Need help getting my foot in the door; any suggestions?

premedturnednursing · Oct 31, 2008

I don't know how much any of those positions pay, but I would just say get in where you fit in, and if all else fails, volunteer there until something comes open! That way you will have already been exposed to the environment. I mean, I know you are trying to find a job, but if you end up having to work elsewhere and volunteer there for a few hours.

Also, I don't think it really matters how much hospital experience you have in regards to admission. Or does it? (Someone correct me if I'm wrong). Just make sure you have a strong application--look good on paper.

I feel like I'm rambling, so I hope that helps! Good luck

NeoNurseTX, RN · Oct 31, 2008

I had NO hospital or healthcare exp when I started nursing school. I worked as a student nurse extern at SLEH and made a little over 10/hr.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Oct 31, 2008

I agree- hospital experience really isn't a factor in generic entry programs. The idea of taking advantage of the tuition reimbursement is a good one.

LiLGTO · Nov 17, 2008

I too am interested in some sort of hospital job while I'm working on finishing my prereq's for the RN program at Lone Star College in Houston. It would be nice to have a hospital help with my nursing education while I work there. I have applied for some non nursing jobs at some hospitals online but I have not heard anything from them. I have 18 years professional sales and consulting experience in the computer industry. I even have 5 years background with medical practice management software systems for physicians.

Anyone have any suggestions to get us in front of some HR people at some of the hospitals without a nursing degree or certificate???

Cailex · Nov 20, 2008

I had the same problem as you guys. I have several years experience out in the various fields, but none in the healthcare industry. I applied off and on for over a year at various hospitals for various positions with not even a bite from them. Finally I tried Conroe Regional (they don't require for you to be a CNA) and I am now a Nursing Assistant there. They offer tuition reimbursement plus the experience gained will be invaluable.

Thanks!

RADIATION_RN · Dec 12, 2008

I would definitely recommend starting out as a Unit Secretary is you have trouble getting a CNA or nurse aide position. Right out of highschool I was lucky to get my first job ever as a radiology transporter at a 1,000 bed major hospital in San Antonio. I did that for about 8 months before transfering to be a unit clerk on the gynecology/oncology unit. I did that for about 3 years before cross training to be a nurse aide/unit clerk. I learned so much about what nurses do through transcribing the doctors orders, learning about meds, different diagnostic and lab tests and so on, as a unit clerk. Then when they cross trained me to start doing nurse aide things, I learned even more.

After I moved to Austin, it was so easy to find a job because of my 6 years of previous hospital experience. I ended up working in an outpatient radiation clinic and have been doing that for the last 5 years. I miss the hospital sometimes just because of the flexibility in the hours, especially since I am almost in nursing school. I loved working night shift, not only for the better pay, but the overall more relaxed working environment.

ADNStudentTX · Dec 12, 2008

Thanks for the good info. I appreciate it. I take my state test next week for CNA & then will apply. I want to work 2 24hr shifts at one hosp with tuition benes on day one (but not great hourly pay) & then 3 days (2 24hrs & 1 8hr) with better pay & tuition benes in after 6 months. If I go belly up doing the CNA thing (which I don't think I will & hope I won't) I will reinvent myself ONE MORE TIME & do the unit scy as you suggest. Many thanks!

ADNStudentTX · Dec 12, 2008

I am applying to two hospitals for two jobs; 2 days at #1 & 3 days at #2.

RADIATION_RN · Dec 12, 2008

No problem! Good luck in your plan!! If you aren't happy with the pay as just a nurse aide, after you get the experience, see if they can cross train you as a clerk also. Most hospitals pay more money to employees with many different abilities. I know my pay rate jumped about $2 more an hour just being trained as a nurse aide in addition to a unit secretary. Some of the BEST RN's I have worked with got their start as a clerk and/or nurse aide. I think it humbles you as a nurse to know what it is like doing the "little people" jobs as it has been referred to. I have worked with some nurses who graduated with no previous hospital experience and they thought it was below them to write their own meds on the MARS, or order their own lab orders for patients themselves. Of course, this isn't meant to speak for every nurse, just my experience.