate situations, so any work experience is good work experience.
How many hours should I work while in nursing school?
To determine how many hours you should work while in a nursing program, we recommend sitting down and making a plan. It’s time for some management. Get your organizer, and write (or type) in your class hours, study time, and personal commitments (yes, self-care counts). Then, look at how many hours you realistically could dedicate to paid work per day. Don’t forget to factor in your commute time.
Tips for working while studying
We wouldn’t tell you that it’s worth taking on something that’s not easy without at least providing some tips. Here are some ways you can balance your studies and part-time work. Remember to listen to your body and mind and prioritize your physical and mental health above all.
- Seek a flexible schedule: Look for jobs where you don’t have to work the same hours every day or have some scheduling flexibility. This way, you can plan your working hours around studying and resting.
- Plan your meals: It may sound simple, but planning your meals in advance can make a big difference when it comes to time management and self-care. When you eat well, you feel better, and there’s nothing worse than coming home after a long day and not having a meal ready.
- Lean on your support system: If you’re juggling additional responsibilities like caring for children or family members, try to get your partner or others in your support network to lend a hand during this phase of your life.
- Consider a low-stress role: If you’re already feeling overtaxed, consider avoiding jobs that may be too stressful on your mind and body.
Whether you’ll work in a healthcare setting or a cafe, it looks like you’ll need some scrubs! Having the right workwear can make your day flow more smoothly. In fact, you can avail your student discount to save some of your hard-earned money from that part-time job. Our performance gear will help you move from class to work comfortably and safely.