Is nursing a realistic job for high school students?

I’ve always been interested in nursing and am wondering if there are any job opportunities for high school students in this field. Can I start gaining experience in healthcare while still in school?

While you may not be able to work as a fully certified registered nurse as a high school student due to education and licensure requirements, there are definitely opportunities available that allow you to gain experience in healthcare and provide insight into the nursing profession.

One starting point could be volunteering or part-time positions in healthcare. Many hospitals and clinics offer volunteer positions to high school students. These roles might include helping with administrative tasks, patient support, or even observing medical procedures.

Another way high school students can develop skills relevant to nursing is through a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program. Some high schools or community colleges offer these programs, and they can be a great way to get hands-on experience in patient care. However, these might have a minimum age requirement, typically 16 or 18, and might require certification exams before you can start working.

Looking into local summer programs or internships in healthcare could also provide beneficial experience. Programs like these provide exposure to various healthcare environments and might include job shadowing, clinical experience, and guest lectures from professionals in the field.

Participating in a health or medicine focused career and technical education (CTE) program at your school could be beneficial. If your school doesn’t offer a CTE program, look into taking related courses such as anatomy and physiology, psychology, or health sciences.

Lastly, joining a club related to healthcare or medicine, such as HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), can provide you with opportunities to learn about various healthcare careers, develop leadership skills, and engage in health-related community service.

Gaining experience in healthcare as a high school student will provide you with valuable insight into the nursing profession and potentially confirm your career goals. Good luck with your journey into nursing!