Janice Lozano
Nursing students often take on part-time jobs to gain experience and pay for their education. The ideal job would offer high pay for relatively few hours, flexibility, and opportunities to develop clinical skills. While it is not required, choosing a job in the medical field during nursing school can help students learn nursing concepts faster and look good on their resumes. Part-time jobs in healthcare settings offer more than pay; they help students build professional networks and gain exposure to different medical departments, which can aid in making career choices. Outside of the healthcare industry, nursing students can take on jobs like waiting tables, which can provide good money with tips and flexibility.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Working hours | Part-time jobs are ideal for nursing students as they are easier on their schedule and sanity. |
| Pay | Nursing students can benefit from jobs that pay a lot for relatively few hours worked. |
| Stress | Nursing students should opt for low-stress jobs as their programs can be stressful and cause anxiety. |
| Flexibility | Nursing students should look for jobs that offer flexibility in terms of working hours and are understanding of their school obligations. |
| Clinical skills | Jobs that support the development of clinical skills can boost confidence and make students more marketable after graduation. |
| Tuition reimbursement | Some healthcare facilities offer tuition reimbursement programs, which can help nursing students pay for school. |
| Networking | Part-time jobs in healthcare settings offer opportunities to build professional networks and connect with doctors, nurses, and specialists. |
| Experience | Jobs that provide hands-on experience in patient care or exposure to different medical departments can aid in career choices. |
| Specific roles | Examples of good-paying jobs for nursing students include lab assistant, medical transcriptionist, unit secretary, certified nursing assistant, and nursing companion. |
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What You'll Learn
Part-time work in healthcare settings
Part-time jobs in healthcare settings offer more than just financial remuneration for nursing students. They help build professional networks, allowing students to meet doctors, nurses, and specialists regularly. This networking can lead to job offers after graduation. Many students find mentors through these connections as well.
When looking for a part-time job in a healthcare setting, it is important to keep in mind that these positions may not always be advertised as "nursing student jobs". Therefore, it is essential to research what types of jobs you qualify for and can fit into your school schedule. Online job boards and healthcare facilities' websites are good places to start your search.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): CNAs work directly with patients and perform various clinical and administrative tasks. They may assist nurses or doctors in monitoring vital signs, collecting lab specimens, and providing basic medical care. CNAs often require short certification programs, and some states allow nursing students to earn excellent salaries while working as CNAs.
- Ultrasound Tech Assistant: Ultrasound tech assistants support ultrasound technicians in creating images of patients' internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. They prepare exam rooms, ensure the availability of required instruments, and maintain patient confidentiality. This role provides on-site job training and experience in interacting with patients and monitoring their behaviour.
- Phlebotomist: Phlebotomy technicians draw blood for tests, transfusions, or donations. This job is excellent for nursing students as it teaches venipuncture skills, pays well, and involves interacting with patients.
- Medical Assistant: Medical assistants work in clinics or doctors' offices, supporting health professionals and caring for patients. They perform clinical and administrative tasks, including operating medical equipment, preparing patients for examinations, checking vital signs, and scheduling appointments.
- Monitor Technician: Monitor technicians work in intensive care units (ICUs), closely monitoring patients' heartbeats and electrocardiograms. They must be detail-oriented and quick to alert healthcare teams of any changes or irregularities. This role is ideal for those interested in becoming critical care nurses as it provides experience in patient assessment and detail-oriented skills.
- Orderly: Orderlies carry out non-medical tasks that are essential to the facility's operation, such as transporting patients and cleaning. This role provides nursing students with exposure to diverse patient care and clinical settings.
- Direct Support Professional (DSP): DSPs assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily activities. They provide personal care, support with medication management, and help with everyday tasks. DSPs also teach life skills and maintain medical records, reporting any concerns to supervisors or healthcare professionals.
These are just a few examples of part-time jobs in healthcare settings that nursing students can consider. Each role offers unique benefits, experiences, and opportunities for growth, providing a strong foundation for a future career in nursing.
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Surgical technician roles
While the pay for surgical technician roles varies depending on factors like location, experience, and certification, they generally earn robust salaries compared to other healthcare support positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2020, surgical technologists earned a median annual salary of $48,300. The top 10% of earners made over $68,960, and in certain regions, experienced and certified surgical techs can expect salaries upwards of $60,000 per year.
For nursing students, working as a surgical technician provides valuable experience in a healthcare setting, enhances their understanding of nursing concepts, and can lead to exciting opportunities in the surgical field. It is important to note that while these roles offer good pay and growth potential, they also require specialized training and a commitment to working in the operating room environment.
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Medical transcriptionist roles
Nursing students can find good-paying roles as medical transcriptionists, also known as healthcare documentation specialists. These professionals are responsible for listening to and reviewing recordings made by healthcare providers and accurately converting them into text. They also edit medical records and return documents for review and approval.
Medical transcriptionists typically work for hospitals, physicians' offices, or third-party transcription companies that service healthcare establishments. While most work full-time, part-time opportunities are also available. The median annual wage for medical transcriptionists was $37,550 in May 2024, and those working full-time may be eligible for employee benefits, including health insurance, paid vacation, and sick leave.
To become a medical transcriptionist, a high school diploma or GED is required. Following this, one can opt for a certification program through a community college, vocational school, or an online course. These programs typically take 6 to 12 months to complete, and some offer specializations in medical transcription classes and generalized coursework.
It is important to note that the employment of medical transcriptionists is projected to decline by 5% from 2024 to 2034 due to the increasing use of voice recognition software. However, nursing students can still benefit from the flexibility and good pay that this role offers during their studies.
Other good-paying jobs for nursing students include surgical technician, lab assistant, and nursing assistant positions. Additionally, some hospitals offer tuition reimbursement programs, which can be beneficial for nursing students.
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Nursing assistant roles
Nursing assistants are often the primary caregivers in nursing and residential care facilities. They are responsible for providing basic care and helping patients with their daily activities. This includes assisting patients with bathing, dressing, grooming, and feeding. Nursing assistants also monitor and document vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse, and report any concerns to registered nurses or doctors.
In addition to providing direct patient care, nursing assistants may also be tasked with administrative duties such as answering phones, taking messages, and communicating any updates to the appropriate medical staff. They may also be responsible for ensuring the cleanliness of the facility and transporting patients.
Nursing assistants typically work in nursing homes, hospitals, or hospice environments. It is a physically demanding job, as it involves frequent lifting and moving of patients. Most nursing assistants work full-time and may need to be flexible with their working hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to accommodate the needs of the facility and patients.
The requirements to become a nursing assistant vary by state but often include completing a state-approved education program and passing a competency exam to obtain a license or certification. Some states may also require previous caregiving experience and CPR certification.
The salary for nursing assistants can range from $13 to $35 per hour, with a median annual wage of $39,530 as of May 2024. However, it is important to note that pay rates can vary depending on geographic location and the specific employer.
For nursing students considering a career in nursing, taking on a nursing assistant role during their studies can be a great way to build practical skills, develop patient relationships, and enhance their resume, all while earning a competitive salary.
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Summer camp nurse roles
As a summer camp nurse, your primary responsibility is to ensure the health and safety of campers and staff. You will be the go-to person for treating medical issues, injuries, and illnesses that arise during the camp period. This can include anything from common colds, rashes, and scrapes to more serious conditions like broken bones. Camp nurses must be able to assess medical needs quickly and make sound health decisions, especially in remote camp locations.
In addition to providing general medical care, camp nurses may also work with children who have chronic medical conditions. This could involve helping them manage their daily medication routines, monitoring their health, and ensuring their safety. Some camps cater specifically to children with shared medical diagnoses, such as cystic fibrosis or cancer, where nurses play a crucial role in continued medical care.
While most camp nurse positions are seasonal, they offer a rewarding opportunity to gain experience and make a positive impact on the camp community. It is important to note that camp nurse salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, education level, and geographic location. Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification is preferred but not always required, and nurses should be mindful of state-specific licensure requirements when pursuing opportunities in various states.
Overall, summer camp nurse roles provide a fun and challenging environment for nursing students to apply their knowledge, develop their skills, and make a meaningful difference in the health and well-being of campers and staff members alike.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several good part-time jobs for nursing students that offer flexibility, the ability to network with healthcare professionals, and transferable skills. These include:
- Medical transcriptionist
- Unit secretary
- Nursing assistant/companion
- Medical interpreter
- Lab assistant
- Hospital clerk
Nursing students can take on more hours by working as a surgical technician. This role requires special education and training, but it is one of the highest-paying jobs you can get during nursing school.
There are several high-paying nursing careers you can consider, including:
- Surgical nurse
- Legal nurse consultant
- Nurse researcher
- Nurse educator
