Nursing school isn’t all that easy, and having a job while in nursing school can be a lot more stressful, but could be necessary whether to pay for school or gain hands-on experience in nursing. 

Getting a job in nursing school is one of the great ways to gain experience and build credentials that will help later on in your future careers. The best part about these jobs is they offer entry-level positions that require little or no training and offer direct exposure as well as flexibility in scheduling.

If you are a nursing student, here is a list of 8 best jobs you can do to make money while you’re studying. How much can you earn, how much time do you need to commit to the job, what are the requirements and responsibilities? Read on to find out! 

1. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

CNAs help provide basic care which includes feeding, checking vitals signs, grooming, e.t.c., of patients under the supervision of a nurse. Nursing students start as CNAs because not only is the job relatively easy and doesn’t require previous experience, as they get to work directly with patients. 

Job Responsibilities & Requirements 

• Work closely with the nursing staff.

• Assist with medical procedures.

• Perform basic nursing duties such as feeding, bathing and dressing the patient.

Requirement: You’ll need a CNA license (requirements vary by states). You would be required to complete a training course, some clinical practice hours and pass an exam.

Payscale: You can expect to earn between $11-$18 per hour. 

Source- Payscale 

2. Medical Scribe or Transcriptionist 

Medical scribes are personal assistants to the physician, with the responsibility of documenting a patient’s medical history, treatments, lab results and every other information relevant to the patient’s visit. The scribe records all information electronically, and their work is accessible to doctors who need to check the patient’s medical track.

Job Responsibilities & Requirements

• Record details of a patient’s exam—clinical history, diagnoses, complaints, procedures performed and other medical orders given. 

• Collaborating with physicians and performing tasks to ensure efficiency.

Requirement: Complete a 4-6months program that teaches medical terms and typing; and get relevant experience. 

Payscale: Earn between $15 to $19 per hour.

3. Phlebotomist or Patient Care Technician (PCT)

A Phlebotomist is responsible for collecting blood samples used for donations and testing procedures in a laboratory. These samples are then analyzed to diagnose illnesses, check hormone levels, evaluate nutrition information, and determine effective medication dosage. 

It’s a good job for nursing students because they get to practice skills like collection of blood and patient interaction. 

Job Responsibilities & Requirements

• Drawing lab orders from doctors and nurses

• Taking blood samples from patients

• Transferring specimens to testing centers

• Manage paperwork

Requirements: PCT and Phlebotomy licenses usually build off an existing CNA license. In some states, you can get certified after completing an approved program, passing an exam, on-the-job training, or a combination of these.

Payscale: Earn between $12 to $18 per hour.

4. Home Health Aide

Home health aides provide care for those who are physically or mentally ill, injured, disabled, or can not make it to the hospital. 

Home health aides work under the close supervision of a nurse who is in charge of overseeing the patient’s care and they help patients with things like bathing, dressing, laundry, etc. 

Job Responsibilities & Requirements 

• Provide care and support to patients 

• Listen and help patients with what they need.

Requirement: It depends on the state. Basically, complete at least 40hrs of training and successfully pass exams.

Payscale: Earn between $9 to $18 per hour 

5. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

An EMT is very different from a paramedic. They work under stressful conditions in the field to provide first aid and medical care to patients who are ill or injured. EMTs are the ones who first respond to emergency situations and help evaluate and treat patients. 

Becoming an EMT is one of the best jobs for nursing students to get a first hand experience on how to deal with emergency situations.

Job Responsibilities & Requirements

Some of the responsibilities include: 

• Stabilize the patient 

• Perform first aid and CPR

• Assess patient’s health conditions 

• Dress wound and provide oxygen 

Requirements: It depends on states, basically complete an EMT program, become CPR certified, and pass licensing exams. 

Payscale: Earn between $16 to $22 per hour.

6. Nurse Tutor

You can be a nurse tutor if you have good communication and teaching skills. No certification or experience is needed, you just have to be willing to help out struggling students with learning. 

Job Responsibilities & Requirements

• Create study schedules that fits student needs 

• Help students overcome challenges.

• Analyze academic problems from assessment results and proffer better study methods.

Payscale: Earn between $20 to $25 per hour. 

7. Orderly

Orderlies help behind the scenes in a hospital. They help sanitize rooms, tools and equipment for use. They also escort patients to other areas in the hospital and listen to their needs.

An orderly role would suit any nursing student who really wants to see what goes on behind-the-scenes.

Job Responsibilities & Requirements

• Work as part of the team 

• Assist patients in the areas they need help

Requirement: Orderly positions typically do not require any education beyond a high school diploma. You would most likely receive on-the-job training for the role. 

Payscale: Earn between $9 to $17 per hour

8. Psychiatric Aide

Becoming a psychiatric aide is one of the best nursing student jobs available, as they work closely with those in the mental health industry. It’s a good job for nursing students that wish to pursue careers related to mental health. 

They help bathe, dress, feed, assist in group activities and in some cases restrain the patient. 

Job Responsibilities & Requirements 

• Monitor behaviour and patterns in patients and intervene when necessary

• Physically restrain patients when they are in danger to themselves or others 

Payscale: Earn between $9 to $20 per hour 

Conclusion 

Here are 8 best jobs you can do as a nursing student. There are quite a number of jobs available to nursing students, but to choose the best job for you, you need to know what experience you are trying to get or specialization you would be interested in.

However, make sure to consider the schedule and work-life balance when choosing a job, because your nursing school is just as important.