which unit to work as CNA/nursing student?

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Specializes in Level III cardiac/telemetry.

I'm applying for a CNA job tomorrow and trying to decide which unit to put for my first choice. The options right now are surgical/ortho unit, medical/cardio unit, ER, or MICU/ICCU. This will be my first CNA job and I haven't started any of my LPN clinicals yet, so I haven't had exposure to any of the units yet. I can see the advantages of all the units - ER would offer exposure to a lot of things (and it's a day shift, so wouldn't see as much of the craziness that nights would have!) , the others would all offer some of the basic med/surg skills. What do you guys think?

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Specializes in Level III cardiac/telemetry.

Anybody? I'm applying tomorrow.

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I started as a CNA on a Surgical Oncology floor. I tell you, the experience that I have learned working on a surgical floor is invaluable. I've seen and dealt with trachs, wounds, dressings, incontinence, bariatric patients, NG tubes, ostomys, foleys, epidurals, wound vacs, you name it. I've heard that working on med/surg type floor is the best for a CNA who plans to be a nurse because of the wide array of knowledge you gain.

I'm only a nursing student right now and employed as a CNA. But I know I have an 'edge' experience wise on a LOT of students in my class because of this. Hope that helps!

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Specializes in Level III cardiac/telemetry.

I applied yesterday for Cardio/Medical, NICCU/ICCU, and Behavioral Health. Those were the only openings for weekends. The ER job was already closed so that wasn't an option.

How long do you think it will take to hear something??? They said it could be up to 10 days. I went ahead and took the required CNA written test to have that out of the way. I'm going to go crazy if I have to wait 10 days!

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IMHO, a med-surg or surgical floor would give you the widest variety of experiences.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, Hemodialysis.

i'd say pick the "type" of floor that you would like to work as a nurse. not only will you work with the type of pt that you want to as a nurse, but you also get to make valuable contacts. anyway, good luck with your job search. i hope you hear something soon.

sincerely,

jay

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Specializes in CNA/ ALF & Hospital.
Anybody? I'm applying tomorrow.
maybe surgical/cardio or ortho. you might like the idea of labor & delivery.er only if you are into fast past or high producivity (heart racing).
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