Tech Jobs?

[ntvan07]

I applied for an ER tech job, and they were asking if I could do EKG and blood draws... I never learned that in school... I think I interviewed well however. I have the desire to learn.

Any by other techs on here, and where did you all start? I applied to med/surg and maternity as well.

I'm looking to start nursing school fairly soon and wanted a hospital job so I could gain some experience. Not really able to see much in LTC.

Thanks :)

[funtimes]

I started as a CNA working in LTC. Took A&P and other related classes in college along with phlebotomy. Also went through EMT school and got some experience with a volley Fire Department and Private EMS.

The rest I learned on the job as a tech. Training through the hospital was basically non existent, it was all on the job shadowing a tech and getting "skills" signed off by an RN.

You might get lucky and get hired by a hospital that actually does some proper training, but most likely you get thrown into the fire and learn through OJT, at least that's been my hospital experience.

[ntvan07]

I'm hoping they take the chance on me. I have 7 letters of rec and I'm more than willing to learn. Fingers crossed. Just need a foot in the door.

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

I'm an ER Tech. I had just started nursing school, so I learned everything on the job. Orientation was 6 shifts, but help was always available when needed after I was alone.

[Balto]

I started as an extern in the ER & was then hired as a tech after the extern period was over. My ER hires people with no experience & trains them. The other staff love it because when you first start working, you are supervised & have to get 20 supervised sticks before you can do them on your own. So the orientee gets asked to do all the sticks needed until then. It is a great place to learn the skills not taught in nursing school.