Just a couple of questions

kimy · Apr 27, 2003

Hey, I'm Kim and I'll start the first semester in August (all pre-req's are out of the way). I have a couple of questions though and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice.....

I'm going to be hitting the pavement hard tomorrow to find a part time job (had to quit my ft job b/c of the course load last semester) and I'd really like to start gaining experience before clinicals actually start....I have to have some income and realize that my school said not to work more than 16 hrs a week once they start but I'm going to HAVE to do that.....This is an EXPENSIVE endeavor. :eek:

1. Is it hard to get a position in a hospital w/o having prior experience (and w/o actually having started clincals yet)?

2. I have to get my equipment pretty soon and am at a total loss....The director told us to get a moderately priced bp cuff and stethoscope and I don't have a clue. I've tried doing a search on google to see if I could find some sort of buyers guide to kind of guide me in the right direction, but came up empty handed.

Thanks!

Kim

Rena RN 2003, RN · Apr 27, 2003

welcome to the board kim.

1. "hard" means different things to different people. you would have to just take the plunge and start getting to know people in a hospital that you want to work in. i will say that i think it's easier to get a job where you know someone than where you don't.

2. if you can swing the price, drg (doctors resource group) has awesome scopes. so does littman. i have a littman master cardiology and i like it but i'm thinking of getting a drg simply because their titanium models weigh less than my littman. as for bp cuffs...i'm at a loss as we weren't required to have one.

Rena RN 2003, RN · Apr 27, 2003

welcome to the board kim.

1. "hard" means different things to different people. you would have to just take the plunge and start getting to know people in a hospital that you want to work in. i will say that i think it's easier to get a job where you know someone than where you don't.

2. if you can swing the price, drg (doctors resource group) has awesome scopes. so does littman. i have a littman master cardiology and i like it but i'm thinking of getting a drg simply because their titanium models weigh less than my littman. as for bp cuffs...i'm at a loss as we weren't required to have one.

Jenn_RN · Apr 27, 2003

Rena, would you happen to know the link to drg? I googled it and tried both drg.com and doctorsresourcegroup.com and couldn't find the place. Thanks

Jenn_RN · Apr 27, 2003

Rena, would you happen to know the link to drg? I googled it and tried both drg.com and doctorsresourcegroup.com and couldn't find the place. Thanks

AmyLiz · Apr 27, 2003

Re: stethoscopes... try http://www.allheart.com

I've found that they've got some of the best prices for scopes. They've got BP cuffs too :)

As for the hospital position question...I think it depends on the hospital. I've tried to get a job at our local hospitals & haven't had much luck, but I haven't tried *too* hard. I've heard from many folks that if you indicate on your application or resume that you're in nursing school, some hospitals will hire you over someone who isn't pursuing a healthcare career.

Good luck! :cool:

AmyLiz · Apr 27, 2003

Re: stethoscopes... try http://www.allheart.com

I've found that they've got some of the best prices for scopes. They've got BP cuffs too :)

As for the hospital position question...I think it depends on the hospital. I've tried to get a job at our local hospitals & haven't had much luck, but I haven't tried *too* hard. I've heard from many folks that if you indicate on your application or resume that you're in nursing school, some hospitals will hire you over someone who isn't pursuing a healthcare career.

Good luck! :cool:

Disablednurse · Apr 28, 2003

Just a suggestion, for your parttime job during school, get a no-brainer job. ONe like working in a drug store as a clerk or baby-sitting. One of my instructors helped me get a job babysitting that I kept for the 2 years I was in school. I tried to work in LTC where I had been working but the stress of work and school was too much for me. Besides while I was babysitting, I was able to study. The kids had to be in bed early and all that was left for me to do was to study and listen for the kids. Walmart has a good reasonably priced B/P cuff and by searching online for stethoscopes you should be able to find a good reliable one. Good luck in you schooling. You know if you need any help, you have us here at allnurses.

Disablednurse · Apr 28, 2003

Just a suggestion, for your parttime job during school, get a no-brainer job. ONe like working in a drug store as a clerk or baby-sitting. One of my instructors helped me get a job babysitting that I kept for the 2 years I was in school. I tried to work in LTC where I had been working but the stress of work and school was too much for me. Besides while I was babysitting, I was able to study. The kids had to be in bed early and all that was left for me to do was to study and listen for the kids. Walmart has a good reasonably priced B/P cuff and by searching online for stethoscopes you should be able to find a good reliable one. Good luck in you schooling. You know if you need any help, you have us here at allnurses.

nurse-in-boots · Apr 28, 2003

Disablednurse hit it right on the nose.... I had a "no brainer" job. FInd the type of job that really wont call you in when short handed, make you feel quity for decining, or wont have you busting you butt all day, just to be too worn out to really apply yourself to studying. Try the grocery store, I found it to be very low stress.

Good luck to you in school!!

nurse-in-boots · Apr 28, 2003

Disablednurse hit it right on the nose.... I had a "no brainer" job. FInd the type of job that really wont call you in when short handed, make you feel quity for decining, or wont have you busting you butt all day, just to be too worn out to really apply yourself to studying. Try the grocery store, I found it to be very low stress.

Good luck to you in school!!