Nursing Experience

[zeroburnz3]

I will be starting nursing program for my adn this spring 2011. My dream is to get accepted for the UCLA Medical Center New Grad program after I graduate. How do I get work experience while I am in school? I want to get as much experience as I can, especially critical care experience, so I can stand out once I apply for the New grad program.

Anyone has any adivce for me?

[AgentBeast, MSN, RN]

Working as a CNA is going to be your best bet. However, I'd advise you to only work during the summer as nursing school can be quite demanding.

[RNrobert]

Many hospitals have positions for Student nurse workers that you will be eligible for after you complete your first semester of nursing school. Apply early and aggressively. If you get the position be the hardest most eager employee possible and get to know the people who have the power to hire you when you get licensed.

[diamondmeadows, BSN, RN]

I have no insight into the specific program you are interested in, but I will give you the advice I give all nursing students. Work as a nursing assistant while you are in school. As previous posters have said, you are usually eligible to do this after your first semester of clinicals. Even if you only work part-time or PRN, this will give you great experience and allow you to network. If you want to do even more, I suggest that you volunteer at a hospital once a week. This can be a good opportunity to network, but I realize that balancing work, volunteering, and nursing school may be impractical for you.

I'm glad to hear that you're working on building your resume now. It's much easier to work on these things before you graduate rather than try to do so as an unemployed new grad. I wish you the best of luck!

[zeroburnz3]

Whats PRN?

HOw often a week will I have to work for nusing assistant if I'm still in school?

If I want to volunteer at a hospital once a week, do I accept any open position? How does volunteer work if I am a nursing student. I don't want to volunteer just to volunteer, but to be able to have good critical care experience. Will I get this experience through volunteer work as a student?

[AgentBeast, MSN, RN]

Whats PRN?

HOw often a week will I have to work for nusing assistant if I'm still in school?

If I want to volunteer at a hospital once a week, do I accept any open position? How does volunteer work if I am a nursing student. I don't want to volunteer just to volunteer, but to be able to have good critical care experience. Will I get this experience through volunteer work as a student?

PRN is short for pro re nata. Which is latin for when necessary or as needed.