Published Mar 12, 2006
Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP
477 Posts
Hey, I'm going into nursing school this Fall, but I want to have some kind of practical experience with patients beforehand if possible. I have no previous medical background, though. Most of my experience is clerical. I have an Associate's, but it's in elementary education, which is practically useless. I was just wondering if there is any type of entry-level job (like some type of helper or aide) that will let you work with patients. Thanks for your help. I'm just at a loss because there's no "Big Book of Medical Jobs and Their Training Requirements."
RNMISTY362b
26 Posts
Go to the nurse recurter of a hospital and talk to them they can help. Also a job fair for nurse also help place student nurses. you will probally get a job as a pct. the requirements are nit always written in stone at entry level postions. I went to a nursing job fair and got hired onthe spot with no experience as a PCT main because I am in nursing school.
Hey, thanks for the info. I'm going to call on Monday.
Pitbullgirl
117 Posts
Definitely contact nurse recruitment and/or HR at the hospital you'd like to work, and find out how to get a job as a CNA/tech. Where I live in Kentucky, you either have to have completed the first semester in nursing school, or have completed a CNA course (only takes a couple of weeks, I think).
I highly recommend working as a tech before and during school. I worked as a tech in the ED just prior to school, during and even after. I graduated this December, took boards and passed, and still worked as a tech in the ED until 2 weeks ago. I start as an RN in the OR next week!
Best wishes, and good luck with school. Nursing care plans for clinicals may have you doubting whether to stay in nursing school (god I hated them, but almost everyone does) but it's worth it. Just keep your eye on the goal.