CNA/PCT during RN program

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Did anyone work as a CNA or PCT while in an ADN program? Was it good experience? Do you feel it helped you get a job after finnishing school?

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

I worked first as a unit secretary while I was getting my pre-reqs and then as a CNA when I finished my first year of nursing school. YES!!! It helped TREMENDOUSLY!

I was able to learn so much just by being on the floor working. I had wonderful co-workers who let me pick their brain when there was downtime. They helped me study, they went through case studies with me, and they invited me to their houses to pick their brains some more over dinner. I got to know the docs, know their preferences, know the 'unspoken rules' of the unit, understand how hospitals work/flow, and who to contact for little things-like when a nurse needed a new pump, a new bed, more supplies, etc.

The most valuable part of working as a unit secretary was learning medical terminology, abbreviations, short hand, and deciphering/transcribing orders. I also learned lab values and common drug names/dosages. I can't tell you how much this helped me when I got to my first med/surg clinical. I was able to help my classmates interpret orders and read progress notes.

Working as a CNA helped me to understand what is most important to patients, how to listen to them, how to take direction, how to report, and how to work as a team. It is a valuable job for those in nursing school.

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Specializes in PICU/NICU/ER.

YES! If you can get a job as an NA/Nurse Tech...do it. I worked as an NA in and then as a Nurse Tech while in my second year of school. While I did choose to not stay on that floor (a lot of grad friends got hired on that floor with no problem), I'm certain that my experience is the reason I got a job the week after graduation, before I even took the NCLEX. You will have access to all the "inside" job postings for the facility you work at, and make lots of connections with nurses and managers. I graduated on April 27th. I got hired as a GN 3 weeks ago. I take my NCLEX on Thursday and start my new job as an Ortho nurse on the 12th at the hospital I was already employed with. Having said that, I also had 6 other interviews and a few other job offers!! Most of my friends who also got hired right out of school have also had this experience. Go for it!!

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Specializes in Ambulatory Surgery, PACU,SICU.

Absolutely! It helps your level of comfort in clinicals, it will help {some} with level 1 ns exams. You will already know how to interact with all kinds of hospital staff and it will help you land a job when school is done. Plus hospitals will help w your tuition. It's a great plan.

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Thanks for the feedback everyone! In a few months I will be able to challange the CNA exam (some facilities in the area require only documentation of completetion of Fundamentals) and plan to do so. I'd only be working part time, and I'm really looking forward to it! In the mean time I'll be volunteering, hoping I can make some friends there too.

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Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.

I'm doing it now. I'm in my 3rd semester of a 5 semester ADN program. I am pr. And in the hospital float pool. So I get to make my own schedule. Day by day. It has been a blessing.

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