Nursing issues

Register Forgot your password?

Working whilst studying to be an RN?

« 
Previous topic
|
Student Nursing
|
Next topic
 »

You need to be logged in to get access to the forums. You can do so here

Author Working whilst studying to be an RN?

bree.cook.23

(offline)

  • Joined: May 2012
  • Location:
  • Posts: 2

Thu Jan 10, 2013 10:01 am Last edited Jan 10, 2013, 10:41 am Update #1

Hi Everyone!
I'm enrolled in QUT's graduate entry bachelor of nursing (2 years) starting in Feb, and was wondering when you can start working in the field during your studies. Would I be able to work as an enrolled nurse or AIN after the first semester or so? Or are there any other jobs that you could all recommend that would be appropriate?

Thanks in advance :)

modified: Thursday 10 January 2013 10:53:34 am - bree.cook.23

ctlan3

(offline)

  • Joined: Jan 2013
  • Location:
  • Posts: 5

Jan 13, 2013, 06:03 pm

Hi Bree,

I have just completed my first year of a Bachelor of Nursing in 2012 and I have recently started PCA work, which involves hygiene and toileting for elderly residents at a nursing home. It is pretty good pay, and it is a really rewarding job!! I love it! It is mostly getting them up and showered before lunch, assisting them to the toilet, feeding those residents that do not have the mental capacity to feed themselves, assisting in morning/afternoon tea ect. You can work as a PCA after your first semester of study.

Some nursing students from my uni who were in year two of their degree (last year) worked in hospitals as medical administrators.

As for working as an enrolled nurse while you study your RN, I am still unsure about this! So I would also love to know! But I have heard something about after your second year of the three year degree, you can work as an EN (not sure about being med endorsed??) - but still not sure if this is true..

I hope that helps a little! And good luck with your studies :)

Cassie

bree.cook.23

(offline)

  • Joined: May 2012
  • Location:
  • Posts: 2

Jan 13, 2013, 07:09 pm

Hi Cassie :)

That was definitely helpful! Glad to know there are definitely job opportunities out there, I love the sound of your PCA job! Was it hard to get the job or is there a pretty big demand for that sort of work? And how do you go about applying?

I'm really excited to start, but a bit nervous as well of course. Which uni are you studying at?

ctlan3

(offline)

  • Joined: Jan 2013
  • Location:
  • Posts: 5

Jan 26, 2013, 09:55 pm

Hi Bree,

 

Sorry for the late reply!

It seems there is a demand for PCAs, as at my work we are always needing more people to cover shifts, or do double shifts etc!

I applied for PCA work at three nursing homes, and the third time I applied I got an interview and eventually a job, so not too bad. :)

However I live in a rural area, so if you're closer to a city/larger suburbs, the easier it may be.... As there are only a few nursing homes where I live (Phillip Island).

Also where are you studying? And when do you start?

You seem really excited, that's great!! :)

I am studying at Monash Uni in Peninsula :) second year this year so very excited!!

 

- Cassie

Sons79

(offline)

  • Joined: Jan 2013
  • Location: Melbounre
  • Posts: 5

Jan 27, 2013, 03:32 pm

Hi Bree,

Thought I could answer this question for you.  

Would I be able to work as an enrolled nurse or AIN after the first semester or so? After the first year or after your 1st placement you will be able to work as an AIN/PCA using your clinical appraisal too and if you can get a reference from your clinical teacher that will also help.  Some places where you do your clinical placement may even take you on if it suits you and you like it then it's a great step in the door.  Otherwise you can contact your local council for home care.  I actually did a 2 day course in the city (melbourne), they hold them in other states once a month too, for venepuncture and did that, great part time hours and the best experience for taking blood away from uni or during clinicals.  You have enough to worry about then learning to take blood the first time during clinicals.  I have sent a few fellow students to this course and they have all enjoyed it.  Pathology places are always looking for casuals and part timers, you are never short of a job.  :D  Let me know if you would be interested in the details.  Nursing homes are a great introduction to nursing and it is the basic's that you need to be comfortable with...you make a huge difference to peoples lives by just giving them a smile and asking how they are.  

I have just completed my 2nd year of bachelors of nursing and had to sit in on a conference day that covers the role of the EN and I can now apply to be an EEN, (Div 2 for the Victorians).  There was no test or practical component to it.  I however cannot afford the $320 to apply for registration as an EEN.  As you pay an admin fee and then the rego fee as well so the first time is double.  :-(  I might be able to once the kids go back to school, my work hours will pick up again. My only advice I will offer is remember to make time for you and I mean YOU!! Make time for work, quiet study and sleep. Time management is the key to getting through this because there is a lot to learn in so little time, so time out means being free from work and study this does not mean sleep.  Take care and enjoy.  

Sonia 

summerly

(offline)

  • Joined: Sep 2009
  • Location:
  • Posts: 61

Jan 27, 2013, 06:25 pm Last edited Jan 27, 2013, 06:25 pm update #1

Quote- "I have just completed my 2nd year of bachelors of nursing and had to sit in on a conference day that covers the role of the EN and I can now apply to be an EEN, (Div 2 for the Victorians).  There was no test or practical component to it.  I however cannot afford the $320 to apply for registration as an EEN.  As you pay an admin fee and then the rego fee as well so the first time is double".

Hi, hope you don't mind if I jump in here with another question - but Sonia, could you please elaborate on where you found the information about becoming an EEN after second year? This is just what I'm looking for!  Can anyone who is a 2nd year nursing student do this or is it done by a particular uni only?

modified: Sunday 27 January 2013 6:26:46 pm - summerly

Sons79

(offline)

  • Joined: Jan 2013
  • Location: Melbounre
  • Posts: 5

Jan 27, 2013, 07:29 pm

I actually contacted the Royal College of Nursing directly and asked if it was possible with them first and how we go about it. Then quite a number of students expressed interest on the LMS, (online Learning Management System with forums and basically where we communicate with each other), and because there was a number of students interested I think they organised it with the ANF so we could do it if we wanted to.  It's not free though. So it doesn't allow being an endorsed EN sort of put me off but it's good to be able to step up gradually. If you are interested only your university can provide you with this registration information day/conference so you need to approach them...for example if you study at Deakin and RMIT is closer to you it is not possible for you to do it at RMIT.  It was a 9am till 4:30pm day so it was a full on, interactive day which answers all your questions, concerns and reasons why as a student we can and can not do certain procedures.  

I hope that helps. 

Lilibeth

(offline)

  • Joined: Dec 2012
  • Location:
  • Posts: 25

Jan 28, 2013, 03:22 pm

Hi sonia,

I never thought that you could apply for EEN at 2nd yr Nursing student. Thanks for the info and I will surely asked more about it at Royal College of Nursing or Australian College of Nursing(now). and about taking Blood is quite interesting job too aside from PCA.

You need to be logged in to get access to the forums. You can do so here