Feel like im not as qualified

TSBSNRN · Jul 10, 2016

I too was a parent to a young child when going through nursing school. Because of that, I was unable to work as a PCA or CNA during school like some of my classmates. I did however apply and was given a nurse extern job for nursing students between their junior and senior year of college. I mainly did CNA type work, and followed a RN around and assisted her with tasks that I was able to do. In my experience, I feel that I did not "fall behind" my other classmates who were able to be PCA's or CNA's during nursing school. During my senior year of college, I applied early and got a job in a hospital that had an application for new-grad RN's. In those type of programs, they really work to educate you and help you bridge between "school nursing" and "real nursing." By the time I was done with my training period, I felt pretty comfortable "going on my own." However, the resources I had before, like my preceptor, the charge nurse, other nurses, etc., were still there to help me and guide me when I needed assistance or help. Learning to be a nurse is difficult. You need to find out what works best for you, and find your "rhythm," and the way that you like to do things. In my experience, other nurses will step up and speak out if you're doing something wrong, or if there is a better way to do something. I still learn for more experienced nurses, and sometimes you also learn things from those who are not as "experienced" as you are. The best thing to is ASK for help when you need it. Also, if you're starting out in an ICU or Med-Surg, look for books online to read about the topic. Nursing requires life-long education, so don't ever feel embarrassed to look something up, ask someone a question, or read book after book to find the answers to question. Nursing does eventually get easier with time. Be patient, you will get there. Just remember to use all of your resources and remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question when you're learning.

dorkypanda · Jul 10, 2016

I too was a parent to a young child when going through nursing school. Because of that, I was unable to work as a PCA or CNA during school like some of my classmates. I did however apply and was given a nurse extern job for nursing students between their junior and senior year of college. I mainly did CNA type work, and followed a RN around and assisted her with tasks that I was able to do. In my experience, I feel that I did not "fall behind" my other classmates who were able to be PCA's or CNA's during nursing school. During my senior year of college, I applied early and got a job in a hospital that had an application for new-grad RN's. In those type of programs, they really work to educate you and help you bridge between "school nursing" and "real nursing." By the time I was done with my training period, I felt pretty comfortable "going on my own." However, the resources I had before, like my preceptor, the charge nurse, other nurses, etc., were still there to help me and guide me when I needed assistance or help. Learning to be a nurse is difficult. You need to find out what works best for you, and find your "rhythm," and the way that you like to do things. In my experience, other nurses will step up and speak out if you're doing something wrong, or if there is a better way to do something. I still learn for more experienced nurses, and sometimes you also learn things from those who are not as "experienced" as you are. The best thing to is ASK for help when you need it. Also, if you're starting out in an ICU or Med-Surg, look for books online to read about the topic. Nursing requires life-long education, so don't ever feel embarrassed to look something up, ask someone a question, or read book after book to find the answers to question. Nursing does eventually get easier with time. Be patient, you will get there. Just remember to use all of your resources and remember that there is no such thing as a stupid question when you're learning.

How early in your last year did you apply for the hospital job? Was it months before or weeks before graduation? Was this at the same hospital you did your externship?

ljc14 · Jul 10, 2016

Thank you so much! You basically just bumped any doubt I had and I am already feeling better! I appreciate your time in answering thoroughly! í ½í¸Š

TSBSNRN · Jul 10, 2016

I started looking at hospitals that I was interested in throughout my senior year. I applied during my last semester of school. Each hospital, if they post new-grad RN applications, will post them at different times, and some hospitals post new grad opportunities at different times throughout the year. The best thing that I can tell you is to find hospitals in your area and see if they have applications posted. The ones that I applied for allowed you to apply prior to graduation and obtaining your license, but you had to graduate and be licensed by the start of the new-grad RN program. This may vary from state-to-state, but if you find hospitals in your area that you are interested in, and you do not see applications, I would call HR (Human Resources) and ask to talk to a Nurse Recruiter and ask them if they offer programs or applications for new grads, and when. Also, if there are "smaller" hospitals in your area, don't be afraid to look at those hospitals too. They need nurses just as much as the bigger hospitals. Look to see if they offer programs and if nothing is posted on their website about it, check with HR. It never hurts to ask!

I did not start at the same hospital that I did my externship because of the distance between the hospital and my home.

Good Luck!

Mia415 · Jul 10, 2016

Do you have to be a PCA to graduate? What are you talking about! Of course not! I worked at a customer service non health care field the entire way through nursing school. I couldn't afford to leave a position which paid my rent and school supplies to make 50% less as a CNA. Was it a little hard to get my first nursing position? Maybe but that's because it's hard for anyone in the Bay Area in California where we have a new grad surplus! It only took me about 8 months to find a job after graduation and ya maybe experience in a health setting *might* have helped. Ultimately I'm so happy at my nursing job. It'll work out. You're honestly getting MUCH more valuable experience being a mother to a toddler than by working as a PCA. Remember caring for children and mothers is just as big in nursing as caring for the elderly. I know people in my class that had a hard time in peds cuz they just don't know how to interact with them all and couldn't answer nxlex questions such as, at what age can a child dress them self or cut with scissors.

Dont worry. The only thing you need to do to graduate is study hard and do well in clinicals - then ask the unit manager for a card and ask if you can send them your resume when you graduate. Get letters of Rec from everybody! Good luck.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 10, 2016

Do you think it is necessary to be a PCA in order to graduate?

Nope. PCA experience is helpful, but not at all necessary to graduate from a nursing program. Nursing school is designed to train students without previous healthcare experience to become nurses.

I never once worked as a PCA, yet I've been a nurse for 10 years. Again, I'll reiterate that PCA experience is not needed to graduate. I think your lack of confidence may arise from other issues. Good luck to you.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jul 10, 2016

No. It is not necessary. I did obtain a PCT job 3 months before I graduated. Here is what it did help me with. Learning the company, getting the flow of my unit, learning where everything was located, and getting to know my coworkers.

Did it prep me to be a nurse? No. I started at the same place as the girls who were not PCTs on my unit. I feel I only had a small advantage as my preceptor could tell me to G fetch something and it didn't take me twenty minutes to find it. That's really all it does.

How are you applying? Are you just filling out online apps and doing nothing else? Are you following up? Are you calling HR depts? That could be your problem. You need to talk and network.

Mhsrnbsn · Jul 11, 2016

Being a PCA/CNA will help you to be more comfortable in a hospital setting, and more comfortable with touching people, but in all honesty it is not a necessity to be a nurse.

THIS BEING SAID, I do pray you have respect and compassion to those working "beneath" you and you treat them well. PCAs are your Eyes and ears as a nurse, and sometimes pick up on problems before nurses do because they get to spend more time with the patients.

I have worked with AMAZING nurses that were never PCAs and I have also worked with horrible nurses that were PCAs first. If you feel you need the experience as a PCA to have the comfort in being in a persons personal space then don't let me stop you, but I will certainly tell you it's not mandatory, and doesn't make a huge difference on the quality of nurse you will be.