There are many things you can do as a nursing student to improve your career. From practical courses to hands-on experience, you can always find something to do in order to advance yourself in the nursing field. If you are thinking about something to do while you are in school, look no further than volunteer work. Practical internships are a great way to get your feet wet before you graduate from your nursing program.
Volunteer to become a teaching assistant. You can do this by taking a basic nursing class and passing an exam that proves you are ready to help others. Most employers will hire a nursing student who has a diploma or certificate of completion from a school. Some even hire students who have completed their master’s degrees in nursing.
Get your foot in the door of a vocational/technical college. Many vocational/technical schools offer classes for the following areas: adult day care, emergency medicine technician, occupational therapy and nutrition. A bachelor’s degree is required to join any club or volunteer program for nursing students. Not only will this help you land a job, but it will also prove to potential employers that you have a good work ethic and that you are dedicated to your career.
Join a community health care worker program. Community health care workers are nurses who work with patients who are having a difficult time living with diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or battling other health care issues. These nurses are often focused on helping individuals and their families make positive changes in the quality of their lives. If you choose to participate in a community health care worker program, get as much information as possible about what you will be doing and ask to take care of local patients while you are learning.
Don’t limit yourself to the hospital. Many nursing students choose to go on to become a registered nurse. RNs, or Registered Nurse, work with doctors on a daily basis. If you want to have more flexibility and become employed full-time as a registered nurse, enroll in a graduate nursing program that includes clinical experience. You might be able find work as a nurse assistant, a nursing assistant or a technician.
As you can see, there is a large amount of choice when it comes to choosing a career after you receive your nursing student certification. Nursing is an exciting field and there are many options available once you begin your education. Nursing will allow you the opportunity to provide long-term support for others in need. Talk to people who are already in the field to get an idea of what it takes to start a career in nursing. It’s important to have a good understanding of what it takes to become a nurse.