Is any job with the hospital a "foot" in?

Cuddleswithpuddles · Nov 10, 2011

Hello amyLooV,

Congratulations for entering nursing school!

My advice is to look at the hiring practices of your hospital. Do they hire LVNs? If they do, how much experience do they want? Do you know any former clerical employees who have been hired as LVNs or RNs?

Any healthcare job will be beneficial because, at the very least, it will give you an opportunity to see the "real world" of patient care and get professional contacts. However, it may not be the automatic "in" you seem to be hoping for and it will definitely cut into your study time. It's up to you to decide whether or not it is worth it.

AmyLooV · Nov 10, 2011

I'm really not thinking it's an automatic in... just wondering if hospital employees are considered more so than other grads.

This hospital very rarely hires LPN's, so I'm not even thinking about working there right out of school. They do have an Urgent Care system however, that I know hires LPN's.

I wouldn't dream of having a full-time job while in nursing school. It wouldn't work anyway. The program is M-F 8am - 2:30pm. Not conducive to a full-time job at all. I'd have to quit August.

I was just talking to my husband about it and we were thinking that working in the hospital system for 10 months and then quitting might hurt more than it helps.

VIMom · Nov 10, 2011

I really can't say about the 'foot in the door' issue, but if pressed I'd say it wouldn't be worth it unless you're really strapped for cash. I wouldn't think it would offer any more opportunities; like you said, it's probably going to hurt more than it helps. I would like to offer my opinion on the other side: I'm also a SAHM right now. For me, school starts in January and I'm already dreading it as much as I'm excited by it. My kids are 3, 2, and almost 11 months, and fortunately my program is blocked classes mixed with online... I'll be taking a full class load but I'll only have to be on campus 2 days a week this coming semester. True, for half a day each time, but it works for us. Anyway, my point was that if it isn't a necessity, I would stay home with your baby as long as you can. Soon enough you'll be working full time and your lo is only going to be this young once. It's a very important time for both of you, I wouldn't miss out on any more than you have to.

2bAngilRN · Nov 12, 2011

I interviewed for a CNA position a few months ago. I was already employed as a sitter for the hospital for almost four years. ( I did this while I took my prereqs). During the interview, the nurse manager told me that it was smart for me to get hired as a CNA because its really tough to get a job as a nurse without a foot in the door. Those were her words exactly. Ive been hearing for the last couple of years that it has been difficult for new nurse grads to get jobs. Well at least in my area. Also, LPNs are going back to school for BSN. The LPN program at my school has been suspended. The school made a statement that employers are not hiring for LPNs and they want to focus on teaching students to become RNs because that is what employers are hiring. Just something to think about.

Iridescent Orchid, CNA, LPN · Nov 13, 2011

Any job description within the health field will be beneficial for your future, if only in the terms of giving you the opportunity to see the inside works of a healthcare job and duties. It will also better prepare you for clinicals that will come as a part of your program. I'd be torn with the full-time job as well though. It may just need to be passed up with the fact that it may just interfere with your nursing education. There's a lot of tough decisions ahead, but I know quite a bit of people who have been able to pull off working full-time as well as being a full-time student, it's just insanely tiring, but I've heard some say that's the only way they know how to function. You know your body better than anyone else, do what you feel is right. I know it might suck passing up a shot at an inside job, but sometimes it just can't be done. Whatever you decide, I'm sure it will work out for you in the end! Best of luck! :)

frogandcrown · Jan 2, 2012

I would say that it does give you a good "foot in the door". I say this from my own experience. I'm sure not every hospital works this way, but if you show yourself to be a good and smart employee and keep on administration (as far as letting them know that you really want to stay with them when you graduate) they will most likely want to keep you.

I got my foot in the door as a phlebotomist. I made sure to assist anyone I was able to when I went to the floor and showed myself to be a team player and a skilled employee. Along the way, I made friends with nurses who were incredibly supportive with me.

As I went through nursing school I kept in touch with administration (HR) and let them know that staying on with our hospital meant a lot to me.

It's almost mindblowing to me...but as a fresh LPN (only licensed for 3 months) I was offered a spot in the ER as part of their new "fast-track".

So...I say having a hospital job is a great way to get your foot in the door. Most certainly.

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2012

I would go with the job, when it comes closer to actually starting nursing school things may change you may be able to transfer to another position, 10months hospital experience is experience...once you are about two months before your classes start, let the hospital know you got accepted into nursing school. Think about it, a Patient Ambassador if I were a hospital HR manager I would already know that job has a high turn over rate, i would look into that, I honestly do not know a bunch of retired people who were former patient ambassadors...thats just a thought. Have you thought that maybe they might be willing to work with you so you won't have to quit??? they might transfer you to a position with more patient contact, maybe as a level 1 PCA or you could shadow a CNA parttime once it gets closer to August. it might be a small chance but thats what I would do...in any case 10months to your resume will look better than ZERO months new grad.I'd say anything more than 6 months is favourable with most employers and will be an advantage, even if the plan I mentioned does not work out, I doubth a future employer would look down on you for trying