Nursing unit clerk

[Shan88]

I have just applied for the unit clerk program at the Okanagan college in Vernon, BC. I was hoping to do my BSN; however, the program is extremely difficult to get into here and I would have had to go back to college and finish my associate of arts and get 90% in all 10 classes (30 credits) to be a shoe in for the program since they get up to 200 applicants a semester, and because I would be considered a transfer student. I have children and I do not want to add another year of school, and money to an already busy life. So, I figured this would be an alright alternative and it may encourage me in the future to finish off a year of arts and possibly apply for the program. I'am 110% confident I could handle a job as a unit clerk, I can multitask, I'm kind, and focused at any job I'm thrown into. I work best under pressure, and have a great work ethic, learn easily, etc. I'm under the impression that a lot of younger woman fresh out of highschool may apply for this program and be satisfactory once placed on a unit. A lot of front desk staff I have met in the past at the hospital seem to be older and know what they are doing and get along great with the nurses, and doctors. I'm 27 and look 20 and I'm worried I wont be taken seriously from the get go. Although I'm sure that would change once my co-workers got to know me. Anyways, I know this is a nursing forum but I would love some feed back from nurses in particular. Do you really appreciate your unit clerk, do you find them a vital part of the unit? Do you have more older clerks versus younger? basically any feed back would be great. Lastly, do you think its a program worth taking, do you think the job may be more in demand in the future with baby boomers retiring soon. Do you think I should try and do some volunteer work at the hospital to get to know staff etc.

Thanks in advance.

Shannon.

[kp1987]

Yes it's a good program and decent money and yes you should volunteer at a hospital it's a great experience and allows you to see a bit more of the environment you'd be working in.

[Fiona59]

A good unit clerk is worth their weight in gold. Just don't expect to be thanked for everything you do and loved. As a nurse, I just need to know that the clerk is on top of her stuff and I don't have to do or fix stuff she's supposed to have done.

Doesn't matter how old you are, just be efficient and a sense of humour helps big time