Hospital job with no experience???

[bpo93]

Is it even possible for someone to get hired to work as a unit secretary, or something like it, without any experience? I am not someone who "knows someone", but I would love to get a job doing something like this while I wait to get admitted to a nursing program.

This is very frustrating.

Patty

[bpo93]

I didn't know that "they" would let someone do that.

:smackingf :smackingf :smackingf :smackingf :smackingf :smackingf :smackingf :smackingf

Patty

[Brian F]

what exactly is "shadowing" and how does it work?

i don't get out much.

patty

patty, shadowing is when you folow a nurse or any other profession to see what it is like before actualyl jumping in to the position and then realizing you dont like it. most hospital jobs espeicailly as a nursing student, you can shadow in different areas of the facility you are applying to to see where you would like to work and where your nitch is. it is a help when seeking a position. most modern facilities are doing this as part of recruitment.

hope that helps explain what it is!

good luck!

[pinkiepie_RN]

I have no experience in nursing watsoever and I really want to work or at least shadow a nurse.

I'm actually volunteering right now in a hospital helping the Neurosurgical Division with filing, answering fones, etc. The place has 3 facilities: residence, clinic, and administrative. I'm helping at the administrative facility right now.

My problems: (1) this hospital doesn't really have a shadowing program. (2) How do i get a job without any experience?

How do you guys go about looking for shadowing positions? Or how do I find jobs relative to nursing but not necessarily one that requries a certification?

If you're looking to shadow, I don't think most hospitals have "programs" for shadowing. Just ask a nurse and have her talk to her manager to get the okay.

As for finding jobs, check out local hospital websites. There are all sorts of jobs you can get in a hospital that aren't nursing per-say. Just see what the requirements are and go for it. You've got nothing to lose!

[CPD4RN]

What I've noticed in my area is that if you can put a current employee's name on the application it is a HUGE plus. Now I know you SAID you don't have connections... but if you really think about it I bet there is a neighbor, friend of a friend, your kid's soccer coach's sister,etc that works for a hospital. Just ASK if you can jot their name down on the application(often times people will allow you to use their name because of a referral bonus)

I got a job as a unit secretary before I was accepted to nursing school, but while taking a CNA class. They asked that I submit to a "medical terminology" test to see if I was qualified. This was DURING the interview, I had NO advanced notice! Holy cow, I started to panic! Turns out, it was a VERY basic quiz. Things like what does STD stand for, what does AIDS stand for (all multiple choice)

If you aren't able to take a CNA class, consider taking a medical terminology class. Remember to mention you are a pre-nursing student, not only because it is a great opportunity for them to PRE-recruit you, but also because your schedule may become less flexible once you are in nursing school. GOOD LUCK!

[sj73201, BSN, RN]

Hi Patty,

Shadowing is when you go to someone's place of employment and tour it with someone in a particular area to see what their work days are like. I gives you a feel of what they do on a daily basis.