Nursing Your First Job in the Healthcare Field?

[xhsx]

I was a CNA for almost 4 years working at a post-op rehab (where we mostly dealt with hips and knees) and then home care. I hurt my back, so I transitioned into becoming a pharmacy technician. I work in an inpatient hospital pharmacy now and as much as I love this job, I miss being a CNA. As much as it stressed me out beyond belief, it was the best job I've ever had. That's why I'm super excited to start nursing school in the fall!

I was just curious to see if anyone else was influenced by a job they had, and if it helped you when you went into nursing? I'm hoping that my past/present experience will at least help me out a little when I start nursing school especially when it comes to medications and IVs.

[Swellz]

I was a retail pharmacy tech, an office assistant in my PCP's office, and worked the floor as an extern before nursing. I think all jobs/life experience can teach us qualities we need as nurses, but I can definitely say I have a greater appreciation for what happens post-discharge because of my history in the pharmacy and office. It informed a lot of my discharge instructions/prep. I know I work better on our floor having been an ancillary; some nurses really don't get how much work our techs/CNAs do.

[jojo489]

I worked as a direct care staff for people with disabilities in a group home for 5 years before becoming a nurse. That was what solidified nursing as my career path. :)