Unit Coordinator vs Nursing Assistant

[mcknis]

I have been putting in applications prior to nursing school at many local hospitals and just recieved a call back the other day. I placed my application in for a nursing assistant (I am already certified) position in Med/Surg, and thought that's what I wanted to do. I also saw an opening for Health Unit Coordinator (unit secretary) in ED, and thought that sounded very interesting. I have been talking to many people about which one I would be getting more experience with and so far I have heard to try for the Health Unit Coordinator position.

With your experience, which would you refer for a pre-nursing student? I know I will gain experience anywhere in the hospital, but want to get the most bang for my buck.

Thanks,

Scott

[chadash]

I think you would benefit more from your experience as a unit secretary.

Good luck!

[AngelsRN]

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.

It is true that the unit secretary is totally underappreciated and dumped on alot but it also depends on the unit. I proved myself to be capable, and the nurses I worked with on a regular basis treated me very good and taught me alot, showed me things etc. and were a great support to me when i was getting ready to take the boards and transitioned into being a nurse. The few doctors that took the time to speak to me and get to know me a little were supportive as well --- I recommend it to anyone - just remember that you will get no glory and the pay is crap, but the experience is so much more worthwhile in my opinion.

[chadash]

I think the unit coordinator job will probably pay more than the NA job.