Any point to working in a bad hospital while in school?

[avatar78]

I start nursing school in the fall, and I think it'd be great to work in a hospital during school, since I have to work. But I'm in a small city (about 30,000) in Western NY and the one hospital here has a BAD reputation in the community. Nobody goes there for elective surgery if they can help it. Would I still learn nursing working there as a tech or whatever, or would it be pointless? I don't really want to pick up bad work habits or attitudes.

FWIW, I did 10 hours in the ED a couple years ago for my EMT class; I got the impression that the nurses were good and the docs were bad.

There's a good Level 1 trauma and teaching hospital, but it's about 1.5 hours away, too far methinks.

Any thoughts appreciated.

[mom4josh]

Is this where you will be doing clinicals? If so, it might be worth your time. I agree though that 1.5 hours is too far for the other hospital.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Hard to say. I live in New York, in the metropolitan area. I think I work in a bad hospital. But, if you are not working as a nurse, but in the capacity of a tech, then, I would say what the heck? Learning is learning. I had a horrible day today, but when I spoke to a nurse that I admire, she told me that at least my observation skills are better and will learn more of what to ignore and what to jump on.

[avatar78]

Is this where you will be doing clinicals? If so, it might be worth your time.

I'm not positive, but I'm fairly sure it will be, just because there's not another one real close. That's a good point about clinicals.

Hard to say. I live in New York, in the metropolitan area. I think I work in a bad hospital. But, if you are not working as a nurse, but in the capacity of a tech, then, I would say what the heck? Learning is learning. I had a horrible day today, but when I spoke to a nurse that I admire, she told me that at least my observation skills are better and will learn more of what to ignore and what to jump on.

I did sort of think that, that there's not too many ways to transport a patient or do CPR. It's not like I'd be doing high level diagnoses (fortunately for the patients!)

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

Even in a "bad" hospital you will learn a lot. If nothing else, you will learn what is really bad and was isn't and be able, I hope, to take corrective actions that are within your power.

[passing thru]

I lived in a small town once....same as yours. The locals said they ""wouldn't take their dog there !""

Now, 30 years later, it is considered one of the best in the state and receives all kinds of awards.

Yes, you can learn a lot. "" Bad "" hospitals and "bad " nursing homes, etc. get that reputation from people who lower their standards of care and caring.

Commit yourself to caring about your patients, by going "the extra mile" for them, by communicating with them..... listening, etc. Try to see that the docs orders are carried thru and communicate with the docs, be available to them....this doesn't make you a "" hand maiden.""

You will learn and benefit.