Best way to get experience?

krisjazzer13 · Apr 25, 2007

In my opinion, being a CNA or PCT first REALLY helps with your basic nursing skills and familiarizes you with daily life as a nurse. I am a second degree RN and did not become a CNA before starting my new job, and it is my biggest regret! Our CNAs/PCTs are so wonderful and they really know their stuff if they decide to pursue their RN.

jjjoy, LPN · Apr 25, 2007

If you have the time, might as well take a CNA course, even if you never are employed as one. I think the course would be a good introduction to clinical education and hands-on patient care. It also gives you a glimpse inside a health facility where you might want to apply as a nurse after you graduate.

Actually working as a CNA can give you confidence and experience as a nursing student and as a nurse to be able to quickly dispense with basic nursing care and get on with other nursing tasks. And if you can get a job in a hospital that trains their CNAs in ECGs, phlebotomy, and more, then that's a good deal.

I think being a unit secretary is also useful as they often take off doctors' orders and work with the charts and other hospital departments more than CNAs do. They have more exposure to what nurses' have to deal with it beyond basic care (eg clarifying unclear med orders, arranging patient discharge, etc). They have unit secretary training at some community colleges which also offer some on-unit training experience, always useful, again, even if you don't eventually apply for the job.

I think it'd be better to get PT positions if you can afford it (eg no health insurance), then you can get a wider range of experience as opposed to 40hr/wk of the same thing.

jill48, ASN, RN · Apr 25, 2007

I never was a CNA before becoming a nurse. If I had been, I probably wouldn't have gone through with nursing school. If you need to work, maybe it's not a bad idea. But if you are lucky enough to not have to work, maybe you should just concentrate on your studies.

SonicnurseRN · Apr 25, 2007

I am currently an RN student and did not work as a CNA before I started Nursing school and found myself regretting it. The people who had worked as a CNA were much more confident w/ patient care. Over the summer I am getting a job as a CNA before I hit second semester! It's not the best of jobs, but it can give you valuable experience w/ patients. Maybe just try it & quit if you don't like it ... either way you'll probably be glad for the experience.

2bNurseNik · Apr 25, 2007

Boy, wouldn't that be GREAT :)

But if you are lucky enough to not have to work, maybe you should just concentrate on your studies.

TazziRN, RN · Apr 25, 2007

(Other people say it is harder to change from a CNA to a nurse.)

If it's hard, it's only because you have to get used to a different job description. Being a CNA or something else medical actually helps because you have a wider base knowledge.

(One girl told me that an advisor at one school said they prefer people who haven't worked in a hospital because they can train them how they want. )

I have never heard this, and in my observations the opposite is true. A new grad who has some kind of pt care experience is more attractive.

If you have the time and the desire, or if you need to work and you're looking for the field with the best personal benefit to you for your long-term goals, get your CNA or some other cert. The experience will be invaluable and you will learn so much.

RNperdiem, RN · Apr 25, 2007

My brother worked as a CNA in a hospital.

Now that he is in med school he says the CNA experience one of the most useful experiences he had. He felt comfortable approaching and interacting with patients, and was familiar with how hospitals functioned. The skills you can learn are transferable to almost any medical or nursing position, and experience is never wasted.

1776patriot · Apr 26, 2007

I think it would be ideal to work as a NA, NT or CNA for a year and half to get actual hands on patient experience. And then work as a unit secretary for a year or so to help get the paperwork aspect of nursing down pat....

If you can only pic one then take a NA job. I've seen nursing students fumble around trying to do basic things because they haven't had much patient care experience. I've also seen nursing students that work as NA's have a much easier time because of the confidence they have already developed by working as a NA.

rrrsunshine · Apr 26, 2007

I second that opinion. I also came to nursing as a second career and did not work as a CNA first. I can look back and see how much that experience would have helped me. By working as a CNA, you'll get familiar with the whole healthcare environment, including the jargon, supplies, dealing with patients, etc.

As far as that person who told you they prefer someone without experience so they can train them how they want....that's ridiculous. Everyone does things a little differently. You'll find out what works for you and what is acceptable at your workplace. Prior experience can only benefit you.

prinsessa · Apr 26, 2007

Thanks everyone for your opinions! I was kind of surprised when I heard someone say they prefer someone without experience. Almost everyone I talked to (that is or was a CNA) said it was really worth it. I will probably start a CNA program in the fall. Thanks again!

NurseHerms · Apr 26, 2007

Working as a CNA is the best thing you can do. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.