pre nursing student

stpauligirl · Jul 3, 2007

Hi! Thank you for taking time to read my thread. I begin taking my pre-req's for the RN program Aug. 27th. I'm so excited. I currently work as a bartender and well feel that I could be gaining better experience in a hospital/healthcare setting. I've searched local hospital job websites and continue to see that I'm not yet qualified for any technical work. Are there any areas that would help me gain this experience while I'm a student?

:welcome: Maybe you can vonlunteer at a hospital a few hours a week on your days off. I was a Red Cross volunteer a few years back and really enjoyed it.

Good luck and study hard

Ninja Nurse, ASN · Jul 3, 2007

Thank you, that has crossed my mind.

stpauligirl · Jul 4, 2007

Thank you, that has crossed my mind.

I volunteered at the operating room desk, talk about a crash course in Medical terminology LOL...they scheduled all the surgeries and put in info into the computer after the surgeries, Help was always in demand!!!! I helped out with retrieving records, taking specimen to the lab (gall stones, biopsy samples you name it I saw it all ), Can't count the trips to the X-ray department etc....it was very busy and I even helped out with calming the relatives. You'll also get to be the psychologist for the staff I was always there if anyone needed to vent, or a little chat break for the OR techs after being in the OR for a few hours, and many told me about their troubles etc. However, I also had some patient contact particularly early Monday mornings, I always calmed the children down that needed to get tubes put into their ears, many were afraid after their parents left. I read to them, joked with them, I'd bring them little trinkets and stickers etc. I don't remember having too much adult patient contact though. I absolutely loved going every time. After a while everyone new me and I knew everyone in the entire hospital. It was awesome

Oh, and I was always invited to their get-togethers...picnics etc. I felt very valued by all those wonderful people.

shippoRN · Jul 4, 2007

You can try to see if there are unit secretary positions open, you'll have plenty of exposure to the patients and have the oportunity to watch the nurses in action while getting paid.

I currently work in a similar position though its not called that, and the exposure ive had has been priceless, its a big big reason why im heading down the nursing path.

SHELL75 · Jul 4, 2007

If You Can Type, You Could Get A Job In The Er Working Admitting Or Unit Secretary, It Might Give You A Start.

Ninja Nurse, ASN · Jul 4, 2007

Wow guys thank you! Those were very helpful and I'll keep you posted on my progress!!!! Thanks again :typing:yelclap:

LadyEJ BSN, RN · Jul 4, 2007

Hey I'[m a bartender too Good luck with everything!