How do Nursing schools view students who work in a hospital setting already ?

[moosiesmom]

I work in a microbiology lab in a hospital and have been told that it helps if you already have the hospital knowledge/experience under your belt. Any thoughts. I need all the help I can get !!! Thanks !

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

It really depends on the school. Many schools give the most weight to GPA when making their decision, but others consider things like work experience. To save yourself a lot of stress, just find out what the specific requirements are for the schools you are interested in applying to. That way, you know exactly where you stand.

[Jilaweez, BSN, MSN, RN]

I have read on here that some schools work off of a point system, and they are awarded points for previous healthcare experience. The schools I applied to did not consider previous experience in choosing candidates. I would follow the advice of the previous poster and see how your school selects its students. Best wishes.

[moosiesmom]

Thanks alot ! I know that if they see that you work in a hospital already you know what you are up against. No dropping out because you couldn't stand the environment etc. I would love to try LPN too because it is a shorter process but my hopital doesn't use them much except for the ER. Being in a lab I miss dealing with people (other than phleb stuff in the morning) so that is why I would love to be able to do more. Thanks again for your help. What are you guys doing ? Where do you work ? Take care................

[paccookie]

My school only considers your GPA and how much of the core you have completed. It doesn't matter if you're a CNA, lab tech, EMT, ward clerk, etc. It just isn't a factor. I think it should be taken into consideration or at least given a spot for mention on the application, but it shouldn't be heavily weighted, just considered if there is a tie between two applicants. I have heard of schools requiring CNA certification for admission...that is something I wouldn't agree with since it would mean I'd have to go back to school to obtain a lower level of certification than I already hold. Bridge programs obviously take your experience into consideration and most have specific requirements as to the number of years of experience that you must have as a minimum for admission to the program.