Hospital Unit Clerk?

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Hi everyone.

I'm very new to this and I know there has been a few questions about this in the forum, but I'm still struggling with this decision and I would like to hear some of you guys feedback on this.

I'm a first year college student in the bachelor of science program but that's not what I wanted to go into. I found out a bit too late that I wanted to go into Nursing but by time I could apply, it was already too late, the program was already full and wasn't accepting. Then I was looking up at this other college that I could obtain a certificate in Hospital Unit Clerk...but I guess I panicked and stuck with the decision of going to the bachelor of science program instead.

So now, Im re-applying for admission to get into Nursing for next year (Sept 09) but I'm scared that I won't get in, so I have a back up plan -- go to the other college to get a certificate in Hospital unit clerk.

My question is, which path should I go if I do get accepted into the Nursing program, and get accepted in the other college (Hospital unit clerk) at the same time? I've read that becoming a hospital unit clerk is good because you know the basics and it gives you the experience/knowledge, which is at your disposal when you do become a Nurse.

I guess I'm just scared of wasting a year away being a Hospital unit clerk while I could just go straight into the nursing program.

Anyway, that's my problem...sorry if it doesn't make sense. It's just that this has been gnawing at the back of my mind for quite a while (lol)

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I would recommend just going for the nursing degree. Nursing school is tough, real tough, trust me get it over with and you will be much happier. If being a nurse is something you really want to do and you dont do it right away, you might regret it. Good Luck!

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Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.

Being a unit clerk is not easy, they often times feel like prisoners at the desk. The rest of us can walk away, they can not. I think there jobs are quite difficult with little to no full appreciation for all the work they do.

Stay in college look at the bright side choose classes which will fullfill some of the classes you will need for the BSN program. Keeping applying to RN school. I do not think you will regret it.

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Runner2008: Thanks. I know nursing school is really tough and stressful but I think it's worth it. It's something I really wanted to do. I've volunteered at the hospital for a year when I was in high school, and I just loved the environment.

lpnflorida: I've read about that, that unit clerk isn't easy and those who pursue it aren't appreciated enough for what they do. But I guess I'm not worried about that, I feel that being a hospital unit clerk could be essential - knowing the basics, building the foundation to becoming a nurse (if that made any sense, lol).

I guess it's just complicated because both sides are tugging at me. I want to go get my certificate in unit clerk because if I do, it'll be from sept 2009 and I'll be done in mid march 2010. Then I can work and get experience and when it's Sept 2010 I'll reapply to the Nursing program and somehow still have a part time job in unit clerk (to save up money for the next 4 years) while going to nursing school.

I would want to take my time, and not rush through but at the same time, I just want to get my degree right away so my mom can retire, I really love my mom and I don't want her to work anymore. My brother is 24, and he could've gotten his degree/certificate/diploma but he still hasn't. After high school, he just went in all directions, took years off to upgrade, take other classes, work here and there...and now my parents are clueless as to where he's going. So now the pressure is on me to get my degree and have a career.

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I understand that you want to help your family, but, I think in the long run, you will benefit more by going into nursing. That being said, I am not sure what state you are in or what the pay is, but I do not think that the Unit Clerks get paid enough for you to be able to support yourself and your mom. You are way more likely to do that with nursing. Also, you may want to try to go to a CNA class right now, if you need to work while you do nursing. Here in California, a CNA program is 6 weeks full time. A CNA (certified nursing assistant) may be more applicable to nursing because you will be interacting with the patients. I realize that you need money right away. It doesn't pay a lot, but you will be able to make extra money and get some great experience before becoming a nurse. Also, it takes six weeks, so you won't have to compromise taking classes if you do a summer program. I am taking my pre-reqs right now for nursing, and am going to do a CNA program in the summer, so I can work in healthcare while I wait to get into nursing school. The faster you get done with RN school, the faster your mom can retire. Good luck!

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Go for the nursing degree! Many places are phasing Unit Clerks out or not replacing them and what jobs there are can be difficult to find. I've been one for that last year and a half and they now have me doing nothing but answering call lights for 12 hours straight. I only do it one 12 hr. shift a week because that is all I can stand to do!

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