6 months of assisted living to hospital?

[naide88]

So I've been working as "resident aide" in assisted living for about 6 months and was wondering if I should start looking for jobs at hospitals in my area?

I am a nursing student and think I would gain a lot of knowledge from a hospital instead of from the assisted living where I work now. I do love all the residents though and would miss them terribly if I quit.

Does anyone have any input?

[abenver]

Well, I worked assisted living for 2 1/2 years before a hospital would even interview me...However generally, hospitals like to see one year experience in direct patient care before they will even call you for an interview.

[Codeda]

I would start applying. Especially if you are a nursing student and that is on your resume or cover letter or whatever the hospital may take that into consideration. My sister was able to get a job at the hospital with no experience at all by just being a nursing student. Good luck

[yousoldtheworld]

It can never hurt to apply! Some hospitals want you to have a year of experience, but some don't, necessarily.

One thing to think about though, is that hospital work is generally a lot more STRESSFUL than assisted living. This may or may not be an issue for you with school. WHen I was in school, I had a hard time balancing the stress of school with the stress of hospital work. However, you do see and experience really valuable things in the hospital that you won't elsewhere, so you really have to decide what is better for you personally at the time. :)

[rancelumsden]

It can never hurt to apply! Some hospitals want you to have a year of experience, but some don't, necessarily......One thing to think about though, is that hospital work is generally a lot more STRESSFUL than assisted living.....

Fully 2nd that!!!

[casi, ASN, RN]

Stick to what you think you would enjoy. If you think you would enjoy making the change, then do it!

I spent 3 years in Assisted Living before going to do Hospital work. I miss it on occassional, but I also really enjoy my hospital job.

[ColtsMom]

If you're really interested in making the switch apply for some hospital positions then call the human resources department and speak to the CNA recruiter. I did that here and she gave me great information about what they're looking for and what kind of experience I needed to get a position. She suggested 6 months LTC experience since I should get into the nursing program here in August. She was really helpful and appreciative that I expressed an interest in getting experience at this particular hospital and staying there after getting my RN. With the nursing shortage I think that's something that catches their eye.