need advice

ERNurse752, RN · Feb 10, 2005

See if you can get a job in a hospital. You don't necessarily have to become a CNA to do that. You could see if you could shadow a nurse to get an idea of what areas you may have an interest in.

I think being a CNA/tech/LPN/EMT/etc is nothing but a good thing, if that's the route one has taken. It all provides experience.

In addition to the nursing shortage, there is also a shortage of nursing professors. Which is why it won't help to build more schools or classrooms. Unfortunately!

Good luck with school.

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2005

I agree, get any job at a hospital you can. If you can find something with direct patient care, the better. It will make it easier for you while you are in school, and certainly make it easier for you when you graduate. I think CNA, tech, something that you get a variety of exposure with help you most. I have know many nurses who started as ward clerks, CNA's, phlebotomists, etc. Any experience you have in dealing with patients, learning the lingo, learning the flow of things, will put you miles ahead when you finish.

bryandamatrix · Feb 10, 2005

well i dont have experience in health care. i tried searching to monster job they need like some requrements. is there any entry level i can get in or i just need to volunteer first and take some medical terminology class. A friend suggest i should take pylebotamy but i am almost done with my prerequisite 2 more semister. i was a LVN student but i decided to go RN.

this is my first time looking for a job n hospital and i dont know where to begin.

any tips would be aprreciate it

my exp:

excellent customer skills

computer literate

ERNurse752, RN · Feb 10, 2005

Call the hospitals directly, or look for the hospitals' websites. For most tech jobs, you don't need anything but a high school diploma or GED. You will also be attractive to them b/c you're in nursing school and once you finish a semester of clinicals or so, should be able to become a student nurse extern.

I've found that monster isn't very good for finding hospital jobs.

jetsetter · Feb 10, 2005

The absolute best experience you'll find anywhere is a tech in an ER. some places may want you to already be accepted into a nursing program, but they might take you if they know you are headed that way. You will see everything, trauma, peds, geri, ortho, neuro, and will be able to observe things you wouldn't dream even exist in school.!. the responsibility level is low, and most ER's are so grateful for tech help they will let you set your own schedule. very flexible w/school, etc. You won't regret it, even if ER is not your final destination.

ttgcole · Feb 10, 2005

well i dont have experience in health care. i tried searching to monster job they need like some requrements. is there any entry level i can get in or i just need to volunteer first and take some medical terminology class. A friend suggest i should take pylebotamy but i am almost done with my prerequisite 2 more semister. i was a LVN student but i decided to go RN.
this is my first time looking for a job n hospital and i dont know where to begin.
any tips would be aprreciate it
my exp:
excellent customer skills
computer literate

Hello,

I am doing my pre req's as well. When I decided I wanted to be a nurse I thought I should jump in and get over some of my blood and guts issues. I just applied at the local ER as an admitting rep. I know it's not direct patient contact but I learned a whole lot and also helped with networking. I had only worked in offices before but my computer/customer service skills helped me get in the door. Hope this helps a little!

ICUnowOHN · Feb 10, 2005

While I was still doing prereq's like you, I volunteered on a cardiac tele floor at one of the local hospitals. It gave me a lot of good experiences.

Lorbun · Feb 11, 2005

Any job that requires multi-tasking will be a great help. I know it sounds weird, but waiting tables, having multiple customers, and trying to get to them all in a timely manner is alot like nursing. - Oh yeah, and keeping a smile on your face the whole time - good practice. Just a thought