so many questions

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Hi, I am a 21 year old mother of almost 2. I have always wanted to become a nurse and have only just recently decided to actually do it. My problem is I never realized all of my options such as RN, LPN, etc... also I was wondering if anyone could tell me how you get your position in a hospital, I mean do you bid on shifts or particular areas of the hospital to work in and also can you start work in a hospital right after school or do you need to volunteer first please help me understand how this all works and if you have any more useful info please let me know. Thank-you.

Well, I don't really know how things are in Canada, but here in the US. You interview for your position, just like any other job. You meet with the nurse who manages the units you are interested in and discuss work schedule, time off pay, the types of patients etc...You can definitely start working in a hospital right after graduation. I don't think they would allow a liscensed person to volunteer time. Probably the best thing to do right now is to go to the school you will apply to and sit down with an admissions counselor- they will give you much more specific information about becoming a nurse.

Specializes in ER, PACU, OR.

Mommy2

HollyKate is right......you have to start with school first. If ya have any other questions let me know.

CEN35 (Rick)

Originally posted by CEN35:

Mommy2 HI, actually I do have another question if you don't mind, I was wondering if you could tell me what all the different nurses job description is. I was thinking of taking an lpn course and then up-grading to something else once I learned a few things.

HollyKate is right......you have to start with school first. If ya have any other questions let me know.

CEN35 (Rick)

I suggest that you have to be really sure of what you are aspiring for. As a start, try to enroll on a nursing aide course, then try to get a job in a hospital and see how the LPNs or the RNs work. If you do approved of what you see, then try enrolling into an LPN program. If you are still interested, go ahead and proceed with the RN program. I am from Canada too and I know that if you are working in some facilities, they can help you finance or help you with your schedules if you are working under the.

Goodluck and hope this helps. Just don't waste time and act now.:p

Specializes in Geriatrics, LTC.
Originally posted by leeriza

As a start, try to enroll on a nursing aide course

I totally agree with this...anyone going into the nursing field should do this....becoming a CNA is a great way to "get your feet wet".....CNA's are not only in nursing homes either...I was a CNA in a hospital and a nursing home and I really gained alot of experience. Made nursing school alot easier. Good luck!! :rolleyes: :D

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Learn About the Nursing Profession and Career Forecast for Nurses

http://www.nursing.about.com/cs/aboutnursing/?PM=ss11_nursing

U.S.

Discover Nursing:

http://www.discovernursing.com

To Be A Nurse:

Has links to SE PA and NJ schools of nursing and what you can do with a nursing degree.

http://www.tobeanurse.com

Canada:

Canadian Nurses Association

http://www.cna-nurses.ca/default.htm

Careers in nursing and educational links:

http://www.cna-nurses.ca/_frames/careers/careersframe.htm

Specializes in SICU.

My opinion:

Do some online research about what nurses REALLY do, read this and other boards to learn about the issues nurses are facing, and if you're still interested, just go straight for the RN and get it over with.

being that I am from Canada it might help your search of info if you look under RPN as that is what our "version" of the LPN is titled

(registered practical nurse)

as for work in the hospital, it can happen immediately after nursing school and even before you write your nursing exam for your license. You have to obtain a temporary license to do so though

it helps to research all aspects of nursing and figure out what your goal is and where your interest lies.

then again that can change on a moments notice, afterall youre talking to a nurse who was supposed to be a journalist :)

good luck and keep us posted

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