JMayRose

Hello all! I'm in a potentially wonderful predicament that has my heart racing and hopeful. Background: I am a pre nursing student (BSN-RN), I start the Nursing Program in January. I'm honored and humbled to begin an education for a future in nursing! Here's my predicament. I have been applying to jobs at a local hospital since June for patient care tech positions and after two months of applying to probably 15 different positions and one interview where they wanted to hire me but couldn't because of my lack of experience (they really needed someone with experience for the specific position) I started losing hope and decided to begin applying to other jobs in the hospital, clerical type jobs thinking that any job at the hospital could be a positive step forward into my future career by at least being in a medical environment. So I began applying to those "other" positions that aren't necessarily related to nursing. My husband had a job change back in May and our finances have taken a hit, I need to start working again to help out with this burden. YESTERDAY I received a call about a job I applied for back in June for a PCT position (registry; days; no benefits) and was asked if I still had interest and I nearly jumped out of my seat with excitement that I received a call at all and said yes. We scheduled an interview for Wednesday of next week. The position is on a women's surgery floor, and while I'm not sure yet what I want to specialize in I've always seen myself in an emergency/surgery/operating type position. That desire may change as I'm introduced to different specialties through clinical rotations throughout nursing school. Well TODAY, I received a call about a position I applied to last month for a Patient Access Representative in the Emergency Room (same hospital; full time; great schedule; benefits; guaranteed pay) and was asked if I was still interested and again, excited to hear anything at all concerning a job in a medical environment, I said "Yes" and we set up an interview for Wednesday of next week after my other interview. I didn't mention that I already had an interview that morning because I've not "landed' either job and honestly I want them both. If I can have them both I'll take them both but I have so many concerns and questions. Any advice for the following thoughts running through my head would be appreciated, or even your opinions at all are greatly appreciated. I am aware that I may be rejected from one or both positions but I'd like to remain optimistic and confident that I am capable and qualified for both positions and that I would be the best candidate for either or both positions. Please don't take my hope and optimism for arrogance. 1) I believe that the PCT position would help me more in the future as far as being able to maintain a job while in Nursing School and the experience I would receive is a blessing and would help me not only after nursing school but through nursing school. Do you agree? 2) I fear the PCT position doesn't really help me in the right now because there are no benefits, the pay isn't as good as the other job, and the hours aren't promised because it's a registry position. Thoughts? 3) The ER position has so many pros and would help in the right now but I fear it wouldn't necessarily help me in my future career when compared to the PCT position. Thoughts? 4) The ER position would not directly interfere with school in the Spring because the hours are 5pm-530 am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I can see how the lack of sleep and the time taken away from my studies and family life could potentially take to an emotional toll on me as well as potential lack of sleep depending on my school schedule. However, I've worked full time (even 13 hour shifts) as a full time student and single mom and maintained a 4.0 gpa before. I know people do it all the time and I know I am capable. The upside is now, I have remarried so I have an even stronger support system and incredible extended family. Thoughts? Basically I'm weighing pros and cons before my eggs hatch because I never want to insult anyone who is going to potentially offer such wonderful positions, especially since it's for the same hospital. I don't want to burn bridges and I need discernment, I need help determining a plan of action if this situation does in fact present itself. I've obviously spoken with family about this but none of my family is in the medical field so I need "insider" perspective. Any thoughts, comments, anything constructive to help me see from other perspectives is what I need and I appreciate anyone who is willing to offer their opinion on this matter.

Thank you for making that clarification, I'm very green to all things nursing so I appreciate you informing me! I have a lot to learn!!!

That video is the best! Thank you for sharing!

Depends on community college or university and accelerated or traditional. I'm in Tennessee and will begin attending Lowenburg College of Nursing at University of Memphis in the spring. I know for the traditional program they accept twice a year... It's competitive but so far since my GPA has been high (including my science GPA) I have an Associates already and I'm taking my last 2 pre-reqs I've already been given a provisional letter of acceptance. I haven't waited at all other than this one semester to finish my prerequisites. (I should note I have my AS in Biology) maybe check it out!?

Another question if you don't mind... I was told it would take 6 weeks before the cards come in after the course so does that mean you're certified once the course is complete or once the card is in your hand? Weird question I know but I'm also applying for jobs at our local hospital and the sooner I have the certificate the more likely I am to be hired sooner. Thank you again for your time.

It is through AHA. It's 4.5 hours long and we are given a booklet to study and review 5-7 days prior to the course. I was told there were going to be mannequins and between 7-10 people in the class. I guess I assumed the quiz was a test and I pretty much have psyched myself out because I don't have any true medical experience except everything I've learned through all my sciences pre-read (A&Ps and what feels like a million biology classes) This will be my first taste of what's to come in nursing and I'm just really apprehensive but also so excited. Thank you for your response. Maybe now I can calm down and just try to study and prepare ahead of time so I'm not walking in blind. Thank you again.

I just set the date to take my BLS/CPR test to get certified which is required to start the Nursing program through the Lowenburg College of Nursing at University of Memphis in the Spring (2017) i might add that I have my associates in Biology already and am going after my BSN (to later get my DNP or ARPN. I'm still a bit green to it all) I have my provisional letter of acceptance and now I am just getting my ducks in a row. I'll be transferring as a junior, so this fall will be the end of idle time and pre-reqs. I am so excited but very nervous as well! Any tips/pointers to prepare my upcoming BLS/CPR tests? It feels so real now, I'm one step (out of like a million but I enjoy celebrating small victories too) closer to becoming a nurse! Thanks in advanced! Janet