getting "patient care experience"

TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP · May 7, 2010

Becoming a CNA is the bog-standard approach. The CNA class is a high-school-level course and prepares you to do the things a nurse really doesn't like to do - bedpans, changing sheets, dressing patients, feeding patients, taking vitals as ordered, stuff like that. (Note: when you become a nurse, you do not suddenly become "above" such things - they're still in your job description too.) CNAs can work in hospitals, in LTCs, or in homes as caregivers.

Another route you can take is to get your EMT license. It's lighter on the patient-handling stuff (except for packaging...) but much more heavy on assessment skills.

Both will require you to have a BLS CPR certification - so if you're getting certified through the American Heart Assoc., you'll need to get CPR for the Healthcare Provider. Anything less'll be a waste of time for you.

juliambs · May 7, 2010

Thank you so much for the information. I have kind of been thinking I need to take the CNA first. I have been taking my pre-reqs and I am able to apply for the Nursing Program next year once I am almost through the pre-reqs. I have been really worried that I won't get into the program b/c I don't have ANY patient experience. So, in your opinion, getting the CNA is something i REALLY should do first? Thank you again so much... I am lost with out this website! :)

happy2learn · May 7, 2010

The CNA (or STNA where I am located) is required for my program at the community college, but not required at the 4 year university. I do think it will help. I plan on getting my PCA after STNA because I do not desire to work in a LTC facility and hospitals only hire PCA's.

Also, you can volunteer at a hospital for 2 hours a week and get to spend time with patients. I know it isn't medical patient care, but even spending time with them makes a difference than someone who has never been around patients.

juliambs · May 7, 2010

Thanks happy2learn. I was going to look into volunteer work after I give my notice at my job and, like you said, it's more on my Nursing Program application than what i have now! I think right now that might be my only option. Look into CNA in the fall but with school, work etc it will hard to fit that in. Thank you both so much... I will get it straight :)

happy2learn · May 8, 2010

I'm like you, no experience in hands on healthcare, only worked at Humana.

Volunteering is the path I have chosen, for the moment. My husband and I share a car, and between his work schedule and both of our school schedules, I could never make a commitment to employment. The hospital I am volunteering for has Nursing Assistant volunteers, so I'm interacting with patients, not just filling out paperwork.

You'll probably have to look around at many different hospitals to find a position that will be right for you. Most of the hospitals around me only had the clerical positions. One of the most unique positions I saw was for a "Cuddler." That was the name. They cuddle with babies. There is apparently a wait to do that. It seems that more people want to volunteer with children also, because Children's does not have open positions (where I'm located.)

Keep in mind though that most of them (where I live) want at least 6 months commitment (usually for only 2 hours a week though.)

Intern67 · May 9, 2010

Experience in patient care will help you with a few things.

You'll be working right alongside nurses and see what their days are like. Finding out early will help you avoid being one of the people posting "I hate being a nurse" threads.

Experience will also benefit you greatly in your clinicals during nursing school. This includes things like where you find stuff, where you find nurses, how to talk to them, when to talk to them, what to say to them.

You can get through clinicals fine without experience, but I wouldn't want to do it that way.