Summer time is the best time to get some nursing experience! You also want to continue these experiences during the school year. ⠀
Volunteer
Many hospitals offer volunteer programs. These positions are usually not hands on patient work, but it is a great way to observe different jobs and units in the hospital and talk to nurses. This was also how I found my future specialty, neonatal.⠀
CNa
Certified Nursing Assistants is a paid job that helps nurses in skilled nursing facilities and sometimes hospitals with basic care. You do need to take a class and exam, so summertime is perfect to get this done. There are multiple programs out there to get this certification. Nursing schools love CNA experience as well.⠀
medical assistant
This job is similar to CNA, however it also encompasses administrative work and a few more job duties. MA’s also require a class and exam, but it is a longer process than CNA.
caregiver
This is an easy job to get, especially if you like working with the geriatric population. You will go to client’s homes and help with their Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s). There are multiple agencies that are always hiring. This is also a flexible job to do while in school as well.
shadow
If you know a nurse, ask them if you can shadow or do an internship with them! Observing nurses at work is the best way to see if you like the profession and to get experience. If you don’t know a nurse, ask your doctor or nurse if you can shadow them at your next visit!
travel abroad
This can be expensive (you can always fundraise), but it is an awesome way to get experience! There are multiple medical volunteering programs out there! I went to Tanzania to volunteer at a hospital two years ago with @volunteeringsolutions . Best three weeks of my life and I learned so much!