Getting Into Hospital While In School

[floridanurse1983]

Hi everyone. Sorry so long! Hope you guys can help me with a hospital issue. Here's my problem:

I'm currently an LPN who started school for RN. The only acute hospital experience I have was done during my LPN. I know a lot of my classmates are going to start as a PCA or multi-skilled tech to get their foot in the door for after graduation. I want to do the same. Only issue is hospitals won't hire LPNs in my area. So I said I would do PCA or MST. They won't hire me for a position below my license. I'm basically unhireable for the hospital. I've wracked my brain thinking of postions close to knowledge base that I can do and can't think of any. Don't really want housekeeping or entry diet aide positions which all I could think of.

Does anyone have any info that might help me get into the hospitals? Or a job making close to what I make now doing something else in the setting?

Most jobs for acute care are RN only or this:

JOB SUMMARY: The Multi-Skilled Technician is an experienced, healthcare worker who provides both patient care and administrative support. QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum high school diploma or equivalent required. 2. Florida or national certification (i.e., EMT, CNA, Paramedic, certified medical assistant, or a military corpsman); or minimum of three (3) years of current related clinical healthcare experience is required; or Nursing students who are eligible for CNA exam are required to (1) currently be enrolled in an accredited school of Nursing (RN/LPN); (2) required to have completed the first semester of clinical for AS degree, completion of third for a BSN degree or completion of first trimester for LPN and (3) cannot be currently licensed in the U.S. as a RN or LPN. Satisfactory completion of American Heart Association or Red Cross CPR certification. Demonstrates knowledge/experience of growth and development, and possesses ability to assess, interact, communicate, and care for age-specific patient population, served by the department is preferred. Demonstrates ability to work with minimal supervision preferred. Demonstrates working knowledge of commonly used computer applications

[MyUserName,RN]

We have some LPN's in my hospital that work as telemetry techs just monitoring the screens, maybe check on that?

[tainted1972, ASN, RN]

Look into volunteer programs. Even if it is just a few hours a week you will get to know some of the staff and more importantly, they will get to know you.

Hospitals are overwhelmed with applicants. Sometimes just introducing yourself to a manager is enough to get an interview.

[marshmallowstar, BSN, RN]

Have you spoke directly with the nurse recruiter or just going by what the job postings say? At the hospitals I've been at the nurse recruiter also works on hiring the PCTs. She/he may have an idea of positions they would hire you for or maybe there is a floor they're particularly short staffed on that they would bend the rules to hire a PCT even if you're over qualified. Sometimes it can take some finagling to actually speak with the nurse recruiter but be persistent and they'll know you're serious.

[BacktoBasics]

Look at other positions within the hospital. I worked as a Lab Technician (processing, handling labs, performing reports, etc..).

They perferred a 4 year science degree but since I was in school (for my ADN) they worked with me. I don't know what it's like with the job market now in that kind of area though...

[86toronado, BSN, RN]

Could you work as a unit clerk? It is not hands-on patient care, so it shouldn't matter if you are "over-qualified" but you should be able to get your foot in the door, so to speak.

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

I'm in the same boat. I'm a LPN trying to get a PCA position in the hospital. Some hospitals say I need to apply for CNA certification and then will be considered. With a little over 2 months til graduation, I think I just take my chances along with the other new grads...

[floridanurse1983]

Thank you so much for your suggestions. Sorry I didn't get back on sooner, but its been a busy week.