Non-Nursing Work Experience...will this be a minus?

elkpark · Jul 22, 2009

Hospitals and other healthcare employers are very accustomed to dealing with new graduates who have no prior work experience in healthcare. Shouldn't be a problem. Obviously, you would be a less desirable candidate than an experienced RN applying for the same job, but even having previous non-RN work experience in healthcare doesn't give you that much of an advantage in applying for RN jobs. There's nothing else (no other kind of job, even in healthcare) that's really like being an RN. The important thing (when job-hunting) will be that you're completing school and are getting licensed. That's what really matters to potential employers.

Best wishes for your last year of school! :)

CharleeJo.RN · Jul 23, 2009

Yes, that is typical for a new grad. But you mentioned that you were considering getting an aide's position - I would definitely recommend it. Especially if you can be an aide in a hospital, but LTC is good too. Even though it's not in the same "realm" as LPN or RN, it is still healthcare experience and maybe some of the nurses you'd work with would let ya shadow them in your free time =) Good luck!

sh1901 · Jul 23, 2009

Thanks to you both for your responses. It's been my dream to be a nurse for a very long time and I guess now that the end of school is getting closer, I'm starting to stress myself out a bit!

elkpark · Jul 23, 2009

Yes, that is typical for a new grad. But you mentioned that you were considering getting an aide's position - I would definitely recommend it. Especially if you can be an aide in a hospital, but LTC is good too. Even though it's not in the same "realm" as LPN or RN, it is still healthcare experience and maybe some of the nurses you'd work with would let ya shadow them in your free time =) Good luck!

Working as a CNA or aide is great experience if you need to work, but I would never encourage anyone to work as a CNA or aide if they didn't need to work and if it would cut into their studying and doing well in school, just to get the experience. IMHO, the experience and "benefit" gained working as a CNA is limited (again, it has v. little to do with RN practice) and is not worth affecting your performance in school. I would encourage you to focus your attention and energy on doing well in school, as much as possible (if you have to work, that's a different issue).

CharleeJo.RN · Jul 24, 2009

I agree, elkpark. Studies should come first and I know that firsthand - I quit working to focus all my energy into nursing school, and it definitely paid off! However, even though aide work is a different world from RN, it is still valuable experience - you get to see & learn a lot. What I learned from being an aide (6 years ago) has benefit me in my studies & also helped me realize I DO NOT want to work in LTC.

I believe it's great experience, but of course not at the expense of your schooling. If you need extra cash, have the time for it, and your studies wouldn't suffer, I would absolutely encourage it! =) Take care!

sh1901 · Jul 24, 2009

thanks everyone. Unfortunately, I am working while going to school, but it's a non-medical position and I get paid too much to give it up for something else in the mean time....so, maybe I'll see if I can find some volunteer work over school breaks or something.

I appreciate all of the input!!