Got Laid Off... Good time to Start in the Med Field... But WHERE???

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Well, I just got laid off, so I am in search of a job... I have yet to do anything in the Medical field, so I have literally ZERO experience... Up till two weeks ago I was doing electrical work on new homes, but the industry is very slow on building Single Family homes...

Well now that I am looking, I thought it would be a good idea to get into something Medical if I can... I don't have a CNA or anything like that, my background is Business Management, Office Management, and the like...

Is there anything I can do in the Medical field right now as I go through School??? I would like to do something with the Kids or Pathology / Morgue... lol, yeah I know it is two extremes from each other, but that is my interest... If I have to do Data Entry that is cool too, but I just want to get my feet wet, one way or another, since I am pursuing this filed...

What can I do or what should I ask is available for someone with no Degree or Cert.???

Thanks guys and girls!!!!

Ciao,

Eddie

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Specializes in ICU.

You can probably get a hospital nurse tech job once you complete med surg. We have Patient Care Techs (PCT) where I work. This doesn't require certification. Just be persistent and something will turn up. It is important to keep school first though.

Dave

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

What Dave said...

See if there's a hospital that's willing to put you through a Patient Care Tech program. Otherwise, you still get to see a LOT as a unit assistant (secretary), especially in places like the ICU and ER. Good luck in school!

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

nothing will probably pay you what you want, but why not research different medical jobs....there are a lot of options out there, but it may take you some time to get the exp or education you need....maybe you can even work as a houseman in the hospital...do some janitoral and electrical work in a maintence field....

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Specializes in CNA, EMT.

You can take an EMT course and work as a tech in the ER. I took it through a community college so it was a full semester but other schools and even some hospitals may offer an accelerated course which, while a lot of information to learn, can be completed in only a couple of months. If you are in a reall tough spot and need a job fast, a good idea as mentioned above would be a secretary (or registration). Our ER has hired and trained techs directly out of their ER registration (and pay for the course). And that way you can see if you'd like that job before being in it.

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I know this wont help you to much. But I'm in your same position. I'm a union residential electrician and have been layed off more times than I can count. However my wifes a CNA and she describes to me the jobs of the LPN's and it seems very interesting. I have taken the NET test but just missed the reading section, however this time I bought the study guide. My plan was to get the LPN license and work for a year and then take the LPN-Rn program at the Monroe County Community Colege.

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What's an EMT? And CNA?

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what about looking iinto becoming an RN?

in the meantime, you could attend CNA classes (just a few weeks long) and work as a CNA while getting a "bird's eye view" of the RN.

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I know exactly what you are experiencing. I spent more time laid off than working as a heavy equipment operator. Being a nurse tech will let you know right away whether or not nursing is the right field for ya. I have no idea where you are located, but the hospital I work at trains there own nurse techs. I currently work in the critical care department and I love it...I get to see some pretty cool stuff. This has really helped me in nursing school...the students in my class that have no experience in the health care field are as nervous as a beagle crapping a peach seed. I've been told a million times "nurse techs make the best nurses", so we'll see. Good luck and I wish the best for ya.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Cardiac/Surgical Stepdown.
What's an EMT? And CNA?

EMT= Emergency Medical Technician, CNA= Certified Nursing Assistant

These are entry level positions which require some form of educational requirement and taking and passing a state exam. EMT's can work in ER's or work on ambulances as first responders. CNA's provide basic nursing care such as bed baths, vital signs, pt ambulation, etc.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Cardiac/Surgical Stepdown.

What can I do or what should I ask is available for someone with no Degree or Cert.???

That mostly depends on what state you live in. However, even if the position doesn't require certification, most hospitals will prefer someone with some previous medical experience (stating the obvious, I know):D unless you show them you've already enrolled in a certain field. For now you may have to take a job that's closer to what you know-plant ops, PM, etc.

Having zero experience does have its advantages though, you can shadow in multiple areas such as nursing, radiology, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, and so on, and be able to get a feel for what you might like and might not like.:twocents:

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2.5 ago I was in the same boat and lookec at the commuity colleges- it wasn't going to happen: people had to take a year of pre-reqs to be elegibe to apply aganist 300 other people for a 20 slot cohort. also the CC had a 3 year waiting list for the lottery system of being into the program. the CC are mainly a waste of time due to their inablity to work well. I went through a career school for a LPN and then do a on line lpn-rn and then do a online bsn.

I am closer to be doing then a freind who is still waiting to get into a CC nursing program

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