What is the best way to get experience?

[jillnurse2b]

Hi I am a second year nursing student and I am trying to figure out the best way to get experience to put on my resume.I am looking for a summer job, but most jobs in the medical field you need prior experience so that won't work. I am thinking about trying to get a job as a receptionist/secretary in a doctor's office, would that be helpful for my resume? Does anyone have any other suggestions?

I am also going to volunteer this summer at a hospital so that will be one good thing for my resume.

Thank you!!

-jill

[sdb]

I am in the same place you are. I am in nursing school and looking for some kind of job in the medical field in the summer. You are right about a lot of places not wanting to hire you without experience. I think it could not hurt your resume. I am looking for a job like that too...

[NurseFirst]

I am in the same place you are. I am in nursing school and looking for some kind of job in the medical field in the summer. You are right about a lot of places not wanting to hire you without experience. I think it could not hurt your resume. I am looking for a job like that too...

I know that in some states by the time you finish your first year (or even earlier) you can qualify to sit for the CNA exam; some places may be willing to hire you based on having completed your first year, without a CNA. YMMV. Check your state; check your BON; check with your instructors.

Disabled folks are always, it seems, looking for part/full time caretakers.

Try contacting dr's offices (office managers), hospitals (HR) and find out whether there might be jobs you qualify for. They may be especially interested if you are in an area of a nursing shortage, as they may be see it as a way to acquire you as an employee (in some capacity) before you get your RN--and could then be easy for you stay there afterward.

Best Regards,

NurseFirst

Network! Join nurses' organizations and find out what they might have open.

[Ami_J]

Check out nursing homes, they are usually looking for help. And if you aren't already a CNA the test is easy because you have already learned everything in school. Check out the ads in the paper and see if anyone needing home care, many times they just need help with tasks around their house like bathing and transfers that can easily be done by a student nurse. For me, I knew I wanted to work in pediatrics, so I worked in a daycare for 4 years (which helps me better understand my patients) so look for things that might not be "health care" but still might give you skills that you need.

[jillnurse2b]

thanks for all the suggestions!!! any more ideas???

-jill

[AuntMeggie]

I did a summer externship in between my junior and senior year and it was awesome! For two months, I worked 40hrs/week with an RN Preceptor. It was like clinical but for entire shifts. I learned a lot more than when I was a Patient Care Tech. I actually just got offered a job yesterday at the hospital that I did my externship at. Good learning experience and good networking!