Poll: Healthcare Experience Before Nursing School?

Published

Did you/do you have healthcare experience prior starting nursing school

If NO - Do you think that the lack of healthcare background has hindered you in your studies in nursing school?

If YES - What is your background and years of experience?

Thank you everyone!! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have no background in the healthcare field and while it does not hinder my studies, it definitely has an impact on my confidence in the clinical setting.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have no background in the healthcare field and while it does not hinder my studies, it definitely has an impact on my confidence in the clinical setting.

I should have added in my original post that I am starting nursing school tomorrow and have no background in healthcare and that is what I am concerned: the clinical setting. I am confident that the classroom aspect I will do fine it is the clinicals that make me nervous!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I believe that everyone brings something to contribute.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in None.

I have no direct patient care experience. Prior to entering nursing school, I was the office coordinator at a hospital for a year.

However, while doing my pre-reqs prior to any of my work experience, I did fine in my classes.

Now, the lack of direct patient care experience does make me nervous for clinicals, but I don't feel that I'm at a disadvantage in the classroom.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If your program doesn't require it, then they're not expecting you to have it. I have very minimal health care experience (took a CNA class, but didn't certify as one) before nursing school and I've done just fine in both theory and clinicals.

Don't freak yourself out before you even start. You're borrowing trouble!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
If your program doesn't require it, then they're not expecting you to have it.

That is an excellent point! I did not think of it that way. I really appreciate your input here...I already feel much better! :yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiology.

Yes, I have 12 years in the field- one+ as a CNA is senior physical rehab, and 11ish in the lab.

There aren't too many people (maybe 4?) in my lab group (about 30 of us) who have experience. I don't think it is hurting most of them, but as I was working on assessments with someone the other day, she asked me tons of "what is that," and "what does that word mean," questions. She is going to have to work harder than someone already familiar with the terminology.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac, Rehab.

I had no direct experience, but am married to a healthcare provider so I have some idea what is involved.

As for clinicals, everybody is nervous to start and you just get over it. I think what helps is how comfortable you are in dealing with people. If interacting with new people makes you nervous, then clinicals will make you nervous. If not, then you will do fine. Also being prepared by knowing the material beforehand will give you confidence in what you are doing. Good Luck with school and enjoy the journey.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I had no direct experience, but am married to a healthcare provider so I have some idea what is involved.

As for clinicals, everybody is nervous to start and you just get over it. I think what helps is how comfortable you are in dealing with people. If interacting with new people makes you nervous, then clinicals will make you nervous. If not, then you will do fine. Also being prepared by knowing the material beforehand will give you confidence in what you are doing. Good Luck with school and enjoy the journey.

Thank you very much for your advice. All of my work experience directly involves dealing with the public. I have many years of customer service experience and being a banker for several years have dealt with people not always in the best of moods. I understand now that working in nursing will be similar but applying new skills rather than finance skills. I think being able to openly talk to and meet new people will really help. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry/IMC.

I had no healthcare experience prior to entering nursing school. It has not 'hindered' my studying, but like others have said, I was nervous about applying my knowledge and skills in a clinical setting. It's better now though :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MICU - CCRN, IR, Vascular Surgery.

I worked for an eye doctor for a year (not terribly helpful except for the unit on eye problems!). I've worked in a doctor's office scanning medical records for the last 3 years and that's been very helpful, but more in the "learning by osmosis" type since I don't work with people at all.

The biggest help to me was spending almost 4 years working as a veterinary assistant. I did direct patient care, client education, medications, treatments, x-rays, blood draws, lab tests, assisted with surgery, induced/maintained/recovered anesthesia, intubation, dental cleanings, and post-mortem care. It has been incredibly helpful to have been around these things before and have some form of reference for several drugs or conditions, even if it was on a smaller and furrier scale :)

I'd like to bring it all together one day by training my own therapy dog, getting him certified, and taking him to nursing homes to do pet therapy one day a week :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion