evaughan

I was just hired as an emergency nurse tech for an urgent care. I only have my CNA license and they trained me in splinting and phlebotomy. I take vitals, assist nurses and doctors in procedures, clean rooms, log patients, run labs, etc.

I just got hired as an emergency nurse tech for a hospital and they asked 5 situational questions before my interview.

I got a job as an emergency nurse tech in urgent care with only my CNA and 3 months clinical experience for the class. I volunteered for a local hospital as well. I only had 10 years experience in customer service before this hospital job…just keep applying like crazy! Some hospitals don't want you to have experience because they want to train you their own way.

Just calm down! lol. you seem smart, you will do fine. and you really can't wash your hands too much.

Just keep practicing. Close your eyes and focus on the thump thump lol. Those teaching stethoscopes are HORRIBLE. I had that same problem in my CNA class. I just practiced a ton on everyone that would let me. Try doing it in a quite room and focusing on the sound as best you can. Also, I agree with other posters, don't be fooled by the "needle jump" it is not always accurate. Also, letting the air out slow is key when you are new to BP. I got yelled at in my clinical exam when I did the BP because I let the air out too slowly. I suggest practicing a ton before the test so you're decent at it before the test. I didn't practice enough. Always check your ear pieces to make sure they're in right, make sure you open your diaphragm on the stethoscope, make sure you can feel the brachial pulse before you put your stethoscope on the arm, place your cuff high enough on the arm….I can't think of anything else right now! Those things helped me.

I would find a position that would train you in phlebotomy for free. I got a job as a tech at a local hospital and they trained me for free. Obviously I don't have a phlebotomy certification but I am able to do labs and blood draws within my hospital.

I agree with a lot of the other posters. Volunteering for the hospital you want to work at is helpful, people start to know your name and face. Who you know is a big part of getting hired at a hospital with little to no experience and only your CNA license. If you have to, get a job at a LTC or home health position and gain some experience while you continue to apply for hospital positions.

I would say just keep applying like crazy. I got my CNA license in June and didn't get hired until this month (november). I just applied to every position open in my area. With 6 years of customer service experience you definitely have experience with people, which is a lot of times what employers are looking for. State that you are in nursing school, volunteer for the place you'd like to get hired at if you have time. It took a long time for me to get an interview but I just kept trying! Good luck!

I didn't study at all during my CNA class and I passed the written exam and clinical exam without any problem. If you pay attention in class and are already taking classes for nursing, you should have no problem with the CNA training/class.

In Kansas City, MO you're lucky if you get $10 an hour as a CNA. I would be extremely happy with $12 an hour starting out in a LTC facility. Hospitals tend to pay more. I was recently hired as a nurse tech in a hospital starting at $14 an hour.

I love the hospital setting! I did my CNA training for 3 months in a LTC Alzheimer's specialty unit and it was HARD. A lot of the CNA's didn't care, most of the nurses I encountered were lazy and didn't want to help and the patients were left alone way too much. I realize that the CNA's were overworked and underpaid (generally $8-$10 per hour) and so I can't be too hard on them because what are you supposed to do when you don't have enough help? I have volunteered in home health and if you like the freedom of being accountable to yourself and to the patient, that might be the setting for you. If you aren't a nurse, home health doesn't pay that well. The hospital setting seems to be the best in pay. I was hired as an emergency nurse tech for $14 an hour with no experience and only my CNA license. I love it! I work in urgent care and am currently being trained in splinting and phlebotomy as well which are things you wouldn't learn as a tech in an LTC setting or home health setting. I agree with havehope, a hospital seems to be the best learning experience if you are wanting to eventually be an RN.