Hello everyone, first post here and I have to say, this website is a wealth of information. My name is Jess and I'm 26, single mama with a 4 yr old son. I have a lot of geneds completed and going back to school this spring to take A&P 1 and my math and Chem, and applying for NS for fall 09.
I was working full time in the oil and gas business doing administrative work and recently leasing came to an end so we lost our jobs (unless we could travel which I definitely could not) So... I began looking for jobs in the area (and let me tell you it is not easy here with no degree) I started applying for jobs at the hospital, (nurse extender jobs and unit clerk positions) wanting to be in the healthcare setting, especially since I'm going back to school to get my nursing degree.
Here is my dilemma #1. I interviewed for a unit clerk position 2 weeks ago and was offered the job...due to the unit clerk class beginning soon, I had to make the decision to accept immediately (orientation was to start a few days later, and my physical was the very next day after they called me) I really wanted a nurse extender position for the hands on patient care and experience, but I thought I should take this as it was presented and did not want to decline for I thought that could hinder my chances of being offered another job there. moving on...
I had orientation this week and my feelings toward nurse extending grew more, and I have been having 2nd thoughts about the unit clerk position. I started unit clerk class today, and of course came home to see a new nurse extender position (full time in the E.R.) was just posted today.
My question is, would it be terribly wrong of me to go talk to H.R. about this? Would they look at me like I was ridiculous or do you think they could help me transfer or be considered for the nurse extender position?
I feel that I would be a better fit there and would learn so much. And the experience would be invaluable.
:uhoh21:
Other dilemmas include trying to work/go to school, etc all at the same time with a 4 yr old but I believe that where there is a will there has to be a way. I am strong willed and determined, but terrified and overwhelmed at the same time.
Any advice anyone can give me would be MUCH appreciated.
IMO, I was a nurse aide for 16 years before I went to NS. I was in class with several students that had been unit clerks. Although my experience was priceless, I think that the UC positions prepared the students more for NS. I can't count the times that the UC's would be able to rattle off something, ie. Doc's preference, protocol, procedures...on some technique that I had absolutely no clue about. In fact I have posted before that all though the experience was great, many times I missed out on something because I did what I knew (being a nurse aide) and missed seeing a procedure because I was already busy or what have you.
Do what you think is best. I was lucky enough to have an excellent facility that worked around my schedule and was able to let me work when I could and change my schedule at the drop of a hat. I don't know how flexible a UC schedule could be.
Good luck to you.... and you can do it. It is hard and tiring but the rewards are great!!!!
thanks everyone for your reponses. Today was the last day of the UC class and tomorrow is our final before we go to our unit. I can't believe the amount of info put into my head in the last week and a half. insane! makes me really scared for nursing school.
Where are you locagted? In Wisconsin, a nurse extender is already a nurse, they work for physicians and make good money. They also have to have at least a Bachelors degree to even be considered for the nurse extender position.
PA - nurse extender here is just like a CNA or nurse's aid.
What an insult. Those breaking their backs and cleaning poo make less?
Anyway, talk to HR, talk to Nursing Service, talk to whoever you have to talk to about it but do it now, before they spend too much time and money getting you trained for ward clerk.
I wouldn't say an insult, it depends where you work, from a lot of people I've talked to's perspectives in my hosp, unit clerks are like the backbone of the unit and do a loooot more than the extenders.
Sue7573
112 Posts
IMO, I was a nurse aide for 16 years before I went to NS. I was in class with several students that had been unit clerks. Although my experience was priceless, I think that the UC positions prepared the students more for NS. I can't count the times that the UC's would be able to rattle off something, ie. Doc's preference, protocol, procedures...on some technique that I had absolutely no clue about. In fact I have posted before that all though the experience was great, many times I missed out on something because I did what I knew (being a nurse aide) and missed seeing a procedure because I was already busy or what have you.
Do what you think is best. I was lucky enough to have an excellent facility that worked around my schedule and was able to let me work when I could and change my schedule at the drop of a hat. I don't know how flexible a UC schedule could be.
Good luck to you.... and you can do it. It is hard and tiring but the rewards are great!!!!