How to Get Nursing Experience While in School

Many students wonder how to get nursing experience while in school. The good news? It’s easier than you think and doesn’t require another full-time job or a huge commitment.

Nursing schools provide a strong foundation for a nursing career, and most nursing programs include clinical rotations, but students eager to rack up relevant experience can also tap into additional resources. Getting more exposure to the nursing field while you’re earning your degree will set you up for even greater success in your first nursing job.
Below, we’ll unpack the best ways to gain nursing experience while in school.

5 ways to get nursing experience while in a registered nurse program

First, remember you’re in school, not alone. Take advantage of the resources around you! When you talk to your academic advisors about opportunities for healthcare experience outside your program, they’ll likely suggest options like shadowing nurses, volunteering, becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or patient care technician (PCT), or even a summer healthcare position to strengthen your experience.

But the final decision about how to weave in additional experience is yours. Remember to prioritize schoolwork, since you still have to ace your courses and pass the NCLEX to become a fully licensed RN. Be practical and make sure you have a good understanding of what you can and cannot do realistically.

1. Become a CNA or PCT

One of the simplest routes to getting direct patient care experience — and getting paid while doing it — is by becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or patient care technician (PCT), which can be completed much more quickly than a fully fledged nursing degree.

In this role, you’ll gain experience taking patients’ vital signs, assisting with mobility, and helping with daily exercises. You’ll also gain charting experience while supporting registered nurses with basic patient care needs.

You’ll work closely with patients and their healthcare team, just as you will as a registered nurse. This position can help you feel comfortable and confident in a clinical setting, build strong communication skills, and gain a general understanding of how hospitals operate. Plus, many of these positions are available part time, on weekends, or even just for the summer, which makes them easier to fit into your school schedule.

2. Volunteer at a hospital or clinic

Hospitals and clinics are almost always open to volunteer labor. Search the different hospitals and clinics in your area and find a position that seems interesting to you. Many volunteer positions are more administrative, while others involve more patient interaction.

Many volunteer positions aren’t hands-on clinical roles, so you won’t get the same experience you would in, say, a CNA role. That said, all healthcare experience is valuable for your education and resume when applying for RN positions. Plus, you’ll gain an understanding of hospital culture and build relationships with people you may work alongside later on.

 

Build the foundation for your nursing career at University of Bridgeport

 

3. Shadow registered nurses

To start, shadowing a nurse is a great way to see what the job of nursing actually looks like, since you’ll see firsthand what nurses do day to day.

Consider shadowing nurses in various settings to see where you might like to work after graduation — clinics, the ER, or even surgical nursing. Each nursing specialty has different tasks and needs. When shadowing, you can clock what interests you most and plan to spend more time in that field, giving you a head start on the specialty you may want to pursue while you’re still in your registered nurse program.

4. Join a student nursing association

Get involved at school! Many nursing schools support professional nursing associations that can give you useful experience outside of your registered nurse program. You’ll have the chance to network with classmates, practicing nurses, and even professors.

These organizations typically offer opportunities to participate in community service projects, additional educational programs, networking events, and leadership opportunities.

5. Look for part-time or summer healthcare roles

If you’re concerned about balancing a full-time job and school, fret not. You can work part time or just in the summer. Many hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehab centers, and outpatient clinics offer student-friendly positions to support this goal.

When you’re looking for opportunities, look across the healthcare field. Don’t narrow your search to only jobs that include “nursing.” Many student-friendly positions offer exposure to nurses and their world even if the job doesn’t state it directly. Apply to a wide range of jobs and chat with the coordinator to confirm what you’ll be doing and the experience you’ll gain.

Know where to find opportunities

Finding a healthcare position can start with just asking questions. Nursing colleges want their students to succeed, and many people in the program would be happy to help.

• Talk with academic advisors and faculty. Many nursing schools have connections to local employers, internships, and volunteer programs, and most Nursing program faculty have nursing degrees and professional connections they’re willing to share.
• Check with local hospitals. Visit your local hospital career and volunteer pages online. Look for the positions listed above, and search for keywords like student nurse, nursing assistant, or summer healthcare worker. If you’re having a hard time finding available jobs online, don’t hesitate to contact the hospital directly.
• Use your school’s career center. Nursing school career centers are built for this exact purpose. They’ll help you find job listings, prepare your resumé, practice your interview, and connect you with healthcare employers.

Start building experience before graduation

If you’re still wondering how to get nursing experience while in school, talk with a professor you trust. There are many opportunities to gain meaningful healthcare experience that will further expand your nursing education.

Start early and focus on getting experience that matters to you. Whether that’s direct patient care experience or experience in different fields of nursing. Building strong connections early on in your nursing career will only help you prepare for your first RN role.

Ready to take the next step? Learn more or apply today.