Help, do Urgent Care clinics hire student nurses?

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I'm currently pounding the pavement filling out applications at urgent care clinics. Does anyone know if these clinics hire student nurses as nurse techs? When I call the clinics, the receptionists don't know or they say they usually hire for MA's and LPN's. Then, the owner at one place that literally just opened asked me if I knew what the scope of practice is for nursing students at urgent care clinics. She said that they do not operate under the same rules as the hospitals. I have called the state board of nursing and they don't know and I called the CNA board and they don't know. Is there some specific urgent care board that has info about what student nurses can do? By the way I live in Louisiana.

I'm going to continue calling around and asking, but I'd appreciate any info.

Thanks, Su

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Specializes in ED, Tele, L&D.

Just curious why you're so desperately looking for a position in Urgent Care. Seems like there would be better places suited for a student intern, such as a hospital unit or ER.

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I don't know for sure, but it seems to me that the scope of practice for a student nurse would be the same as for any unlicensed person, the same as for an MA or CNA, but certainly NOT that of an LPN.

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If an MA can get a job, SURELY a nursing student should be able to

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Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

Mrs.Ed,

I've actually been applying for positions in hospitals since March for PCT, CNA, and student nurse internships, however, with the online applications, I'm getting lost in the masses. I have a 3.3 GPA, am president of the honor society, and have a bachelors degree in another area, but I'm not standing out. I've had one interview and was one of 700 applicants. That's why I'm also looking into Urgent Care. At least, I can walk in and fill out an application and there is less competition. I'm trying every angle to get some experience this summer before my final semester in the fall. I'm just getting the impression that they may not hire student nurses.

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Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

Mrs.Ed,

I've actually been applying for positions in hospitals since March for PCT, CNA, and student nurse internships, however, with the online applications, I'm getting lost in the masses. I have a 3.3 GPA, am president of the honor society, and have a bachelors degree in another area, but I'm not standing out. I've had one interview and was one of 700 applicants. That's why I'm also looking into Urgent Care. At least, I can walk in and fill out an application and there is less competition. I'm trying every angle to get some experience this summer before my final semester in the fall. I'm just getting the impression that they may not hire student nurses.

Then, when you go back to them, tell them that you can do anything that an MA or CNA can do, and be firm and confident in your answer, since they seem to be unsure themselves. Good luck!

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Specializes in pedies and er.
I'm currently pounding the pavement filling out applications at urgent care clinics. Does anyone know if these clinics hire student nurses as nurse techs? When I call the clinics, the receptionists don't know or they say they usually hire for MA's and LPN's. Then, the owner at one place that literally just opened asked me if I knew what the scope of practice is for nursing students at urgent care clinics. She said that they do not operate under the same rules as the hospitals. I have called the state board of nursing and they don't know and I called the CNA board and they don't know. Is there some specific urgent care board that has info about what student nurses can do? By the way I live in Louisiana.

I'm going to continue calling around and asking, but I'd appreciate any info.

Thanks, Su

ok, call me crazy, but I think a LICENSE would help. something about legality....:banghead:

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Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

Ma's don't have licenses. Certification is totally optional and there is no one certification for all MA's. Some MA's don't even go to MA school they are trained onsite.

So why wouldn't a student nurse with the same skill set be able to apply as an MA?

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Saltwater,

As a nursing student I don't have a license of any sort other than being certified as a CNA. Again I'm just trying to gain more hands on experience prior to graduation in a saturated market. I don't have a medical background and I'm learning along the way as I'm applying for positions. There used to be many opportunities in hospitals for students to tech where I live, but most of these programs have been cut due to budget cuts. However, when I graduate and become licensed, I know that I will be more marketable if I have tech experience and will be more likely to get hired if I have my foot in the door and have proven to be a good worker.

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Specializes in LTC.

Why not also look into your local nursing homes and hospitals as nursing assistant?

Urgent care probably want MA's because they have to provide a lot less training. MA's are trained in front of the house, labs, and blood draws. Most nurses aren't.

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Casi,

I've been looking at hospitals, but I haven't tried nursing homes which would be a good option too. Surprisingly, I got a call today from a Unit Director in CCU at one of the hospitals telling me that he just posted a tech position and that he wants me to apply for it. I was referred to him by a nurse in his department so I've met him once and he already has my resume. So maybe I do have a shot at something in the hospital.

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