Nursing Students General Students
Published Dec 20, 2003
LilRedRN1973
1,062 Posts
I just got an early Christmas present....I was hired on at one of the hospitals here as a Critical Care Tech (Nurse Apprentice I) in the ICU. I'm so thrilled!!!! I really, really wanted the job. Not only will the experience be great, but it pays $13-14 an hour. I will work one or two 12-hour shift a weekend, so it won't interfere with my nursing classes. Oh happy day!!!! And if I do well as the Apprentice I, then when it comes time for them to hire the Apprentice II (which is VERY competitive), I will have my foot in the door.
I really thought I screwed up my interview by talking too much. I become VERY gregarious when nervous and felt like maybe I said too much. I also got teary-eyed in the interview over a few of the questions (patient related and other subjects close to my heart) and thought that might have scared them off. But the HR lady said I was great and they would be thrilled to have me as part of the team. Yes, I will only be functioning as a CNA until my 2nd semester of school is finished, but that's what I wanted. I told them I wanted to start out doing what a CNA did so that when I became an RN, I could appreciate all that the CNA's do for the nursing staff.
I've been without a job since September of 2002 so this will be strange going back to work. And working in a hospital, no less. The only job I've really ever had is waiting tables. I'm kind of terrified, but it's a good terrified if that makes sense?
mandykatrn
85 Posts
Hi Melanie,
CONGRATULATIONS!
I am thrilled for you!!!
~j
HannasMom
303 Posts
:balloons: Congratulations!!!!
I agree working as a CNA really helps one understand how hard CNAs work, how important they are and it is also a great way for you to get a feel of the nursing field. Due to the fact I was a CNA in my younger days, I really appreciate the CNAs who work on my shift. They are a great team and really care about the residents. Plus you have a fantastic chance of advancing now.
It is scary at first, but that is true of any new position.
What a wonderful Christmas present for you. :biggringi
Thank you. The only thing that bums me out is my classmate and friend interviewed right before me and didn't get the job. They hired a student from another nursing school to work in conjunction with me. It's a shame because she will make a great nurse and is a really hard worker. It's kind of hard to share my enthusiasm with her because I feel bad she didn't get hired as well.
But just the same, I'm excited for my first venture into the world of nursing. I'm thinking of shadowing before I officially start so I can get an idea of where things are at in this hospital. Anyone else ever shadow?
Love-A-Nurse
3,932 Posts
congratulations. the experience will be great.
maire, ASN, RN
1,173 Posts
Congo rats, Melanie!
Altra, BSN, RN
6,255 Posts
Way to go!
For any job, familiarity with the physical environment goes a long way towards feeling comfortable and confident - if you can shadow someone, even for a few hours, before your actual first day I'd definitely recommend it.
Best of luck to you,
Leigh
nurse2be in ny
332 Posts
Congrats! That's so exciting! As I've posted here before, I wouldn't trade my experience as a tech for anything.
Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN
2,722 Posts
Fantastic news!
Loubell RN 2B
107 Posts
Congratulations... I am looking around my area for a patient care tech position myself. I really would like to gain the experience prior to becoming an RN.
Way to go...
Lynda in VA
mitchsmom
1,907 Posts
Congrats!!
Carolanne
612 Posts
Congratulations!! I can just feel your excitement brimming over! Best of luck!!!:balloons: