Nursing Assistant VS. Telemetry Tech position

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I was wondering if I could get some good feeback from some experienced nurses as to which position would be more valuable for my future. I am a nursing student (RN) and have the opportunity to work as a Nursing Assistant on a heavy med-surg/ortho floor OR as a Telemetry Tech. My ultimate goal as I become an RN, is to be in the ER or a Critical Care Unit. I have one year left as a student and I want to use it wisely. THANK YOU!!

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

I think you would be better on the med/surg floor. You would learn a lot more. What you would learn as a tele tech would be taught to you in a critical care or ER course/orientation.

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Specializes in ER, Hospice, CCU, PCU.

I have to agree. Getting out on the floor will give you the best exposure. Once you learn to read a monitor you know it. :banghead: Check and see if your hospital uses Nursing Students in the ER. Ours does. First year students (Nurse Associates I)are taught to same skills as our ERT's {Emergency Room Tech's}, last year students (Nurse Associate II) spend some of their time shadowing a nurse. It is kinda like a "Grow your own" program. It's working out real well for us, and the student have a job that pay's and tutition reinbursement.

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THANKS so much for your replies... I think I've arrived at the same conclusion. I really want to build my confidence in patient care. I need more than just one clinical night a week for school. I will feel more confident to not be in my school uniform on the floor, feeling like part of the team. I also will have the opportunity to be floated to the ER on some nights. THANKS again for your input, I appreciate it!!

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