career path questions

[Fruit Sucker]

Please give me your opinions here. I'm enrolled in an ADN program, starting clinicals in the fall. My dream is to work in infusion. I keep reading that experience in hospitals is a must to land a job (I have none, this is my second career so I've never worked as a CNA or anything.) I'm wondering if getting a certificate in phlebotomy and then trying to work while I'm finishing my degree would help.

Additional info: I'm planning to go on for a BSN, but I'd like to do that while I'm working. I also realize I probably won't get a job as a PICC nurse right out of school, but I'd like to work my way toward that.

[MN-Nurse, ASN, RN]

Why not get a job as a CNA?

[Fruit Sucker]

Well, I guess my idea was that experience with blood draws might be more helpful in terms of experience, for IV nursing. Or that it would indicate a strong interest in that area.

Also, in NYC (unless I'm wrong) becoming a CNA is a much lengthier process. Most of the phlebotomist certificates are 2-3 weeks long and no certification is required.

[beatrocka]

captainmeowbot

Be aware that where ever you are in life, there are exceptions to every rule. To get a job as a nurse, you DON'T have to have had hospital experience. Of course, it puts you at an advantage to work in a hospital and it would help you out in more ways than you could imagine

At the hospital where I currently work, there are tons of new grads that are hired without any prior hospital experience. What I have seen as an average wait time for grads from my associates program in NJ is that it took some just 3 months to get a job, and others, an average of 3 to 6 months (depending on if they were still trying despite not being called back).

There are also people who take jobs at nursing homes for 3 to 6 months prior to working in hospitals (the ones that didn't sign contracts that would lock them to work for 2 years or more) and others that worked in surgery centers.

Also, after your first nursing semester, the material you would have learned replaces going for a CNA license, at least I know that applies in the North East in New Jersey, New York and some other places, so taking a CNA course may not be where you wanna go. Also, don't be afraid, ask your professors in your program.