More NAP Questions!

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Specializes in CNA, RN Student.

So, I have a couple more questions regarding the Nurse Apprentice positions. I noticed that they are now showing up on the hospital websites, so I applied online. But, what is the best way to apply to these positions...online? In person? Also, I mentioned to a 3rd semester friend of mine that I wanted to do this and he warned me that it's really hard and a lot of people regret it because of the time lost.

My thing is, I'm not doing it for the money or because I have extra time, I really want to get a little extra experience on top of clinicals and I want to apply skills as if I were really working, you know? So I was under the impression that they work with your schedule and it's not like a full time thing anyway....at least that's what I read here. So if anyone has any more info about it...please let me know!

TIA!

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Specializes in SRNA.

I wish I could speak more about the culture down in LV, but up here, they are extremely flexible with your school schedule. I only work one 12 per week, if I want to...I basically let them know ahead of time what days I want to work. However, if I wanted to work half a day or leave in the middle of my shift to go to class, they'd let me. Fortunately, my school days are usually only 3-4 days a week, so I have time to work a full day.

I would suggest it to anyone. I've been a nurse apprentice since June and I'm graduating next month, and I definitely think I have a leg up on my classmates that are not working as nurse apprentices as far as clinical skill and organization. Not to mention, I've already been offered a new grad position in the unit I've been working in whereas my classmates are stressing about job interviews and the like.

Go for it! As far as applying, I spoke with the nurse manager of the unit I wanted to work in and inquired if they had nurse apprentice positions available and informed her I would be applying online (since that's the only way they accept apps at my facility) and she called me back once she got my app.

Best wishes!

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Specializes in CNA, RN Student.

Thanks Reno! I will definitely give it a try (well, I will apply for the positions and see what happens). So, if you apply online, you can let someone know that your resume/application has been submitted so that they can look for it? How hard is it to get a position, I mean is there a lot of applicants?

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Specializes in Peds, PICU, Home health, Dialysis.

I love being a NAP! I learn so much on each shift and definitely have a leg up on most of my classmates. And because they essentially give me my own patients, I have learned a lot about time management and how to schedule their treatments. It has also taught me how to interact with the physicians and residents, how to do all of the paperwork involved with nursing as well. It has been an awesome experience and I would never trade it. I personally work two grave 12-hour shifts on the weekends and it doesn't bother me. I only have to work 2 shifts a month though and it is self scheduling, meaning I can schedule myself around classes or personal things.

The way I was hired was I initially applied online and then also brought a resume, cover letter, references, a copy of my BLS card, a copy of my nursing skills check list, AND a copy of my verification of enrollment in a nursing school. I then gave my nursing recruiter a call a week later and another week later and left her messages.

I was finally granted an interview and hired out of 10 people interviewed for that position.

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