CNA position vs. Patient Representative

Published

I would love some feedback. I am currently completing prereqs for my Associates in Nursing at our local community college. I have one more year before I'll start actual nursing coursework, and have been looking for a part-time job where I can get some patient interaction. I have been volunteering a few hours a week at the local hospital, but am only allowed to answer the phone (no patient contact). I sit at the nurses station, so it has been interesting to watch them work, but I'm anxious to do more.

I have been applying for part-time jobs at the hospital for a while, and I finally got 2 interviews! One is for a Patient Representative. The job description states that it is a liason between patients and staff. It requires a bachelor's degree in Psychology (which I have). Even though it is not direct patient care, I would get some interaction with the patients and it would still be a "foot in the door." The job is in the ER, which I think would be very interesting.

The other interview is for a Nursing Assistant position (Oncology). I know I would get the direct patient care, but the salary would probably be quite a bit lower than the other.

I may not be offered either position, but I would love some opinions. If you had a choice, which job would you accept?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you can afford to have a lower-paying job, I would go for the CNA job.

Maybe I'm biased. :D

Both jobs offer possible benefits and advantages for nursing school.

The patient representative one would help you to develop your interpersonal skills and help you resolve conflicts and enhance their "customer satisfaction."

The CNA job, though, would give you better experience with learning actual procedures and help you to get used to the floor as well as prioritization.

Either position would be great for your future.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

I guess it depends on the hours and pay. This other job sounds kinda cool. Either way you could get a CNA job anywhere.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The hours will really be key. I'm currently a stay-at-home mom of 3 and I keep children after school. Both jobs are weekend positions, but not sure yet what the hours will be. I'm looking for part-time and the NA job will be closer to full time I think. I'll find out soon! Thanks for your input.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

I would choose the Patient Representative job.. I think it would look better on your resume! In the current economic climate, the more resume padding you do the better.. and customer service experience always looks good to potential employers.

I wouldnt sweat not having much practice doing procedures, etc.. Truly, you will learn it all in nursing school anyway!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for your input. I think they would both be good for different reasons. I have back-to-back interviews on Monday, so I'll really be able to compare the 2 opportunities.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

Good luck! :clown:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CICU, radiology, psych.
I would choose the Patient Representative job.. I think it would look better on your resume! In the current economic climate, the more resume padding you do the better.. and customer service experience always looks good to potential employers.

I wouldnt sweat not having much practice doing procedures, etc.. Truly, you will learn it all in nursing school anyway!

I agree. Plus you would be putting your BS degree to good use. But anyway you can get your foot in the door and it works with your schedule is a good thing. Sending you good luck wishes.:tinkbll:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the encouragement. Had both interviews. NA job will definitely not work with my schedule, but the ER job is flexible. I'm going to shadow for the ER job and see what happens.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you all for helping me make this decision. I took the ER job and am very excited about it! I go for my health screening tomorrow. Shots - should be fun:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion