Nursing Experience?

KellNY, RN · Jun 10, 2007

Most tech positions require you to be a CNA or CMA 9certified medical assistant) and they usually want experience.

6 weeks seems like a lot, but it isn't. How else did you plan on learning how to do vitals, finger sticks, basic patient care, etc?

Some doctors offices will train you as a medical assistant on the job, but that's hard to find.

The only hospital job you're going to find with no training or background is maybe transport, distribution, admitting, dietary, that kind of thing.

nursenpnk, RN · Jun 10, 2007

Unfortunatley healthcare is an area that takes awhile to be trained. It makes sense as there are mutiple tasks that need to be accomplished that are usually not applicable in a non healthcare position. I know we all want to be quick with getting a medically related job, but unfortunately its not the most practical plan. Btw being a nursing assistant is a wonderful experience and will in the end make you a better nurse. So if you have this opportunity and can hanlde the 6 wks please consider it. I was a nursing asst as well as a tech in the ed during nursing school and the experience was very beneficial. techs usually require more healthcare related experience to be hired than the assistants because they often due blood draws EKGs and other things of that nature, i was able to accept this position after two years of nursing school exp. best of luck to you :-)

ariannasmom · Jun 10, 2007

Most tech positions require you to be a CNA or CMA 9certified medical assistant) and they usually want experience.
6 weeks seems like a lot, but it isn't. How else did you plan on learning how to do vitals, finger sticks, basic patient care, etc?
Some doctors offices will train you as a medical assistant on the job, but that's hard to find.
The only hospital job you're going to find with no training or background is maybe transport, distribution, admitting, dietary, that kind of thing.

I agree 6 weeks isn't a lot, but due to financial circumstances I need to start working and the ideal job right now would be in the medical field to gain experience. I actually already got my CNA but I let it expire and then moved to another state.

Dixiecup · Jun 10, 2007

I agree 6 weeks isn't a lot, but due to financial circumstances I need to start working and the ideal job right now would be in the medical field to gain experience. I actually already got my CNA but I let it expire and then moved to another state.

If that's the case you can usually just challenge the test for the state you live in without having to take the course all over again.

KellNY, RN · Jun 10, 2007

If that's the case you can usually just challenge the test for the state you live in without having to take the course all over again.

I was going to say that.

OR-your prospective employer may not care that your certificate expired, just that you've had the training and experience.

I think your best bet is to call around. At the very least, you should be able to get an office or clinic job to start off.

ariannasmom · Jun 10, 2007

Thank you! I didn't know that was possible. I will definately call around. Thanks again!

nursewannabee · Jun 10, 2007

If challenging the CNA exam is not possible or waiting to challenge the exam you can always become a sitter in the hospital. What sitters do is to sit with patients who need one-on -ones. These are people with dementia, delerium or have attempted suicide. What you do is sit with the patients and make sure they are safe. Suicidal patients are the easiest. They usually sleep all day and when they become stable enough usually go to the psych floor to get help. Dementia and delerium patients are usually a little bit more challenging but are normally on medication to ease their symptoms. If the patient becomes agitated there are ways to try to calm them- which you will be taught and you can always ring for the nurses. Most of these patients are little elderly old ladies and men and they are so adorable. Sitters do not require licenses and are trained at the hospital. I know hospitals love to hire nursing students especially those with experience as a CNA. Best of luck to you and God bless.