I Failed A Nursing Course

I'm enrolled in an ADN nursing program and I'm currently in my second semester. I failed my nursing course by 3 points and now have to wait until January 2019 to retake the course. In the meantime, I want to get a job in the hospital and really get some hands on experience so I can apply some clinical experience to my coursework when I return.

I know Patient Care Associate or Assistants are good positions for nursing students to take because you're working closely with patients and RNs. I'm considering applying for a PCA position in the ETD, however, considering I failed, fear not getting the job or maybe I'm just in over my head? There are also jobs available in Labor & Delivery, which I think may seem a little more my level, but again, want to challenge myself as well as have something I can apply to my whole time in nursing school. We only have half a semester of Mother and Baby and feel like if I go into L&D would know so much about L&D but it won't help me with the other courses (again only asking because I know floors can have patients with coexisting diagnoses).

I personally, feel working in the ETD may be the best option because you're exposed to such a wide variety of cases and will probably learn the most working in this department.

I'm also considering doing registration for ETD just because it would allow me to still have patient contact (I know, not the same as PCT/PCA) but it would allow me that same variety because it's the same department.

Just looking for some advice on what the best position may be to gain that clinical experience and help me to succeed when I retake the course in January.

Also any helpful tips regarding how to study for MED SURG would be greatly appreciated too!

What is EDT?

Hospital experience is going to help you in nursing school from a number of different standpoints. First, you'll be used to the hospital environment rather than so intimidated just walking into a hospital that you're literally shaking in your shoes (like I was.) Second, you'll get experience in talking to patients, visitors and coworkers and you won't be so nervous at having to talk to a patient that you end up shaking in your shoes (like I was). Third, as a transporter, a PCT or a PCA, you'll get experience actually touching patients and providing care so you won't be so nervous in clinical you'll be barfing in the bathroom (like I was). And fourth, you'll have some money to apply to nursing school, buying text books, lab fees or even just Tuesday night pizza and beer sessions.

But what is EDT?

ETD= Emergency Trauma Department. That's exactly why I'm considering a PCA/PCT position, however, I passed my Fundamentals course so would be able to take a position that allows nursing students. I'm still working at the moment, except I work in a medical office as a receptionist, but don't really see a lot of action, or hands on experience like a hospital would provide me. Just not sure if the fact I'm not currently taking nursing courses cause of the failure if that would affect me getting a PCA/PCT position at all.

ETD= Emergency Trauma Department. That's exactly why I'm considering a PCA/PCT position, however, I passed my Fundamentals course so would be able to take a position that allows nursing students. I'm still working at the moment, except I work in a medical office as a receptionist, but don't really see a lot of action, or hands on experience like a hospital would provide me. Just not sure if the fact I'm not currently taking nursing courses cause of the failure if that would affect me getting a PCA/PCT position at all.

OK, ETD. Makes sense. Thanks.

Working in a medical office will help you with the lingo, pronunciations and spellings, will it not? Hopefully, that's helpful.

I don't think failing a nursing course would keep you from being hired as a PCA. Different states (and even different hospitals within a state) have different requirements for PCT positions. Best thing is to check into it. I wish you the very best of luck.