Prior Medical Experience When Looking For That First Nursing Job

[techraider77, ADN, BSN]

How important is this? I am working retail part time and plan to do it as well through nursing school. It fits my schedule and is close to home. Should I be earnestly looking for a medical job like a nurse extern position, or does it make that much difference when looking for a job after nursing school? I will be able to move anywhere for employment. Thank you.

[JustEnuff2BDangerous, BSN, RN]

I took the same route you are taking now; I worked at a bank during my entire college career, including nursing school. I did not do a "nurse tech"/nurse intern/extern program because I needed the health insurance that my bank job provided me. Do I feel like I am at a disadvantage now, having not done that? Not really. The nurse tech program is usually held in the summer around here, and then if you choose to stay on after the summer, you essentially become a CNA, because you're not licensed and so you cannot do many nursing functions. There are some cases where some of my classmates were nurse techs during the summer and then afterwards, and now they have a leg up because they have experience in whatever area they are now working in, which is the same area that they teched in. They know the flow of the unit, where things are, how things work, etc.

In our particular town and in our particular hospital, previously being employed as a nurse tech or being "on scholarship" (accepting money from the hospital in exchange for ___ years of service) did not make a difference in getting a job over someone who had never worked there; I got a job just as easily, and I've never worked there. I know many hospitals, however, are in hiring freezes and are only taking on new graduates who are currently employed by them or who have accepted a scholarship from them in exchange for a year or two of employment. So it really depends on the status of your hospital, economy-wise.

If you are able to move anywhere for employment, and begin having a hard time getting a job, you can always consider travel nursing - I'm not sure I've ever heard of them having hiring freezes!

[aromarn]

I am a new grad looking for a job, and its been hard getting one because of the economy and lack of experience. I went to school full time, but some of my friends work part time in medical related job and most of them got hired now either in the same place or some place else. on your resume , experience is EVERYTHING whatever it is!So I say go for it for part time. You will have something to put on your resume plus a reference letter from the place you worked. Good luck to you!!

[calledtodo]

I think it would be worth it to get the training now and get your foot in the door. In some of the post circulating, some nurses are having a hard time finding a job. Will that be you, not necessarily, but nowadays things are more competitive.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I would spend a few weeks earning a CNA certification so you can spend your part-time working hours in a hospital, nursing home, rehabilitation facility, or home health agency. In this slumping economy, prior healthcare experience might be the one thing that sets you positively apart from the rest of the new grads.

[UserG]

If you are able to move anywhere for employment, and begin having a hard time getting a job, you can always consider travel nursing - I'm not sure I've ever heard of them having hiring freezes!

You know of travel nursing agencies that would take a new grad? Please, please, please share! The places I see have 18 months experience requirements.

[jessi1106, BSN, RN]

I don't think there is any "right" answer.

I never worked in health care until I became nurse (two years ago).

One of the factors my manager was looking at was GPA. I would be cautious about how a new job may impact your studies.

Sounds like you are flexible on where you will end up working, and that is certainly in your favor.

My sister actully JUST got her second BSN in nursing and was never an aide etc...she is now getting interviews, and all looks good for a job.

The nurse extern/aide would certainly add to your knowledge...and most likely be very helpful...just weigh all of the factors involved

Good luck to you.

[Jules A, MSN]

It does depend on the climate of jobs in your area for when you graduate. I also kept my non-nursing job because I made 3Xs the money I could have as a CNA. I didn't have a problem getting hired right out of school but I'm in a good area and the economy was better. Good luck.