Office nursing

[didi768]

I've been in pediatric home care for 11 yrs. in Tampa FL but so want office now. Should I take phlebotomy classes as well as EKG classes before applying? Even if I take those, when they ask if I have EXPERIENCE in them, do I say YES even though have not actually done them in a work capacity or is taking the classes considered experience? I always wondered. And then of course I have no experience in electronic charting either. All these things are against me and all I want to do is learn office. I'm done with nursing homes and home care but I need SOMETHING. So wish I'd gone for the 4 yr. RN to begin with. No hospitals in Tampa will hire even a 2 yr. RN...only 4. Sucks for me.

[ashleebaby02]

I'm sure they will teach you how to obtain an EKG. I learned on the job. Same goes for phlebotomy, if you already have your cert. you really only need some experience. I wouldn't lie. I would say "I did receive some experience in school, I just need to brush up my skills and I'll be good to go" something to that sort

[Natasha A., CNA, LVN]

didi768

Have you found a place to train you in EMR?

[didi768]

NO. Not really looking now either.

[Natasha A., CNA, LVN]

Hi didi768, your inbox is full girl :) Really? You have A LOT of work experience and that is always good. :) Yes, my plan is to do the lvn-rn route and take it one step at a time. If you google medicaid lvn self employed on here, you will see a few lvns making pretty good money doing private duty. You should check it out

[didi768]

Hmm private duty as in homes? I did that I can't take the isolation. Please don't go the LPN to RN route because I think the bridge program only gets you the 2 yr. and in FL they will not hire any less than a 4 yr. RN but that's FL...not sure about anywhere else. I better clean out my inbox right now lol

[Red Kryptonite]

Please don't go the LPN to RN route

There are a lot of valid reasons to choose that route, and many who do go on to earn a BSN. There are lots of places to work besides hospitals for a person on the journey. Don't discourage people from a path that works.

[nursel56]

Hi Didi - I did it the other way around (clinic/office then private duty). It is quite true that each office has it's own way of doing things but even so I would go ahead a take a phlebotomy course. In my state it's available as an additional certification and could give you that edge over another candidate when it comes down to the last cut.

One thing I learned was that each practice has it's own particular way of handling common procedures and often has procedures unique to that specialty. To prepare for an interview you would want to study up on "well care" for the population served by the practice and/or learn enough to familiarize yourself with procedures common to specialties, such as the basics of allergy testing in an Allergist's office.

I think your years in pediatric home care will be a plus if a pediatric or family practice office is looking to hire. I would probably not wait to start applying for jobs if you know that's what you want to do.

Most offices rely heavily on organizational and "people" skills. If you emphasize those things you can honestly say you'll get a handle on whatever medical record system they use. I've heard tell that some diehards are still using (gasp!) paper!

Anyway, just my thoughts. I found working in clinics/offices very rewarding and you can't beat the hours! Best wishes!

[Natasha A., CNA, LVN]

Didi768I believe its private duty medicaid nursing. I saw a a few lvn's on here talking about it. Yes, I wish I could take the straight RN route , but my gpa is low and the waiting list in long. I also would like to make more money soon.