Patient Transporters, ED Techs, PCAs, Nurse Assistant without prior exp

[RaysofSunshine]

Hello everyone. I'm new here and I'm not sure what has already been posted, so I apologize in advance if this is similar to a prior post by someone else. I am a prospective RN student looking to work in an entry-level position in the hospital while going to nursing school. Has anyone else worked in these positions to gain valuable experience before or during nursing school and what were some of the job duties of the position? Also, would getting certified in different capacities (EKG, Phlebotomy, CNA, MA, etc.) be worth the money and time invested?

I have taken an EMT-B course; however, I am not currently certified. Plus, I've been told multiple times that unfortunately EMT training does not give the required skills that hospitals are looking for .

I am hoping to find a position that gives me a foot in the door, so I can gain some experience in the field. I appreciate all of your help. Thanks!

[bh93, BSN, MSN, CNM]

Well I might not be much help because I'm still a student trying to get into nursing school but I am currently doing my clinicals for my CNA. In Oregon there are two different levels of CNA certification. I'm starting out in a nursing home with my CNA 1 for at least 6 months and then getting my CNA 2 certification and try to get a job in a hospital to gain some experience in that setting hopefully before I start nursing school.

[G.Linda]

I am a CNA at a hospital and am going to be applying to nursing schools soon. CNA is your best option! You learn so many new things everyday and many nurses I work with were a CNA before graduating and said that was the best thing they did. Best of luck with everything!