Student Worker: Nursing Home

[Yarlene621]

Hello Everyone!

I am currently filling out a job application for a local nursing home, and I've came across a stumbling block. I'm a recent High School graduate, and I've heard and learned that one of the best ways to get into nursing is by working in a nursing home/facility. So here I am filling out my information and I don't even know what exactly I am to apply for! Should I write 'Transporter' or 'Resident Assistant' or leave it blank? But I can't just leave it blank that's unprofessional! I have never been in the working field before, mainly because I was more focused on school and my father is the only one who works. Can I please have some advice in this? I have my heart and mind set on nursing, but I don't want to be "shooed" away because of my inexperience. Please help!

xo

Yarlene

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

Is this an advertised position? It should have a job title...

[ownthesky25]

If you want to be nurse, I would suggest getting your CNA (certified nurse aide) license. When I started nursing school, I had zero experience related to interacting and caring for patients. This lack of experience contributed greatly to my (non-exsistent) confidence and thus my ability to function in a clinical setting. Getting your CNA license will give you invaluable experience in caring for patients and time management.

As a CNA I do all of the patient care except for medicine, treatments, or other procedures. I know how to quickly change a diaper, turn a patient, change their clothes, empty foleys, and more. All of this is generally covered in a fundamentals of nursing course (usually the 1st semester of nursing school). After a year of as CNA, very little phases me. In the beginning I freaked out when we didn't have enough aides. Now I just roll with the punches and get through my shift.

Getting your CNA will also solve your problem of what to put on the application. Hope this helps and best of luck!

[Yarlene621]

It isn't an advertised position sorry to say, I literally just walked in and asked for an application. I'm getting my CNA license starting in February and thought I should start getting my foot in the door at least. Maybe I should try volunteering?

[gouranga]

Getting your "foot in the door" is always a good thing, but I think getting relevant experience (i.e., direct patient care experience) is an even better thing. I would go for the resident assistant position over a transport position.

[lcalhoun]

I'm a CNA and also a nursing student. My experience as a CNA helped me in clinicals because that is what you do in the beginning of a nursing program. Besides that it is the only benefit of having CNA experience . The actually book work now that is something completely different from a CNA program.

[Missingyou, CNA]

You could certainly volunteer for now until you get your nurse assistant certification. Volunteering there first will be a great "foot in the door"!!! You will be more likely to get a paid position as a CNA there since they are already familiar with you.

When you apply for the volunteer position let them know you are getting your certification as an aide.