I just got an early Christmas present....I was hired on at one of the hospitals here as a Critical Care Tech (Nurse Apprentice I) in the ICU. I'm so thrilled!!!! I really, really wanted the job. Not only will the experience be great, but it pays $13-14 an hour. I will work one or two 12-hour shift a weekend, so it won't interfere with my nursing classes. Oh happy day!!!! And if I do well as the Apprentice I, then when it comes time for them to hire the Apprentice II (which is VERY competitive), I will have my foot in the door.I really thought I screwed up my interview by talking too much. I become VERY gregarious when nervous and felt like maybe I said too much. I also got teary-eyed in the interview over a few of the questions (patient related and other subjects close to my heart) and thought that might have scared them off. But the HR lady said I was great and they would be thrilled to have me as part of the team. Yes, I will only be functioning as a CNA until my 2nd semester of school is finished, but that's what I wanted. I told them I wanted to start out doing what a CNA did so that when I became an RN, I could appreciate all that the CNA's do for the nursing staff.I've been without a job since September of 2002 so this will be strange going back to work. And working in a hospital, no less. The only job I've really ever had is waiting tables. I'm kind of terrified, but it's a good terrified if that makes sense? 0 Likes
mandykatrn Has 14 years experience. Dec 20, 2003 Hi Melanie,CONGRATULATIONS! I am thrilled for you!!!~j 0 Likes
HannasMom Specializes in Geriatrics/Alzheimer's. Dec 20, 2003 :balloons: Congratulations!!!! I agree working as a CNA really helps one understand how hard CNAs work, how important they are and it is also a great way for you to get a feel of the nursing field. Due to the fact I was a CNA in my younger days, I really appreciate the CNAs who work on my shift. They are a great team and really care about the residents. Plus you have a fantastic chance of advancing now. It is scary at first, but that is true of any new position. What a wonderful Christmas present for you. :biggringi 0 Likes
LilRedRN1973 Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections. Has 8 years experience. Dec 20, 2003 Thank you. The only thing that bums me out is my classmate and friend interviewed right before me and didn't get the job. They hired a student from another nursing school to work in conjunction with me. It's a shame because she will make a great nurse and is a really hard worker. It's kind of hard to share my enthusiasm with her because I feel bad she didn't get hired as well. But just the same, I'm excited for my first venture into the world of nursing. I'm thinking of shadowing before I officially start so I can get an idea of where things are at in this hospital. Anyone else ever shadow? 0 Likes
Love-A-Nurse Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU,. Has 19 years experience. Dec 20, 2003 congratulations. the experience will be great. 0 Likes
maire, ASN, RN Specializes in Adult Med-Surg and Rehab. Has 13 years experience. Dec 20, 2003 Congo rats, Melanie! 0 Likes
Altra, BSN, RN Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU. Dec 20, 2003 Way to go!For any job, familiarity with the physical environment goes a long way towards feeling comfortable and confident - if you can shadow someone, even for a few hours, before your actual first day I'd definitely recommend it.Best of luck to you,Leigh 0 Likes
nurse2be in ny Dec 20, 2003 Congrats! That's so exciting! As I've posted here before, I wouldn't trade my experience as a tech for anything. 0 Likes
Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management. Has 10 years experience. Dec 21, 2003 Fantastic news! 0 Likes
Loubell RN 2B Dec 21, 2003 Congratulations... I am looking around my area for a patient care tech position myself. I really would like to gain the experience prior to becoming an RN.Way to go...Lynda in VA 0 Likes
Carolanne Dec 21, 2003 Congratulations!! I can just feel your excitement brimming over! Best of luck!!!:balloons: 0 Likes
jnette, ASN, EMT-I Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health. Has 10 years experience. Dec 21, 2003 SUPER !!!That really IS great news ! What experience you will gain...every ounce will help you as you continue on with your studies.So very pleased for you ! Yaaaaaay !!! :) 0 Likes
germain Dec 25, 2003 super!I work as a hospital assistant cna as a float while I'm in school and I love it, I've learned so much, and the ICU is always my favorite place to work here because teh nurses are so attentive. I hope you have a good experience. I've been a cna all over for 10 years, but have only worked in the hospital a short while. Its like a different world here, lots of emotion and heartache and hope and love. Its really solidified with me that I want to be a nurse, but also showed me a bit of the kind of nurse I dont want to be. It sounds like things are working great for you- I've been reading your posts and you are like, my model nursing student. :) :) :) 0 Likes
WV_heart_RN Dec 26, 2003 congrats!!! I too want to be in the ICU when the time comes. GO get 'em!!! 0 Likes
PennyLane, RN Dec 26, 2003 That's great!! When do you start? I start my student nurse/tech ICU job the week of January 12. 0 Likes
opalmRN Dec 28, 2003 Originally posted by RNnTraining1973 Thank you. The only thing that bums me out is my classmate and friend interviewed right before me and didn't get the job. Everything happens for a reason, I'm a firm believer. Your friend will find a job that is suited to him or her, you gotta believe.Congratulations to you!!!:balloons: :balloons: :balloons: 0 Likes
