Would you miss a week of classes for a PRN tech orientation?

[futureofnursing]

After a lengthy hiring process and a background check that took several weeks, I received a PRN tech position!

Unfortunately, I'm faced with a bit of a dilemma -- they require all new techs to attend a three-and-a-half day orientation.

That would mean rescheduling a clinical day, which I'm not even sure is possible. I'd also miss at least two classes that week.

Do you think it's possible to do this, and if so, is it worth it? I definitely want to get hospital experience, and i REALLY like the unit (a DEU where i did one of my rotations). But -- you all know how fast nursing school moves -- missing a week of classes can totally screw you.

Background: I'm 33, and a second-degree BSN student (first degree in journalism and env. science). I've got a lot of work experience on my CV, including about 6 mos of home health CNA work, but no hospital experience. I have taken on several leadership positions in the nursing school I attend.

I'm wondering if having a Tech job will really enhance my employment opportunities and enable to get a job once I graduate in May of this year.

[chrisrn24]

I think it might be a bonus for employers, especially if you worked as a CNA where you are applying as a RN. But if you aren't going to work in that health care system I don't think it's worth missing three days of classes!

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

I don't think it's worth the risk.

[Stephalump]

I'd do it in a heartbeat. It'll definitely make life more difficult for a bit, but in my area working in a hospital during school is pretty much the only an ADN will work in acute care after graduation...so the stakes are high.

[ScientistSalarian]

What's your program's absence policy? Is missing a week going to cost you a grade? Working as a tech would be a great addition to your resume and get your foot in the door in a unit you like but it we can't really tell you what to to - you need to evaluate your individual situation and decide if it's going to be worth it or not.

[Jenngirl34RN]

I would check ASAP with your professors about their policies. Missing two classes may not be too bad, if you would not be missing any tests and could get the information on what will be covered in class so you can study. For me, the big concern would be missing a clinical if it couldn't be rescheduled. In my program there is no way to reschedule a clinical ahead of time, because the clinicals are scheduled with the various facilities months in advance. If there is a documented emergency, or if a student is really sick, the clinical instructor will schedule some make up time in the sim lab, and the student will be assigned a short research paper on some topic. A tech position would be awesome (and I hope I get one when I am eligible in the spring), but not if it means failing a clinical.

[kaydensmom01]

It depends on your area. I wouldn't do it in my area because Jobs are plentiful for ADN's where I live, but if you live in a area where it's taking months to get hired anywhere then I would check with your professors first and consider it.

[StrawberryEssence81]

Totally depends on the attendance policy for your program and how understanding your instructors are. In mine, 2 people were let go for missing 3 days (the maximum days one can miss in my program).

[Everline]

That's a tough one and really depends on your school's attendance policies and your ability to catch up with lecture or clinical learning that you will miss. At my school that would be very close to being dismissed from the program. I would be worried about something out of my control happening later in the semester causing me to miss one more day and be out the door. So, I doubt I would do it. I also can't stand missing class. Too many times something the teacher says in lecture becomes important on the exam. However, you have to weigh the benefits and risks. In your situation, it may be very smart to go ahead and do it. Best of luck whatever you decide. :-)

[Mrsladysoul83]

I had a similar issue when i applied for a prn tech job. Our orientation was 3 days too & i was all prepared to miss 2 days of clinical & 1 day of class since we could make up the missed time BUT the hiring manager was all about school & didnt want me to miss class & since orientation was held every other week it she allowed me to wait until my semester was over to do orientation so i wouldnt risk missing class. Find out how often the hospital holds orientation & see if your hiring manager can allow you to schedule it around either thanksgiving holiday or while your out for xmas break. If all else fails talk to your instructors

[Mrsladysoul83]

Oh & since ive been working as a tech i recently finished lpn school & passed boards & will start working as a nurse in the same department i am a tech in.

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

A week of class? No way!