1st semester nursing student looking for a job to gain more experience

1. hello all
   
   i just started nursing school a few months ago and i am almost done with my 1st semester. since the aa program i am attending offers classes during the long semesters (spring and fall) only i have the summer break all for myself. so i was hoping to start working in the medical field at least part time, however i need some advice on how to break in. what opportunities are there for students like me? where should i start looking?
   
   was contemplating to take the cna exam, however i never took real cna classes ... was thinking 1st semester nursing students are learning the basics just as cna's do in their 6 week course,and more. but where would i go to take the exam? can i sit at the exam even though i don't have a cna diploma?
   
   is there any another way to start working in a hospital? i am really looking forward to gain more experience, become a more knowledgeable nursing student and a caring nurse in the future.
   
   thank you for your guidance!
2. 

   About sunshine!

   Joined: May '09; Posts: 16; Likes: 4

   4 Comments

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3. 
   May 14, '09

   Occupation: LPN Specialty: Licensed Practical Nurse ; From: GY ; Joined: Sep '06; Posts: 737; Likes: 140

   Sure you can do CNA classes if it'll work for you, you can also apply to paid internships in hospitals or even volunteer at a hospital until. Search online for any internships/externships, cna classes, or cna positions, best of luck ;--)
4. 
   Apr 20, '10

   Occupation: restaurant manager/bartender From: US ; Joined: Jan '10; Posts: 16

   I am in the exact same situation. I am nearing the end of my first semester in Nursing school. I have the whole summer open and I want to take advantage of that. I am at a crossroads. I want to get some time and experience within a healthcare setting. I am too late to apply for summer intern/externships. I plan on volunteering but, I am not sure if I should become a CNA as well. I've been told that becoming a CNA will just prepare me to be more comfortable and confident with what I will be learning in Nursing school. I just want to gain as much experience I can and stay busy. Just curious as to what you decided to do.
5. 
   Apr 24, '10

   Joined: May '09; Posts: 103; Likes: 27

   Even a job as a unit clerk would be helpful. I wish I would have done that when i was in nursing school. I was an extern/cna but the unit clerk exp is invaluable and I wish I would have done that too as it is a little less physical and you learn a ton!
6. 
   May 2, '10

   From: US ; Joined: Apr '10; Posts: 123; Likes: 100

   I agree with the unit clerk suggestion. You're pretty much a fly on the wall and you'll really get to see and learn a lot.

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