Unit sec/Ward clerk while in NS.. Anyone?

[jennafezz]

I am starting a nursing program in September. Right now, I work a full time office job at a hospital, and I can't continue in my position when nursing school starts (I don't want to work full time and the schedule conflicts). I have been offered an opportunity to switch to a part time position as a unit secretary. I will also be taking a monitor technician course in a month so that I can be a monitor tech as well (some units in my hospital combine the unit sec/monitor tech job).

Is anyone else here working as a unit secretary while in nursing school? How is that going for you? Do you feel like it is giving you valuable experience and supplementing your education?

How long did it take you to become confident/secure in your job? I know what the standard training time is at my hospital but I know it can often take longer than that to really feel knowledgeable about a job, and I would like to get to that point before starting nursing school so that I'm not learning two totally new things at the same time. It's kinda up to me about when I want to switch to this job. I'd like to keep my full time pay/benefits for as long as possible, but I don't want to wait too long and then be stressed about learning a new position and starting nursing school at the same time.

Also, I know that after a certain point in nursing school, I'll be able to do nursing assistant work. Has anyone here switched around between unit sec/nursing assistant work? How has that gone for you?

Any other tips for me about what makes a great unit secretary?

[woman_king]

I have been both a unit secretary and CNA for four years (currently not working there b/c of NS, but left on very good terms). I honestly think the unit sec. position prepared me MORE for what I had to learn in NS. I got to talk to doctors, radiology techs, resp. therapists, nurses, transporters...every single day was a learning experience.

The stress level was also very high. But I'm sure you're used to that from doing CNA work. It was nice when I got my CNA to be able to hear a call for lifting help and, if there wasn't anything more pressing for me to take care of, just run down to the room and help out immediately instead of paging the other overworked staff members.

Ordering supplies and equipment was nice--I got used to the names of things and what they looked like and were for before I had to cram it all in in NS. And taking off orders in the chart--ordering labs, radiology tests, special diets, etc.--has really left me a step ahead of some of the other students who still don't know which labs are which.

Oh, and it took me a YEAR to feel confident about myself as a unit sec., and another full year before I got good at the job.

What makes a great unit sec.: being the know-it-all (trust me, everyone will be asking you about everything and they will expect you to know the answer), asking those more experienced at the job when you just don't know what to do, having EXCELLENT computer skills, and double-checking everything you do. The speediness comes with experience, and it's a real bonus to nurses when you are finally both fast AND accurate.

You will end up getting some really good phone skills out of the bargain, too. And you'll be dealing firsthand with a lot of patient family members, so your Therapeutic Communication skills will get a workout.

It doesn't hurt to set up some alliances with another nearby unit secretary, a Linen department guy/lady, and Central Supply. Those people will hook. you. up. when you need something fast.

[RaeRae1997]

Sounds like your a hard worker. That's always a valuable asset. I think whatever you can do to get and keep your foot in the door and prove what a resource you are will increase your value to the company and chances of getting the RN position you want in the future.

[ambirrgrrl]

I agree with the first comment. Worked as a cna for several years before secretary so I felt comfortable as a secretary quickly. You will have a one-up on your fellow students on labs, drugs, tests, etc. Plus when you learn interventions in school you will understand why the doctor ordered that test or drug, etc. I have had compliments on my communication skills with nurses, doctors, everyone on the unit. I am almost 27 and have worked in healthcare almost 10 years. The experience is invaluable. People ask how I do so well in school and I know its because of my work experience. I don't think I know it all though, don't get me wrong. I still ask questions as needed. I wish you luck in school and good luck with your job :)

[Pmkn10RN]

I was a unit secretary when I was in nursing school and it was a great experience. I recommend starting the job before schools starts because it can be stressful when you're learning. I remember wanting to quit and thinking I would never get the hang of it...but once you know what you're doing it seems easy and it's no problem. It took me a few months to feel comfortable (luckily I worked with at least one other secretary each shift so I could ask them questions). It gives you more clinical confidence too interacting with nurses, doctors, and other health professionals. Good luck to you!