Unit clerk job while in NS

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Specializes in ICU.

I went on an interview yesterday for a part time Unit clerk position. Is this job something that will help me in the future with my nursing schooling/future career?

I ask because I already have a job, and if this unit clerk job will help clarify some things or help me understand even just the workings of the hospital it may be worth it for me to switch jobs.

Thanks in advance

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, Emergency, SAFE.

It may help just to familiarize yourself with the way a unit actually works, in addition to being exposed to the terminology and things like that. :) Also, knowing people you can ask for help or advice when it comes to school isnt bad either.

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Specializes in Rural Health.

I really enjoyed my US job in NS and I learned tons. I worked in a NICU and I was just busy enough to stay busy, not overwhelmed and occasionally had time to study here and there or discuss stuff with the RN's and doctors, who were great about helping me.

I learned TONS about lab tests and procedures, I learned the interworking of the facility I was at. I learned hand writing, shorthand notes and those abbreviations. I learned how to find odd ball stuff at odd ball times. I read charts all the time so I got a lot of experience looking at nurses notes and documentation. It was really helpful.

And because I sat at that desk as was the "hub" I got to see a lot of stuff. The staff was great at letting me watch interesting procedures and I even got to see several C-sections while in school.

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I have worked with a few nurses that were once unit clerks, from what I've seen they do alot better as new nurses with that experience behind them

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Specializes in ICU.

Great, thanks for the info!

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I'll be starting nursing school in August and work as a unit secretary in the NICU and I've learned so much. From putting in orders, calling for consults...in this job you'll be the go to person for everything! You'll be a step ahead of other graduates because you'll know how to do a lot of things already. I'd recommend taking the job so you can get in the hospital environment asap. On a side note...it's so sad that nurses will come to me because they don't know how to do a certain order and they've been working there for how many years...right lol.

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I think it's a great idea. In fact, I think it would be awesome if all nursing students could have the opportunity to work as both nursing assistants and unit secretaries. Nursing assistants get to learn how to work with patients and organize their time in dealing with several different patients at the same time. Unit secretaries get to become familiar with common orders and the flow of information between nurses and MDs and pharmacy... which is central to acute care nursing but something nursing students and nursing assistants often aren't privy to.

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Specializes in LTC and MED-SURG.

I think unit clerk experience would be invaluable. I wish I would have worked in that position. It would have helped me a lot.

To OP: I wish you much success.

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Specializes in ICU.

Thank you!!

I called the lady that interviewed me back and left a message on voicemail for her. I didn't know if it would be enough hours for me and so they told me to sleep on it and let them know today.

So I hope that means that the job was mine if I wanted it!

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