Help with getting my foot in the door in terms of a job...

[JBrown8592]

Hello! So I am a pre-nursing student and I have not applied for any schools yet, but I would really like a job working in a hospital in order to show I have experience. However, the frustrating part is I don't really HAVE any experience in the field, so there's probably not anyone that's going to want to hire me. I don't have any certifictation of any type and I really don't plan on getting one because I feel that's a waste of money to make money if I'm just going to turn around and get my RN a year or two later. I do, on the other hand, have volunteer hours from a Hospital where I assisted in "busy work" (changing linens, stocking supplies, getting food/drinks for Pts, etc.) but I don't know if this will really be the deciding factor to getting into a Hospital.

I looked at being a Medical Assistant for some hospitals, but in the state of Missouri, it is required you are a certified CNA. I know I could get into positions such as environmental services (janitorial work) or food service, but I was really wanting more than that. I know I may seem greedy, but I think I would enjoy something other than these two. Any suggestions on what I should apply for?

Also, I wanted to ask about PRN jobs. I know that PRN means per demand and hours are not really guaranteed, but I mean roughly, how many hours do you get per week or does this entirely depend on the company? I mean I'm a full-time student, so I don't want to work too many hours like a full-timer would, but I don't want 8 hours a week either because I have financial obligations. Currently, there are no real openings (that i've seen) for anything oother then PRN or Full-Time and so I'm wondering if working PRN is worth it to keep at least a bit of money in my pocket such as $150/week or so. So then is this achievable working PRN or shuold I really be looking into more part time? I know salary figures are NOT going to be exactly the same as $150, but I would at LEAST like some sort of idea/background from those who have worked PRN.

Thanks for the advice!!

[SquishyRN, BSN, RN]

Whoa. You have such a laundry list of specific things that you want and don't want. You need to prioritize your wants and be more flexible with the things that you decide are less of a priority.

What will get your foot in the door is not the tasks that you are doing for the organization, but showing the organization that you are valuable. You mentioned having volunteer hours and doing "busy work." So what if you volunteered at their hospital for a certain amount of hours? If you didn't keep going long enough to make an impression, it doesn't matter that much if at all. If you go enough that the staff knows who you are and can form an opinion on your work ethic, then, voila, you have a foot in the door. It's not about having something to write on your resume, it's about networking. Of course, being around long enough to make an impression is easier to do if you're employed with them rather than just volunteering. I'd suggest doing CNA or unit secretary/monitor tech. You'll be around the nurses and nurse managers that can help you get a job as a nurse in the future. Working in dietary or environmental services will not make you known in nursing. And the training time and cost is relatively low compared to the experience and networking potential.

As for PRN, that really depends on the facility. When I did my pre-reqs I worked PRN for 3 different facilities as an LVN. The pro is you can choose to work or not work when they call. The cons are you are at the mercy of if they decide to call or not. Sometimes I wouldn't work, other times I'd work up to 9 shifts in a week between the 3. You have to be EXTREMELY flexible. One place scheduled me a shift a week, but the others just called when they needed someone. Usually they'd call 2 hours before the start of a shift and ask if I could work.

[JBrown8592]

Whoa. You have such a laundry list of specific things that you want and don't want. You need to prioritize your wants and be more flexible with the things that you decide are less of a priority.

Heh...sorry I guess I didn't mean to put a whole list of expectations on there. I just want a job that's relevant to nursing and being around nurses and nursing staff like you said, but I guess I put too much extra "fluff" in there. And I suppose I came off a little demeaning as far as my volunteer work went. I guess what I was trying to say is that I didn't really do any like clerical work or other tasks that might help me get into a job at a hospital.

I appreciate the feedback on PRN scheduling as well. That really gave me an idea of what to expect beforehand.

Thanks again :)

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

Well, prenursing can last awhile. If you do not have a clinical start date yet, assume it'll take at least two years to get in. I'd also look into whether you need to be a CNA before the first clinical. My school requires that now (I missed it by a semester) so they do not need to teach the basics anymore. The new students need to take the class but do not need to be certified.

Volunteer work around here will not get you hired. I have my job interviews in an area that traditionally will not interview before the students graduate because I'm in the system. I am surprised that the hospitals let you be so involved in patient care to that degree. I personally would not be comfortable with volunteers making beds or getting food and drinks for patients. What if the patient fell? What if an iv came out? What if an npo pt had a drink?

Also any job is good in my hospital service. After six months, people can start bidding on internal jobs. We have so many internal jobs that never make it to the public. Put in the time to get the reward.

[sourapril]

I got my CNA license while finishing up my prerequisites. Then I worked as a CNA in a hospital before I went to nursing school. It takes time and $$$, but it will help you to start your career as a nurse.