Where to Work as a Nursing Student: The Pros and Cons of Different Healthcare Jobs

As a nursing student, one of the most important questions you may have is, “Where can I work as a nursing student?” Nursing school can be expensive, and many students need to work while in school to pay for tuition, books, and other expenses. Additionally, working while in nursing school can give you valuable experience and help you make connections in the healthcare industry.

So where can nursing students work? In this article, we’ll explore some of the best job options for nursing students, along with the benefits and drawbacks of each.

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

One of the most popular jobs for nursing students is working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). CNAs provide basic patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse. This can include helping patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, as well as monitoring vital signs and assisting with other basic medical procedures.

The benefits of working as a CNA while in nursing school are numerous. For one, it can help you gain hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. You’ll also be able to observe and learn from experienced nurses and other healthcare professionals, which can be invaluable as you progress through your nursing program.

Additionally, many nursing programs require students to complete a certain number of clinical hours before graduating. Working as a CNA can count towards these hours, making it easier for you to meet your program requirements.

There are some drawbacks to working as a CNA, however. For one, the work can be physically demanding, and you may be required to work long hours or overnight shifts. Additionally, the pay for CNAs is relatively low compared to other healthcare professions. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a job that will give you hands-on experience and help you advance your nursing career, working as a CNA is a great option.

2. Home Health Aide

Another option for nursing students is to work as a home health aide. Home health aides provide care to patients who are recovering from an illness or injury in their own homes. This can include assisting with ADLs, monitoring vital signs, and administering medications.

Working as a home health aide can be a great option for nursing students who prefer to work independently and have a flexible schedule. Additionally, many home health agencies offer training programs for new employees, so you may be able to gain valuable experience even if you have little to no healthcare experience.

However, there are some downsides to working as a home health aide. For one, the work can be isolating, as you’ll be working with only one patient at a time. Additionally, you may need to provide care in unsafe or unsanitary conditions, such as homes that are infested with pests or have inadequate heating or cooling.

3. Medical Scribe

If you’re looking for a job that will allow you to gain experience in a healthcare setting without providing direct patient care, working as a medical scribe may be a good option. Medical scribes work alongside physicians and other healthcare professionals, documenting patient encounters and assisting with other administrative tasks.

One of the main benefits of working as a medical scribe is that it can give you valuable experience in a healthcare setting, without the physical demands or emotional stress of providing direct patient care. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and learn from experienced physicians, which can be helpful as you progress through your nursing program.

However, there are some drawbacks to working as a medical scribe. For one, the work can be repetitive and monotonous, as you’ll be documenting patient encounters for much of your shift. Additionally, the pay for medical scribes is often lower than for other healthcare professions.