Getting discouraged...

gymmom125 · Jun 13, 2008

I'm getting my pre-reqs for nursing school. I was originally aiming for med school, but realized that nursing would be perfect for me and more what I'm wanting. I cannot even get an interview for a position in ANYTHING related to healthcare. I have applied for 4 different unit secretary positions, about 4 clerk positions, a couple similar misc. positions and a couple of departmental secretary positions. I have not even gotten a phone call for an interview! I put in my resume that I am interested in a future in health care. I have a lot of leadership experience and clerical experience (at a library, but still clerical!). Can anyone suggest ANYTHING I might do to help me out? I'm frighteningly unemployed right now and am very excited to get started. Help!???

The best way to get in to healthcare and to see if your really interested in nursing care would be to go to a local nursing home or hospital and look into if they are offering CNA classes. The pay isnt great, but it will give you an idea of what your in for. I worked as an aide for many years a long time ago and really enjoyed it. it is definately hard work, but you have to be able to handle that if your planning on becoming a nurse. Good Luck!!!

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Jun 14, 2008

gymmom nailed it. CNAs are always in demand!!! and hospitals love to hire nursing students as CNAs...my hospital actually paid a nice chunk of my tuition while I was in school, every semester I brought them my report card and my bill for the next semester. I dont even think they asked for my grades, i just felt like I wanted them to know I was serious about my studies.

And not to mention...I gained valuable exp working as a CNA and it made my clinicals much easier. Then at graduation, when my friends were scrambling from one interview to another I had 3 dept heads ask what my intentions were...

If you want to make more money and easier work, be a waitress, but if you want to get your foot in the door and see nursing 1st hand, be a CNA. you will gain way more than a paycheck.

dizze98765 · Jun 14, 2008

gymmom nailed it. CNAs are always in demand!!! and hospitals love to hire nursing students as CNAs...my hospital actually paid a nice chunk of my tuition while I was in school, every semester I brought them my report card and my bill for the next semester. I dont even think they asked for my grades, i just felt like I wanted them to know I was serious about my studies.
And not to mention...I gained valuable exp working as a CNA and it made my clinicals much easier. Then at graduation, when my friends were scrambling from one interview to another I had 3 dept heads ask what my intentions were...
If you want to make more money and easier work, be a waitress, but if you want to get your foot in the door and see nursing 1st hand, be a CNA. you will gain way more than a paycheck.

Thanks ladies! I'm confused as to where to take CNA classes though! Any advice??