ADVICE!!

I too have no hospital experience besides about a year of volunteering where I didn't do much. Checked to see if patients wanted water, made sure gloves were in rooms, etc.

The big hospital in town will let nursing students serve in a CNA like role called Patient Care Assistant (PCA) after their first semester of nursing school. I already am self-employed and do fairly well for myself, but plan on becoming a PCA at this hospital during my second year of nursing school - both to gain useful experience and to hopefully get a foot in the door at the hospital to help land a job after graduation.

You will hear many people on here express the view that CNA experience is great to have before becoming an RN as well.

If you do a walk in application ALWAYS add a letter of recommendation with it. If you are applying online, scan letter of recommendations, awards, perfect attendance, etc things that will stand out in addition to your resume. My cover letter I got online expressed my qualities : reliable, quick learner, can work with little supervision etc.

Here is a piece of what I added to my cover letter " My high energy and quick learning style enable me to solve problems rapidly. Being ambitious and willing to take on new challenges, my colleagues would tell you I'm a team player who maintains a positive attitude and outlook. I have the abilityy to stay focused in stressful situations and very reliable. I'm confident I would be a great addition to your team."

I applied for a patient care coorindator position in orange county with no experience and I believe I got the call back just because of how I presented myself online.

I wish you the best on your journey! :)

Thanks! That was VERY useful! I will write up my letter here in a bit, thank you so much!

Yes, my parents have mentioned of doing something like that, to go volunteer at hospitals and see if I can land a job at one of those hospitals that I volunteer at. So I've been searching on my local hospitals websites to see what they require for in volunteers and such. :)

Your welcome! :)

Berry...You are right that to obtain in the medical field that does NOT require any degree there are several programs, I have done with CNA last year and i have worked in a local hospital as a Nurse for a month, CNA is a good course to be a selected at your condition. Its good if you go to some sort of institution to take classes there, but some how its now bad to have its online classes. I have done CNA through www.onlinecnaclasses.org and completed all lectures, practical sessions and final test three months back. and if you seriously care about your career its really a great field to be in and its another benefit is that its not so costly. I have experienced it, it is good for me still, so i have shared it with you' the decision is yours dear mate :)

I volunteered at a hospital a few years ago. It was a good experience. To me, it is a waste of money to become a CNA before nursing school since after your first semester you can sit for the test. Just make sure you do well in your prereqs. That is the absolute, most important thing.

It depends on what school you are attending, lottery system or point system. Now some point system schools have a section for "work experience" and you can receive points to raise your score. I don't think being a CNA is pointless because say you don't get in the school your first try, you can work as a CNA in the mean time. Its not truly necessary but like I said it depends on your choice of school and goals.

But many CNA programs cost well over $1500. Why spend that money when you are able to do it after the first semester. The OP is not worried about money. If she had to work that would be one thing, but money is not her issue. I guess my goals are to get through school as efficiently as possible. I know everyone takes a different path, I just always try to advise the most cost effective way.

I understand. I've became a CNA back in 2009 when courses cost $300. I agree that $1500 courses are out of this world.

Thank you guys for posting advice! I'm taking all you said into consideration. Since my spring semester is just about over, I'm planning on volunteering at a hospital, finish getting my phlebotomy license, and get a part-time job (because I have to), over the summer! Wish me luck you guys! I hope to complete all three of my goals for the summer!

Also, network, network if you can. :)