can i work in hospital? (just started NSG though)

[yawn]

Hello. Nice to meet everyone :) First post! I live in the Montreal area and this is my second semester in Nursing and it is in this semester that we started clinical. In fact, we started two weeks ago and we go to clinical once a week. We do basic things like bathing, vital signs, making the beds.....

My question is... can I work this summer at a hospital or a rehab even though by that time, i will only have about 45 hours of experience? Can I take a job as an orderly (since I think what Im learning this semester is what they do also) ?

I just want to have more experience and also make some money for next year's books and schooling, and this summer is a good opportunity to do so. If I can't find a job in the hospital that will pay, then I will volunteer a few of my hours and find another type of job elsewhere. Another question, if I have no choice but to volunteer instead, is it possible to volunteer as an orderly or nursing assistance?

Anyway... thanks in advance!

[Fiona59]

Unions in the hospital would have a fit if you volunteer as a porter/orderly or nursing assistant. Apply for one of these positions now. Nursing students are often hired before others.

Volunteers are often used to escort patients to appointments within facilities, but are not permitted for their own safety to perform any patient care.

Good luck.

[vanislegirl]

Hi,

I know that after 1st year you can work as a care-aide. I'm not quite sure what an orderly is, I don't think we have them here in BC?? A care-aide can work in LTC facilities. They can also do homecare nursing, which is very popular here for students. You should definately look into this as a summer job for yourself, it's good money and great experience! You shouldn't have any troubles finding this kind of work as employers jump at the chance to hire nursing students.

good luck with this!

[lalaxton]

When I went to nursing school in Montreal (several years ago) there were some hospitals that did hire nursing students after their second year in nurses aide type of jobs, but those positions were few and far between. My suggestion is to try a nursing home or retirement residence for that type of job, great experience even if it is not in a hospital.

[Canadian Princess]

Hi,

I know from experience that Psychiatric wards often hire nursing students as Nursing assistants or Unit assistants. Good luck...let us know how it works for you...oh, and they usually pay well...try to get on casually and it will work with your schedule when you are available. Also... it is great experience. I have friends who also did UA work in the ER too.