Want to Work in Hospitals

[aspiring_nurse_]

Hi! I'm still in high school & I'm currently in a CNA program. I love nursing so much & I know I want to continue my education with it, but is there a certain path I should take to secure a position for working in a hospital? I know this is a very broad question, maybe too broad to answer. It's just Working in a clinic type setting is not appealing to me whatsoever and as I go on to get my BSN/RN I just would like any input you guys have! Is it harder to obtain nursing positions in hospitals?

[llg, PhD, RN]

You are smart to be thinking about it ahead of time so that you can make good choices along the way to improve your chances for the types of RN jobs that you want.

Getting a BSN (instead of an LPN, ADN, or Diploma in Nursing) will definitely give you an advantage in the hospital staff hiring process. Many/most hospitals prefer to hire nurses with BSN's.

Also, keep your eyes open for any opportunities for working in a hospital as a CNA. Most hospitals hire CNA's and it's a way for a someone like yourself can "get your foot in the door." If you can't get a job in a hospital, consider doing some volunteer work at the hospital of your choice. Showing an interest in their institution and having that on your resume may help you get a job as an RN later. If you do a good job, you might also be able to get a letter of recommendation from someone there to support your future RN job application.

Finally, be on the lookout for opportunities in school to do any special projects or clinical practicums in the hospitals that interest you as possible future employers. The more contacts you make there and the more they see you as a good worker interested in providing care for their patients, the better your chances will be of getting a job there. I work at a children's hospital and a lot of the new grads we hire are those who have worked with us before (either as volunteers, employees, or on student projects) and have demonstrated both their interest and abilities to us through those previous activities.

Good luck to you!

[aspiring_nurse_]

You are smart to be thinking about it ahead of time so that you can make good choices along the way to improve your chances for the types of RN jobs that you want.

Getting a BSN (instead of an LPN, ADN, or Diploma in Nursing) will definitely give you an advantage in the hospital staff hiring process. Many/most hospitals prefer to hire nurses with BSN's.

Also, keep your eyes open for any opportunities for working in a hospital as a CNA. Most hospitals hire CNA's and it's a way for a someone like yourself can "get your foot in the door." If you can't get a job in a hospital, consider doing some volunteer work at the hospital of your choice. Showing an interest in their institution and having that on your resume may help you get a job as an RN later. If you do a good job, you might also be able to get a letter of recommendation from someone there to support your future RN job application.

Finally, be on the lookout for opportunities in school to do any special projects or clinical practicums in the hospitals that interest you as possible future employers. The more contacts you make there and the more they see you as a good worker interested in providing care for their patients, the better your chances will be of getting a job there. I work at a children's hospital and a lot of the new grads we hire are those who have worked with us before (either as volunteers, employees, or on student projects) and have demonstrated both their interest and abilities to us through those previous activities.

Good luck to you!

Thank you so much!!!! I really appreciate it