Difference Between Having experience as an Er Tech vs. Shadowing Program?

[Bach4231]

I'm currently a student completing my pre requisites for nursing school. In preparation for building my resume I'm curious of which experience is looked at more favorably: Er tech or hospital volunteer experience/ nurse shadowing programs. I understand an Er tech position to be related to the medical field, but since a shadowing program is specifically related to the field of nursing would it better to have on a resume?

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

ER tech, hands down. While being a hospital volunteer/nurse shadow position sounds good, my experience is that volunteers are allowed very little actual hands on patient experience. The hospitals i work at will allow volunteers to answer phones, do minor secretarial work, sit with patients (for companionship, not for safety/suicidal reasons), and read to patients. Volunteers are not allowed to do vitals, help with baths, or even feed patients.

Whereas an ER tech will be trained to obtain vital signs, start IV and obtain labs, do EKG's, get experience with assisting with codes, etc. Many times ER's prefer to hire people with EMT experience into these roles but if you are able to get an ER tech job I would take it as it will teach you skills that will be much more valuable to use as an RN. Also, if you have any interest in working as an ER RN someday, ER tech experience will look great on your resume.

[Bach4231]

I recently obtained my emt-b certification, starting on the paramedic/fireman route. That is until I realized the fire service wasn't my particular cup of tea. I was going to get experience working as an emt, but eight dollars an hour doesn't cut it when I live on my own and pay for school. I also work as a personal trainer, so with the combination of everything my availability to work as an er tech would be limited to one to two days a week :/. Is it even possible to get hired with such a low amount of availability?

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I recently obtained my emt-b certification, starting on the paramedic/fireman route. That is until I realized the fire service wasn't my particular cup of tea. I was going to get experience working as an emt, but eight dollars an hour doesn't cut it when I live on my own and pay for school. I also work as a personal trainer, so with the combination of everything my availability to work as an er tech would be limited to one to two days a week :/. Is it even possible to get hired with such a low amount of availability?

Are you willing/able to work nights or weekends? Even doing 2 12hr shifts a week you would be able to work part-time. As an ER tech you should be making more than $8/hr depending on your area.

[Bach4231]

I'm applying for positions now so we'll see. Thanks for the advice Christine! One more question, would a CNA be more beneficial then becoming an ER tech? I don't have my CNA certificate but obtaining one isn't difficult or time consuming. Any advice?