Help! Choosing a clinical job

Published

  1. What 1st CNA/CA job should nursing student take:

    • 7
      Clinical associate on busy end of life/detox/oncology/geriatric floor of hospital
    • 0
      CNA at assisted living facility
    • 0
      CNA at long term care facility
    • 0
      HHA, home health aid
    • 1
      Other

8 members have participated

Hi everyone!

I am just finishing up my first semester of an ADN program. I have not worked in a clinical setting before outside of a chiropractor's office as a massage therapist. I have been adviced by my facilitator that I should get a health care position asap. So I have started looking as my 100 clinical hours qualify me to do CNA/clinical associate level work.

Question:

I applied at a local hospital for a clinical associate position. The one they are offering me is on a floor with cancer patients, end of life care, oncology, detox/overdose and geriatrics. An RN friend has told me she thinks this will be an awful first experience for me and that I should hold out for a med/surg assignment or look at working in long term care or assisted living. The HR person just left a message and I need to get back to her.

Help! Thoughts?

Kris

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It does sound like a hard, busy, unit to work in. But if you are a youngish, healthy, eager to learn A LOT, nursing student, it sounds like a great opportunity to me.

I'm hoping, assuming, it is a well run, well staffed unit. But any nursing job you get, even the ones your friend suggested, can be a job from hell if the unit is not well run or well staffed.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Take what you are offered. You could very well end up really liking it and learning a bunch. You're not really in a position to bargain.

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Thank you for the feedback! I'm 48 and pretty healthy. I called my advisor today at school and she was like TAKE THE HOSPITAL JOB. Hahaha :)

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Yep. You want the hospital job, for sure, over LTC/SNF. If you are well liked, have a great work ethic, arrive on time and get along with others and the patients, there is a good chance this can be your foot in the door to an acute care position after you graduate.

Best of luck and congratulations on getting the job!

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Specializes in Adult Primary Care.

Definitely take the hospital job. You will learn a lot and also make professional contacts! Congratulations.

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