Is experience necessary?

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Im not even in nursing school yet, im still finishing my pre-reqs. My question is, how many of you had absolutely no experience in health care before becoming a nurse? It seems most of the students going into nursing are either STNA's or LPN's. I feel im going to be at a disadvantage graduating as an RN with no previous experience. Are the clinicals enough to really teach you? I really cant quit my job now to become a STNA as some people have suggested to me. I would like to hear from other people who had no experience before their first job as an RN, and if you felt at a disadvantage to others who may have worked in hospitals before. Thanks!

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I only had experience in the travel industry.

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I only had experience in the travel industry.

So how did you feel when you first started? Did other new graduates know alot more than you? Do you feel it made your experience harder?

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My only experience before I became a nurse was working as a manager at blockbuster....lol.....The first few months of nursing school were tough but then everything seemed to flow together and I was able to blend in more with the CNA's, ended up graduating valedictorian of my class and received 2 academic scholarships and awards. So you CAN you do it!

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I never worked with anyone who was an LPN prior to becoming an RN. I imagine that yes, they would have a huge headstart on someone who had no experience.

But every new RN who had been a CNA or PCT said they felt like they were in a whole new world and that their experience didn't give them much of an edge. Yes, they start out with more basic skills, but those aren't difficult to master.

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No experience in health care at all.

I don't remember being disadvantaged due to that.

Think about it . . . everyone who starts a college career rarely has experience in the field they are going into. That is what college is for.

Don't sweat it!

steph

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I had NO experience in health care when I went to nursing school. NONE. I did just fine. NO regrets, either.

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The only experience I had in health care was being a volunteer at 16. I really don't remember any of us having any health care experience. We had all just finished highschool and were 17 or 18. There were no summer intern programs. Nursing assistants were called aides, and they didn't go to nursing school. I went to a university, and I don't think we got real experience until we finished school and got a job! It was 1969, and all the sick patients were in ICU. We never even got to see them or put in an IV line or anything like that. We never took blood either. So much more is expected of the nursing students of today, and that is a good thing. Personally, I wish I went to undergraduate school today. Also, three year diploma schools were everywhere. Nurses liked them a lot. In 1969, college programs were just getting started and rough around the edges. I wish I had went to a three year diploma school like I had always wantred to. Of course today, it is completely different. Well all these people of 1969 are nurses now , so I guess they learned. You will learn too. Don't worry! And good luck!

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