Help!

[jessypaige]

Hello all you amazing nurses out there! My name is Jessy and I am about to graduate from high school in May and attend Spalding University, I live in the Louisville, KY area and I was wanting to start working in a hospital to get some experience under my belt. My first two years at Spalding I will be taking all my pre-reqs to begin my nursing classes. I want to get my BSN then advance to my CRNA. I just wanted to know if there is anyway I can work at a hospital without any experience at all in one. I currently work fast-food and I have been at the same job since I was 15, trust me almost 4 years in fast-food has gotten old. I have a lot of experience with excel, word, access, publisher, pretty much anything that involves a computer. I just don't care what the job would be, it could be starting out as a receptionist if all possible. I just want to get my foot in the door. Any advice would be helpful! Thanks! :)

[Music in My Heart]

Once you're 18 (if you're not already), your best bet would be to get hired on as a CNA - if you're really set on hospital experience. You could also get your EMT and hunt for a job as an ER tech.

[jessypaige]

I am 18, but doesn't a CNA have to have some type of degree or anything?

[Boxer Mama]

To be a CNA, you do need a certification. I know at my local CC, it is a 3-week program, so just check out what is available out there. You could also start by being a volunteer.

[jessypaige]

I thought about being a volunteer, but I really want to get out of working fast food, it's starting to drive me crazy. What is a CC? Sorry I am new to all this, how would I go about getting this certification, like finding out if there are any around Louisville?

[Music in My Heart]

CC = Community College

My CNA was through a private vocational school; others went through a free program offered through an adult-ed program.

Hunt around online or go stop by any skilled nursing facility and ask them; they'll probably know. Some SNFs actually offer the class themselves. They're typically pretty short 2-4 weeks.

You should also get CPR certified 'cuz you'll need that in order to work.

[jessypaige]

Well I found online where the Red Cross can certify for CNAs but the class is $600.00 plus some other fees. Would that be worth it and I don't think the classes include CPR certification. So what do you think, would it be worth that much money maybe more for those classes plus the CPR certification fees if there are any? Or should I try and get it for free somewhere.