Clerical Assistant - Wasting time?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 10, 2013

No, it's not a waste of time. Use this job to network, form connections, and impress upon the people who will really matter once you graduate from nursing school (read: unit managers and the people who do the hiring).

In this day and age, many new grad nursing jobs are found through networking, not through submitting applications at job websites that never get seen. You already have a foot in the door of a healthcare organization, so make the most of it.

twss2323 · Aug 10, 2013

Although its not direct patient care, it is still a job in a hospital. It's a foot in the door. I don't see it as a waste of time at all!

halfglassfull · Aug 10, 2013

No, it's not a waste of time. Use this job to network, form connections, and impress upon the people who will really matter once you graduate from nursing school (read: unit managers and the people who do the hiring).
In this day and age, many new grad nursing jobs are found through networking, not through submitting applications at job websites that never get seen. You already have a foot in the door of a healthcare organization, so make the most of it.

Yes. The nurse manager thanked me each time I told her I was going home. I hope I gave her a good impression on me.

Also, if I keep contact with her, I might get referral from her?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 10, 2013

Also, if I keep contact with her, I might get referral from her?

As long as you continue to make a positive impression on her, I do not see why she wouldn't provide a good reference for you.

halfglassfull · Aug 10, 2013

As long as you continue to make a positive impression on her I do not see why she wouldn't provide a good reference for you.[/quote']
Even though the work I did was not clinical, can she still give me some good references?

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Aug 10, 2013

Even though the work I did was not clinical, can she still give me some good references?

If you show up every day on time (or call if you'll be late), complete your work in a timely manner, have a strong work ethic, and work well with others, she would be a fabulous reference!

halfglassfull · Aug 11, 2013

If you show up every day on time (or call if you'll be late), complete your work in a timely manner, have a strong work ethic, and work well with others, she would be a fabulous reference!

What I am saying is that I can do work properly and show my passion towards nursing, but she cannot see my clinical abilities and such.

However, I believe dedications and work ethic are also factors for nurses as well. (Which I also will learn in nursing school)

Is that right?

ambitiousBSN · Aug 11, 2013

No, it's not a waste of time. Use this job to network, form connections, and impress upon the people who will really matter once you graduate from nursing school (read: unit managers and the people who do the hiring).
In this day and age, many new grad nursing jobs are found through networking, not through submitting applications at job websites that never get seen. You already have a foot in the door of a healthcare organization, so make the most of it.

This! :-) I work night shift in a non-clinical position even though I do have experience as a Medical Assistant. We are not utilized at night, so I cannot do any clinical work in my hospital. I agree with The Commuter, though- regardless, I will be able to network, form connections, etc. I have a huge interest in pursuing surgical nursing some day, and since I currently work in the department of surgery, this is a great network. Stay motivated, friendly to everyone you are in contact with, and always be eager to do new tasks and help someone out- be on time, and organized, and that will help you in the long run for references and a possible job offer after you graduate!

halfglassfull · Aug 13, 2013

This! :-) I work night shift in a non-clinical position even though I do have experience as a Medical Assistant. We are not utilized at night, so I cannot do any clinical work in my hospital. I agree with The Commuter, though- regardless, I will be able to network, form connections, etc. I have a huge interest in pursuing surgical nursing some day, and since I currently work in the department of surgery, this is a great network. Stay motivated, friendly to everyone you are in contact with, and always be eager to do new tasks and help someone out- be on time, and organized, and that will help you in the long run for references and a possible job offer after you graduate!

Thanks. I pm'd you.