Published May 14, 2009
sunshine!
15 Posts
hello all :)
i just started nursing school a few months ago and i am almost done with my 1st semester. since the aa program i am attending offers classes during the long semesters (spring and fall) only i have the summer break all for myself. so i was hoping to start working in the medical field at least part time, however i need some advice on how to break in. what opportunities are there for students like me? where should i start looking?
was contemplating to take the cna exam, however i never took real cna classes ... was thinking 1st semester nursing students are learning the basics just as cna's do in their 6 week course,and more. but where would i go to take the exam? can i sit at the exam even though i don't have a cna diploma?
is there any another way to start working in a hospital? i am really looking forward to gain more experience, become a more knowledgeable nursing student and a caring nurse in the future.
thank you for your guidance!
gt4everpn, BSN, RN
724 Posts
Sure you can do CNA classes if it'll work for you, you can also apply to paid internships in hospitals or even volunteer at a hospital until. Search online for any internships/externships, cna classes, or cna positions, best of luck ;--)
pinkfawn
16 Posts
I am in the exact same situation. I am nearing the end of my first semester in Nursing school. I have the whole summer open and I want to take advantage of that. I am at a crossroads. I want to get some time and experience within a healthcare setting. I am too late to apply for summer intern/externships. I plan on volunteering but, I am not sure if I should become a CNA as well. I've been told that becoming a CNA will just prepare me to be more comfortable and confident with what I will be learning in Nursing school. I just want to gain as much experience I can and stay busy. Just curious as to what you decided to do.
WittleOnesRN
100 Posts
Even a job as a unit clerk would be helpful. I wish I would have done that when i was in nursing school. I was an extern/cna but the unit clerk exp is invaluable and I wish I would have done that too as it is a little less physical and you learn a ton!
Birry
122 Posts
I agree with the unit clerk suggestion. You're pretty much a fly on the wall and you'll really get to see and learn a lot.