Ways to break into the medical field?

[csteven]

Hello everyone,

Since I've never actually had hands-on experience with patients, I'm worried that I will be behind my other peers when I start an LPN course this summer. Nursing was not my first choice, so my college years were spent studying other majors.

Right now I'm doing housekeeping in a hospital, but that isn't exactly medical experience.

I've thought about taking a CPR class with the AHA and applying for elderly companion care jobs. Is this the right way to go about getting experience? Or should I wait until after school is completed?

Thank you.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Unless it's stated otherwise in their program requirements, you don't need any clinical experience to begin the program. The curriculum will include ample opportunities for gaining clinical experience in patient care settings. HINT - the practice of "medicine" is legally limited to physicians... the rest of us work in "health care" or "nursing care", depending upon our roles.

[LessValuableNinja]

As stated, it may not be required. However, working as an aide or tech in a hospital or LTC will both give you perspective on what it's like to be one, and a little street cred with aides and techs once you're a nurse.