Best Jobs for Nursing Students During Their Studies

Nursing school can be one of the most challenging and rewarding academic journeys a student can undertake. Between demanding classes, intensive clinical rotations, and endless studying, many students might think it’s impossible to balance a job alongside their education. However, there are a variety of part-time or flexible jobs available that not only provide an income but also complement nursing students’ academic and professional goals. Many of these roles allow students to gain valuable hands-on experience that builds the foundation for their future nursing careers. In this blog, we will explore some of the best jobs for nursing students, outlining the benefits of each position and offering guidance on how to find the perfect job that aligns with your studies.

Why Nursing Students Should Consider Part-Time Jobs

While the demands of nursing school are intense, there are several reasons why taking on a part-time or flexible job can be beneficial:

1. Gaining real-world experience: Working in healthcare settings, even in entry-level roles, gives nursing students a chance to apply what they’re learning in school in real-life situations. Whether it’s practicing patient communication, observing medical procedures, or participating in basic patient care, these jobs offer practical experience that can’t be taught in the classroom alone.
2. Building a professional network: Nursing students who work in healthcare environments are surrounded by experienced professionals, including registered nurses (RNs), doctors, and administrative staff. Building relationships with these individuals can provide mentorship opportunities, future job prospects, or references for internships and full-time positions after graduation.
3. Developing critical nursing skills: Jobs in healthcare-related fields help nursing students develop soft skills like communication, empathy, and time management, as well as hard skills such as administering care, taking vital signs, or drawing blood. These skills will be crucial when transitioning into professional nursing roles.
4. Financial support: Many nursing students work out of necessity, needing to cover tuition, books, or personal expenses. Having a part-time job provides a steady income, reducing financial stress and allowing students to focus on their studies.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Job

Before you start applying for jobs, it’s important to think about your personal circumstances and the type of job that will fit best with your studies. Here are a few key factors to consider:

1. Flexibility: Nursing students need a job that offers flexible hours to accommodate their class schedules, clinical rotations, and study time. Look for part-time positions or jobs that allow per diem work, where you can pick up shifts based on your availability.
2. Location: Long commutes can be exhausting and take valuable time away from studying or resting. Aim to find jobs that are located close to your school, home, or clinical sites to minimize travel time.
3. Job duties: Opt for jobs that will help build relevant nursing skills, whether clinical or administrative. Working in healthcare settings can give you exposure to medical environments and patient care, while other positions, such as medical scribes, allow you to learn the intricacies of patient documentation.
4. Compensation and benefits: Pay rates can vary greatly depending on the job. While some positions, like CNAs, might offer decent hourly wages, other roles may provide additional benefits, such as health insurance or tuition reimbursement programs.

Top Jobs for Nursing Students

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

A CNA role is one of the best jobs for nursing students who want hands-on experience in patient care. CNAs work under the supervision of registered nurses and are often responsible for helping patients with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and feeding, as well as assisting with basic medical care, like taking vital signs. Nursing students who work as CNAs have the advantage of being directly involved in patient care, providing an excellent foundation for future nursing roles.

Key Benefits:

• Hands-on experience: CNAs get real-world exposure to patient care, often working closely with registered nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.
• Skill development: You will learn valuable skills, such as patient communication, empathy, and basic medical care, which will be essential in your nursing career.
• Flexible scheduling: Many healthcare facilities offer part-time shifts that are easy to balance with school commitments.
• Pathway to future nursing roles: Working as a CNA is often a stepping stone to becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN), as many of the skills overlap.

2. Home Health Aide (HHA)

Home health aides provide in-home care to patients, often working with elderly or disabled individuals. The responsibilities typically include helping patients with personal care, medication management, and basic household tasks. HHAs often work under the supervision of a nurse or healthcare professional, making it an excellent job for nursing students to develop patient interaction skills in a one-on-one setting.

Key Benefits:

• Direct patient interaction: HHAs form close relationships with their patients, allowing them to practice communication and caregiving in a more personal, less stressful environment.
• Flexibility: Home health aide positions often offer flexible schedules, with many part-time options available.
• Less physical strain: Compared to working in a hospital, providing care in a patient’s home can be less physically demanding, making it a great option for students who want to avoid the fast-paced, high-stress environment of hospitals.

3. Medical Scribe

Medical scribes work directly with doctors and nurse practitioners, documenting patient interactions and medical histories during appointments. This role is particularly valuable for nursing students because it offers firsthand insight into the patient-care process without the physical demands of direct patient care. It’s a great option for those who want to observe how healthcare professionals make clinical decisions and treat patients.

Key Benefits:

• Clinical observation: As a scribe, you’ll observe medical professionals at work, gaining insight into diagnosis, treatment, and patient care processes.
• Learn medical terminology: You’ll become familiar with medical terminology, which is essential for nursing students, especially when transitioning into clinical roles.
• Flexible work environment: Scribes often work in hospitals or clinics, which can offer per diem shifts that fit around a student’s schedule.
• Non-physical work: This role doesn’t involve direct patient care, making it ideal for students who may want to focus more on learning and less on the physical demands of healthcare.

4. Phlebotomist

If you’re looking to gain practical medical skills, becoming a phlebotomist is a great choice. Phlebotomists are responsible for drawing blood from patients for lab tests, transfusions, or blood donations. This job requires certification, but it can be completed in just a few months, making it accessible for nursing students who want to work in healthcare while studying.

Key Benefits:

• Skill development: Phlebotomists develop confidence in performing blood draws and handling needles, which are crucial skills for future nurses.
• Patient interaction: You’ll interact with patients on a regular basis, developing your communication skills and ability to put patients at ease during procedures.
• Flexible hours: Phlebotomy positions are often part-time or per diem, making it a convenient option for students.
• Pay: Phlebotomy jobs tend to pay well compared to other part-time healthcare roles, offering financial support while you study.

5. Patient Transporter

Patient transporters assist in moving patients between various departments in a hospital or healthcare facility. Though it may seem like a basic job, it offers nursing students the opportunity to interact with patients and become familiar with the layout and function of healthcare environments. It’s an entry-level role that doesn’t require previous medical experience, making it accessible for students early in their nursing studies.

Key Benefits:

• Exposure to different healthcare departments: Transporters get to see various parts of the hospital, interacting with different staff and patients along the way.
• Minimal training: This role doesn’t require extensive training, so it’s a good option for nursing students just starting out in their programs.
• Patient interaction: Though the job doesn’t involve medical care, it offers plenty of opportunities to communicate with patients and healthcare workers.

6. Unit Clerk/Health Unit Coordinator

Unit clerks or health unit coordinators manage the clerical functions in hospital departments. They assist with admissions, coordinate patient care schedules, answer phones, and maintain patient records. This role provides a behind-the-scenes look at the administrative side of nursing, offering valuable experience in healthcare management.

Key Benefits:

• Learn about healthcare documentation: Managing patient records and schedules gives students insight into how healthcare facilities operate.
• Work closely with nurses and doctors: Though you’ll be doing clerical work, you’ll still have plenty of interaction with healthcare professionals, building your network.
• Flexible scheduling: Many unit clerk roles offer part-time hours, allowing nursing students to balance work with their studies.

7. Tutor or Academic Assistant

For nursing students who excel academically, tutoring can be an excellent way to earn income while reinforcing their own knowledge. Nursing schools often have tutoring programs where students help their peers in subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. Some nursing students may also work as academic assistants, helping professors with research or administrative tasks.

Key Benefits:

• Strengthen your own knowledge: Teaching others is one of the best ways to solidify your understanding of challenging material.
• Flexible hours: Tutors can often set their own hours, making it easy to work around a busy school schedule.
• Build connections with faculty: Working as an academic assistant or tutor can help you build relationships with professors, which could lead to research opportunities or strong references for future jobs.

8. Hospital Volunteer

While not a paid job, volunteering at a hospital offers nursing students valuable experience. Volunteers assist with non-clinical tasks, such as delivering meals, comforting patients, or helping with administrative duties. Volunteering is an excellent way to observe healthcare professionals in action and gain exposure to different hospital departments.

Key Benefits:

• Gain experience in a healthcare environment: Even though volunteers don’t provide direct patient care, the exposure to a hospital environment is beneficial for nursing students.
• Networking opportunities: Volunteering allows you to build relationships with healthcare professionals who can offer advice or mentorship.
• Flexible hours: Most hospitals offer flexible volunteer shifts, making it easy to fit around school commitments.

Tips for Finding Nursing Student Jobs

1. Check your school’s job board: Many nursing programs have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics, and job opportunities are often posted on school job boards or career services websites.
2. Utilize healthcare-specific job sites: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster have dedicated sections for healthcare jobs, where you can search for part-time positions in your area.
3. Network with professionals: Build relationships with your professors, clinical instructors, or nurses you meet during clinicals. Many job opportunities are found through networking, and your connections could alert you to available positions.
4. Attend job fairs: Hospitals and healthcare facilities often host job fairs where you can meet employers, learn about open positions, and potentially land a job on the spot.
5. Search for internships: Some healthcare facilities offer internships or externships specifically designed for nursing students. These programs allow students to gain valuable hands-on experience while receiving mentorship from experienced nurses.

Final Thoughts

Nursing students have many job options that can help build their experience, develop essential skills, and provide income during their studies. From CNA positions and medical scribes to tutoring and hospital volunteering, the best jobs for nursing students are those that offer flexibility, valuable learning experiences, and networking opportunities. By carefully selecting a job that aligns with your nursing education, you can enhance your learning, prepare for your future career, and ease some of the financial burdens of nursing school.