Experience needed

[wannabe_rn]

Hello All!

I have recently decided to change my career! I am already registered at KCC and am starting with the Pre reqs and Co reqs this summer and fall. I plan on applying for the Nursing program in Fall 2010. I am looking for some sort of experience in the Nursing field. I have looked all over at different internship programs and etc. The problem with Internship programs is they require some sort of training. I do not have my CNA license or any training what so ever. But I am looking for shadowing or anything to where I can start getting some expereince in the feild. I am just wondering does anyone know if this is possible?

With the KCC Nursing program you also get points for having some sort of paid expereince when applying to the Nursing Program. Although Volunteer work does not count towards any points at all. So I am just looking to find ways to better my chances in getting into the program by getting some expereince. Any advise?

If anything, I will most likely volunteer somewhere to start familiarizing myself in the hospital enviroment. But if there is some sort of way to get paid and get some expereince that would be ideal not saying it is likely.

Thanks!

[mcubed45]

Oh did they finally get the healtcare experience component added to the admission criteria? They've been trying to add that for a couple years now...

But anyways, just get any hospital job you can find. Even if it's not direct patient care, at least you get your foot in the door. Employees get first crack at new job opening so it'll increase your chances when a more nursing-oriented position opens up. So go apply at all the hospitals for anything you can find. Clerical, transport, etc. Any experience working in a hospital will be beneficial. A unit secretary/ward clerk would be ideal but take what you can get.

[wannabe_rn]

Thank You for your response!

I have been looking into Ward Clerk positions....I really do think that will be my best bet. I wont get any credit toward my application process to the Nursing program but experience is what is important and getting familiar with my future environment has to helpful.

Thanks again!

[mcubed45]

Thank You for your response!

I have been looking into Ward Clerk positions....I really do think that will be my best bet. I wont get any credit toward my application process to the Nursing program but experience is what is important and getting familiar with my future environment has to helpful.

Thanks again!

the other major benefit is making connections for when you graduate. the new-grad market here is pretty tight ATM, but if you make a good impression with your unit there's a good chance they'll support you through nursing school and have a job waiting for you upon graduation. while an experienced RN is preferred for most job openings, i'm sure many units would rather hire and train someone they've worked with for years and know they can count on.

[wannabe_rn]

Yeah that is what is most important!

I think I am just going to have to suck it up and quit my current job. Go through a CNA course since Red Cross and all sorts of different places offer CNA Training courses and apply for CNA position. The only thing that scares me about this is well the economy sucks and right now, I am pretty sure my current job is stable and the pay is good. Being a CNA my pay would be half of what I am making now which I couldn't survive on! LOL

Worst part is what if I can't find a CNA job anywhere...there are CNA training courses that have evening classes that I am considering also. So I can keep my current job get my CNA Certificate and not quit until I get offered a job.

Oh decsions decsions....

Thank you for discissing this with me!