Top 5 Nursing Student Summer Jobs + FREE Tools for Nursing School Success

It's Summer Time in Nursing School

Summer is a time of sunshine, relaxation, and adventure. But for nursing students, it can also be a period of dedicated learning and professional growth. 

Are you a nursing student looking to make the most of your summer break?  In this blog post, we'll explore five exciting summer job opportunities tailored specifically for nursing students.

So let's dive in and look at five great summer jobs for nursing students as well as some of the most helpful free resources on NURSING.com that you can use to keep your knowledge sharp and stay ready over the summer.

Free Resources on NURSING.com

At NURSING.com, we understand the challenges and demands of nursing school. That's why we're excited to offer a range of free resources that can support your learning journey.

Take advantage of these valuable tools and webinars to enhance your understanding of essential nursing concepts and boost your success in school.

140 Must Know Meds Book + Free Pharmacology Webinar

Free (just pay to ship) 140 Must Know Meds Book + Free Pharmacology Webinar:

Get your hands on our comprehensive 140 Must Know Meds book, covering essential medications for nursing practice. This valuable resource provides detailed information on drug classifications, indications, side effects, and nursing considerations.

Additionally, our free Pharmacology Webinar will deepen your understanding of pharmacological principles and help you grasp complex concepts.  Click below to learn more!

63 Must Know Lab Values Book + Lab Value Webinar

Free (just pay to ship) 63 Must Know Lab Values Book + Lab Value Webinar:

Mastering lab values is crucial for providing safe and effective patient care. Our 63 Must Know Lab Values book is a handy reference guide that explains the significance of key laboratory parameters, interpretation of results, and nursing implications.

Complementing this resource is our Lab Value Webinar, where you'll gain insights into the clinical significance of lab values and learn how to apply them in practice.  Click below to learn more!

Nursing Mnemonic Cheat Sheet + Free Note-Taking Webinar

Free Nursing Mnemonic Cheat Sheet + Free Note-Taking Webinar:

Memorizing and recalling vast amounts of information is an integral part of nursing school. Our free Nursing Mnemonic Cheat Sheet is a valuable tool to help you remember essential nursing concepts and improve your retention.

Additionally, our Note Taking Webinar provides practical tips and techniques to enhance your note-taking skills, allowing you to organize information effectively and study more efficiently.    Click below to learn more!

Test Taking Webinar 

Free Test-Taking Webinar:

Conquer your nursing exams with confidence by participating in our Free Test-Taking Webinar. Our expert instructors will share proven strategies for test preparation, time management, and tackling different question types.

This webinar will equip you with the skills and mindset needed to excel in your exams and maximize your performance.  Click below to learn more!

Don't miss out on these incredible free resources from Nursing.com! Visit our website and claim your copies today. Together, let's strengthen your nursing knowledge and skills for a successful nursing school journey.

Five Great Summer Jobs for Nursing Students

Now, guys, we've done our best on these to highlight the national average hourly rates as well as common duties associated with each role.  But please note that these may vary depending on your area and place of employment.

Dietary Aide

This roll averages $13.50 per hour.

A Dietary Aide, also known as a Dietary Assistant or Nutrition Aide, is a healthcare professional who assists in providing nutrition and dietary support to patients or residents in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities. Their primary responsibilities include:

• Meal Preparation: Dietary Aids help prepare and serve meals to patients, ensuring they receive proper nutrition and adhere to any dietary restrictions or special diets prescribed by healthcare professionals.
• Menu Planning: They may assist in planning and developing menus that meet the nutritional needs of individuals based on their medical conditions, allergies, or preferences.
• Dietary Assistance: Dietary Aids provide support to patients with feeding difficulties or disabilities, helping them eat their meals and ensuring they receive adequate nourishment.
• Sanitation and Safety: They maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards in food preparation areas, follow proper food handling procedures, and adhere to safety regulations to prevent foodborne illnesses.
• Record-Keeping: Dietary Aides may document food intake, dietary preferences, and any observed changes or concerns related to a patient's dietary needs. This information helps the healthcare team monitor the patient's progress and adjust their diet as necessary.

Overall, Dietary Aids play a vital role in supporting patients' nutritional well-being, promoting healthy eating habits, and contributing to their overall healthcare experience.

Personal Caregiver

This roll averages about $15 to $16 per hour.

A personal caregiver, also known as a personal care aide or personal support worker, is a healthcare professional who provides assistance and support to individuals who may need help with their daily activities. The primary responsibilities of a personal caregiver include:

• Personal Care: Personal caregivers assist individuals with personal hygiene tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and toileting. They may also provide assistance with mobility and transferring to ensure the individual's safety.
• Medication Management: They help clients with medication reminders, ensuring they take the prescribed medications at the appropriate times. However, it's important to note that personal caregivers are not typically responsible for administering medications.
• Meal Preparation: Personal caregivers may assist with meal planning and preparation, ensuring that clients receive nutritious meals according to their dietary needs and preferences. They may also help with feeding if necessary.
• Household Tasks: Personal caregivers may perform light housekeeping duties such as cleaning, laundry, and tidying up the living space to maintain a clean and safe environment for the client.
• Companionship and Emotional Support: They provide companionship and emotional support to clients, engaging in conversations, social activities, and providing a sense of comfort and companionship.
• Safety and Monitoring: Personal caregivers observe and monitor clients' well-being, noting any changes in their condition and reporting concerns to appropriate healthcare professionals or family members.

It's important to note that the specific responsibilities of a personal caregiver may vary depending on the individual's needs and the care setting. Personal caregivers play a crucial role in supporting individuals to maintain their independence, promote their well-being, and enhance their quality of life.

Transporter

This role averages $15 per hour.

A transporter, also known as a patient transporter or medical transporter, is a healthcare professional responsible for safely and efficiently transporting patients within a healthcare facility. Their primary duties include:

• Patient Transportation: Transporters assist in moving patients from one area of the facility to another, such as from their room to a diagnostic test area, surgery, or other treatment areas. They ensure that patients are safely and comfortably transferred, considering any mobility restrictions or special equipment needs.
• Equipment Handling: Transporters may be responsible for moving and handling medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, stretchers, or mobile beds, to facilitate patient transportation. They ensure equipment is clean, functional, and properly maintained.
• Communication and Coordination: Transporters communicate with nurses, doctors, and other healthcare staff to coordinate patient transfers and ensure that the right patient is transported to the correct location. They may also provide updates on patient status or any concerns observed during transportation.
• Safety and Comfort: Transporters prioritize patient safety and comfort during transportation. They follow proper lifting techniques and utilize appropriate equipment to ensure the patient's well-being. They also provide emotional support and reassurance to patients during transportation, especially if they are anxious or in pain.
• Documentation: Transporters may be responsible for documenting transportation activities, such as noting the time, location, and any relevant information regarding the patient's condition or special instructions received from healthcare providers.
• Infection Control: Transporters adhere to infection control protocols, such as hand hygiene and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), to prevent the spread of infections within the healthcare facility.

Transporters play a crucial role in maintaining the flow and efficiency of patient care within a healthcare facility. They contribute to ensuring patients are transported safely and in a timely manner, supporting the overall delivery of healthcare services.

CNA or Certified Nursing Assistant

This role averages $17 per hour.

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a healthcare professional who provides direct patient care and support under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). CNAs play a vital role in healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Their responsibilities include:

• Personal Care: CNAs assist patients with their daily activities, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. They help maintain personal hygiene and ensure patient comfort.
• Vital Signs Monitoring: CNAs are trained to measure and record patients' vital signs, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate. They report any abnormal findings to the nursing staff.
• Assisting with Mobility: CNAs help patients with mobility and transferring, ensuring their safety when moving from beds to chairs, using assistive devices, or walking within the facility.
• Feeding and Nutrition: CNAs may assist patients with eating and drinking, ensuring they receive proper nutrition. They may also monitor and record patients' food and fluid intake.
• Patient Observations: CNAs observe patients and report any changes in their condition to the nursing staff. They may note changes in behavior, physical appearance, or any signs of discomfort.
• Record Keeping: CNAs maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, documenting their activities, observations, and any care provided. This information helps healthcare professionals track patients' progress and make informed decisions.
• Communication: CNAs interact with patients, their families, and healthcare team members. They communicate patients' needs, concerns, and preferences to ensure coordinated and effective care.
• Assisting with Procedures: CNAs may assist with various procedures such as dressing changes, wound care, and specimen collection, following established protocols and guidelines.
• Emotional Support: CNAs provide emotional support to patients, offering companionship, active listening, and empathy during challenging times.

Monitor Technician

This role averages $21 per hour.

A Monitor Technician, also known as a Telemetry Technician or Cardiac Monitor Technician, is a healthcare professional responsible for monitoring patients' cardiac activity and interpreting data from cardiac monitoring systems. Their primary responsibilities include:

• Cardiac Monitoring: Monitor Technicians continuously observe patients' cardiac activity through electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring systems. They ensure the proper placement of electrodes on patients' chests, limbs, or other designated areas to obtain accurate readings.
• ECG Interpretation: Monitor Technicians analyze the ECG tracings and identify any abnormalities or irregularities in the heart's electrical activity. They are trained to recognize signs of arrhythmias, ischemia, conduction abnormalities, and other cardiac conditions.
• Alerting Healthcare Team: If the Monitor Technician detects any significant changes or abnormalities in the ECG patterns, they promptly notify the healthcare team, such as nurses, doctors, or other specialized personnel, to ensure timely intervention and appropriate care for the patient.

• Equipment Maintenance: Monitor Technicians are responsible for the proper functioning and maintenance of cardiac monitoring equipment. They ensure that the machines are calibrated, clean, and in good working condition to provide accurate readings.
• Documentation: Monitor Technicians document the ECG tracings and any observed changes in the patient's cardiac status. They maintain accurate records, including the date, time, and any relevant details related to the monitored data.
• Communication and Collaboration: Monitor Technicians work closely with the healthcare team, including nurses and physicians, to provide crucial information about patients' cardiac status. They collaborate to ensure timely and appropriate patient care.
• Troubleshooting and Technical Support: Monitor Technicians troubleshoot technical issues with the monitoring equipment and provide basic technical support. They may perform routine maintenance tasks or assist with the replacement of electrodes or batteries as needed.

Monitor Technicians play a vital role in monitoring patients' cardiac health, helping to identify potential cardiac complications and facilitate prompt interventions. Their expertise in ECG interpretation and vigilant monitoring contributes to patient safety and effective healthcare delivery.

How to Pursue a Nursing School Summer Job

Now that you have 5 great options for a summer job during nursing school, here are a few steps for pursuing one of these jobs.

Dietary Aide:

• Obtain food handling certification: Some states or employers may require food handling certification, which can be obtained through training programs or online courses.
• Gain experience: Look for entry-level positions in food service or dietary departments of healthcare facilities, such as hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities.
• Highlight relevant skills: Showcase any previous experience in food service, customer service, or dietary roles. Good communication skills and attention to detail are important for dietary aides.

Personal Caregiver:

• Gain relevant experience: Look for opportunities to gain experience in caregiving, such as volunteering at nursing homes, assisting individuals with disabilities, or providing in-home care.
• Obtain relevant certifications: While not always required, certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR can enhance your credentials as a caregiver.
• Seek job opportunities: Apply for personal caregiver positions in healthcare agencies, assisted living facilities, or home healthcare organizations. Networking and referrals can also be helpful in finding job opportunities.

Transporter:

• Check job requirements: Review job postings for transporter positions to understand the qualifications and skills needed. Many transporter roles may require a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Apply to healthcare facilities: Hospitals, clinics, and medical centers often employ transporters. Submit your application, resume, and any required documentation to these facilities.
• Highlight relevant skills: Emphasize any previous experience in patient care or customer service roles. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are also valuable in this position.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA):

• Complete a CNA program: Enroll in a state-approved CNA training program, which typically includes classroom instruction and clinical experience.
• Pass the certification exam: After completing the training program, you'll need to pass a competency exam to become a certified nursing assistant. The exam usually consists of written and practical components.
• Apply for CNA positions: Look for job openings in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings that hire CNAs. Submit your resume and application to potential employers.

Monitor Technician:

• Obtain training: Look for accredited programs or courses that offer training in cardiac monitoring and ECG interpretation. These programs may vary in duration and requirements.
• Certification: Consider pursuing certification as a Cardiac Monitor Technician or Telemetry Technician. Some employers may require certification, while others may provide on-the-job training.
• Gain experience: Look for job opportunities in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare facilities that require monitor technicians. Volunteering or completing an internship in a healthcare setting can also provide relevant experience.

Remember to tailor your resume and cover letter for each job application, highlighting relevant skills, certifications, and experiences that align with the specific role. Networking, internships, and volunteering can also provide valuable connections and opportunities to gain experience in the healthcare field.

Don't Forget to Make the Most of Your Time

As you embark on your well-deserved summer break, don't forget to make the most of your time by keeping your nursing skills sharp.

Take advantage of the incredible free resources offered by NURSING.com to enhance your knowledge and stay up to date. From the must-know meds and lab values books to the helpful webinars, there's a wealth of information waiting for you.

So, make sure to visit the links below and grab these resources to make your summer productive and beneficial to your nursing journey

• Nursing Mnemonics Cheat Cheat (click here)
• Test Taking Webinar (click here)

Stay motivated, stay informed, and keep nurturing your passion for nursing. Enjoy your summer and continue on your path to nursing excellence!

You CAN Do This!

Happy Nursing!