Any Nurse Techs in RN nursing programs?

Nursing Students Technicians

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I am currently my 3rd semester of RN BSN Nursing Program. I know how having your "foot in door" can land you a better job or get you a job easier, thus I am applying for externships, etc. But where I am from, externships are very limited and so hard to get. I've been seeing TECH positions and have applied to a few, as I see read the requirements on it says that I need a CNA certification or at least 1 semester of an RN program.

But I was just wondering how many of YOU have actually gotten a Nurse Tech position with out any certification and just by completing 1+ more semesters of the RN program you are in???

Also, any suggestions/tips for those of you who are already nurse techs about how to get the job or what they might be expecting from you as a tech. THANKS!

Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I got really lucky getting hired as a nursing assistant in the radiology department of a big hospital here in the Detroit area. The rules here are that, in order to work as a tech, you have to have finished at least one semester in MedSurg with clinical rotation. Once I had done that, I asked my boss to release me to seek a tech position, she was kind enough to do so, I applied to the Nephro floor and was hired there in November.

A tech in my hospital, basically, does everything a nurse does except pass meds (and a few other RN specific functions: port care, four eyes skin assessments, etc.). I do admits, foleys, IVs, a lot of CAPD, wound care, PICC line care, etc. it has been absolutely marvelous experience and I have my foot in the door for a position when I get my license.

It took a huge stroke of luck getting hired in the first place. Without that, I'd be on the outside looking in. I encourage anyone in nursing school to go this route, seek hire at a hospital as soon as possible, even if it's only contingent so that you'll have access to the internally released job opportunities as they become available. What I hear, in my area at least, is that jobs for new grads are not as plentiful as we'd like, so getting in as early as possible just makes sense.

It goes without saying that most hospitals only advertise the good jobs to people who already work for them.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I got a job immediately after my first semester of nursing school as a tech in Long Beach, CA.

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I got a job immediately after my first semester of nursing school as a tech in Long Beach, CA.

@Jayelle314 I am in Long Beach as well and have been thinking about applying for a patient tech position. I am about to end my 3rd semester at CSULB. One of my classmates told me she has been applying for tech positions for a while and has been unable to even get an interview. How did you do it? Any tips? Thanks!

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Does anybody think it is possible to work 20 hours a week as a tech and attend a one-year accelerated BSN??

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
Does anybody think it is possible to work 20 hours a week as a tech and attend a one-year accelerated BSN??
It's possible but probably difficult. My program is an 8 semester pre-licensure "ground up" one, they told us not to work more than 16 hours a week which is silly, IMO, but for some, not really too silly, if you know what I mean.

In a one year accelerated program, coming from somewhere completely outside the healthcare system/hospital setting, you're going to have soooo much to learn in such a short amount of time that it may be really difficult.

One thing I've noticed, after all is said and done, nursing is about 80% time management. If you're good at managing your time you can probably do it, if not, well, you'll learn something abut yourself if you try.

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it definitely helps being a tech and going to nursing school esp during clinicals!

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Specializes in oncology, MS/tele/stepdown.
Does anybody think it is possible to work 20 hours a week as a tech and attend a one-year accelerated BSN??

I worked my first semester of nursing school full time, and it was really tough. When I cut it down to about 20 hours a week it was a breeze, but I don't know if that is just in comparison to what I was previously doing! I know one-year programs are really intense (I'm in a two-year second degree BSN program), so I would definitely not work more than that.

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Iam doing the same thing. I have been a tech at my hospital for six yrs. I work full time, and am a single parent of a 5 yr old, who also starts school in September. I graduate in December!!!!! It can be done...and u can do it! If I can do it, trust me...u can to! Good luck!!!!!

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