Patient Registrar

[Ashes172, BSN, RN]

I was hoping I could get some advice from all of you on here.... I just recently decided to change careers from teaching chemistry to nursing. I'm finishing up my prerequisites and starting the nursing program in the spring. I have also been lookin for a job to get my foot in the door but haven't been having much luck at all. I just got my CNA but with no experience no one seems interested. I have the opportunity to take a job as a patient registrar in a local hospital here in the ED though, so my question is will the job be helpful for me long term as far as getting experience or not so much? It sounds kinda interesting but if it isn't going to be helpful long term maybe I should just keep looking....??

Thanks for any input!!

[Ashes172, BSN, RN]

I also volunteer in a hospital doing newborn hearing screens but from what I can tell no one counts that as actual experience

[smoup]

I work in an ER as a patient registrar. I like it. If you pay attention, you can pick up a lot of information from the nurses.

[Divatologist, ADN]

Your foot will be in the door. After your grace period, you can transfer to a nurse tech/CNA position within the hospital. Also, look for unit clerk positions too. Look for positions that will put you directly on a floor where they do patient care. Most hospitals offer tuition reimbursement too. Some schools are aslo requiring you to have health insurance. If you're not on someone else's insurance plan, then make sure you check to see if those things are offered. Good Luck in school!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

if they will flex with you regarding school hours, I say go ahead. Any hospital experience is better than none and you will be able to network with other disciplines. May not count as "experience" when you want a nursing job, but if people know your work ethic that will go a long way

[Ashes172, BSN, RN]

Thanks everyone! I got the job, I'm pretty excited

[TNT365]

I agree with smoup. I work too as Patient Registrar and it can be helpful, not as much because we are not clinical. I have learned different medical terms and how to place patient in severity levels. The ED position can give you flexibility as they run 24 hours. Not sure what shift they are offering you, but I am sure you will work it out. Get your foot in the door, become close with the ED staff and establish working relationship with people that can help you further your career.