Unit Coordinator vs Nursing Assistant

weetziebat · Apr 4, 2006

I should think either one would give you excellent experience. Just from slightly different viewpoints.

Maybe the CNA/MedSurg. would be more nursing oriented, but personally I'd prefer the Unit Coordinator in the ED position.

I'd say six of one, half dozen of the other - take the job you'd be happier doing. And good luck!

AuntieRN · Apr 4, 2006

I have to agree. They both will give you totally different experiences. I have done both jobs in the past. The unit secretary job helps you learn about different orders and what medications and labs are ordered for what kind of symptoms and diagnoses...but yet the CNA position will give you experience with hands on care with patients. I am a tech now mostly on med/surg but I also do my share of being a tech in the ED. I love the ED. good luck in whichever position you choose.

LilPeanut, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 4, 2006

I actually started as a UC in our Children's ER. It was fabulous, I learned all the tests and procedures, and the UCs there were part of the trauma team, so I got to go in on all the critical and lvl I-II traumas. :)

Plus, sometimes it's just really hard to get your foot in the door in the hospital. I really wanted to work in the NICU, but took what I could get, learned from it, enjoyed it, and when I was presented with an opportunity to start UCing up in the NICU in addition to the ER, I took it. And since I wasn't already state registered as a CNA or anything, when I got far along in nursing school to qualify as a PCA, the NICU was happy to have me, because now I am even more useful because I'm cross-trained. I can do either job, depending on where they need someone the most :)

LPN1974, LPN · Apr 4, 2006

Personally, my take on it........I would take the unit secretary.

However, each position will give you alot of experience and useful knowledge.

Just my preference...I would take the UC.

mcknis · Apr 4, 2006

Thanks again for the responses. I will be going in tomorrow (Wed) at 10:15am and will let you all know what happens. I think both jobs would give me hands on experience from different views, but I am leaning towards UC. Hopefully the HR lady feels the same. :)

Pose · Apr 4, 2006

Just take what you want. There's not much worse than accepting something, and then an hour later having a feeling of dread in your belly. Be straight forward with yourself, and the hiring manager.

Good luck!

AngelsRN · Apr 4, 2006

I was a Unit Secretary for 1 1/2 years before becoming a nurse. I left my old career due to stress and wanting to get some experience in the field. I recommend the Unit Secretary bec you get real familiar with the paperwork, reading doctors handwriting, who the doctors are, different lab tests, xrays etc. which gave me an edge when I became a nurse. Being a nursing assistant is good, but I think some of the nursing assistants turned nurses had a more difficult time with the transition than I did, plus you can get those opportunities in nursing school if you take advantage of them.

good luck!

Polska · Apr 4, 2006

Hi,

Do I need to have a license to apply for jobs as Unit secretary? I have a bachelor in Hospitality management and I have started to take the prereq for nursing school. I would like to put my feet in a hospital since now so I want to know what positions i can apply for, THanks

AngelsRN · Apr 4, 2006

Hi,
Do I need to have a license to apply for jobs as Unit secretary? I have a bachelor in Hospitality management and I have started to take the prereq for nursing school. I would like to put my feet in a hospital since now so I want to know what positions i can apply for, THanks

I think generally you only need a HS diploma - I had a Masters degree at the time and was already into my nursing clinicals so they hired me and started me at the base pay bec I did not have unit secretary experience. Probably every hospital is different - mine wanted someone who had a good telephone manner, knew basic abbreviations and had computer knowledge. They had a great orientation for me so I was able to get the rest and it was a great experience for me prior to being a nurse, especially because of the support I received fromthe nurses I was working with. I would apply and see where it goes ---

Miss Ludie · Apr 4, 2006

I was a secretry two times- 1x with a broken leg, and another when my dad was really sick and the head nurse let me do this so I could be close to him but still get paid.

I wouldn't want that job if it paid me in big honkin' gold bricks. That is the most important and less recognized position on any unit. The nurses need to have 100% trust in you and you have to be 100% accurate in what you do/send / communicate to them.

You will learn a whole lot and if you have the intestinal fortitude (guts) take it......but remember you are the point of entry for people who are counting on you to get their treatment begun. I been a Nursing assistant and that will get you bedside experince.......let me know which you decide.

LilPeanut, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 5, 2006

I have a BA in spanish/international studies and I was accepted into my nursing program, but I had extensive administrative assistant experience and that probably helped a lot. Good luck!!!