I am almost done with my pre-reqs - just have Microbio to go. I have a previous bachelor's degree, so all my Gen Ed courses are finished as well. Unfortunately, I missed the 'cut-off' nursing school application date by a few months (needed to have Micro completed by Jan 1, won't finish until March). The schools that I am looking at only admit a class annually in the fall. So, after March, I'll have a year and a half of waiting before I start nursing school. (Sure hope I get in for 2011!!!!!)
In the meantime, I'd like to get some healthcare experience, and am willing to do anything, EXCEPT pay $1500 for training for a $10/hr job. Yep, there's the rub. I have applied at the local hospital for CNA, tech, admissions, unit secretary, etc., but have been eliminated from consideration because I have no healthcare experience. This is understandable, but I was really hoping to get an entry-level administrative position, as I do have plenty of office experience. In this economy, however, there are probably plenty of applicants with that specific job experience to put me out of the running.
I have called around to nursing homes, enquiring about free training in exchange for work, but have had no luck so far.
I'm interested in phlebotomy and CNA work, but all the classes I have checked into are over $1000, and money is really tight right now. I've also noticed that the CNA employment listings are requesting certification AND experience. I'd hate to bite the bullet and pay for the class, only to find out that no one will hire me b/c I don't have a year of experience.
Your thoughts? This is keeping me awake at night, so I'd love to hear some fresh ideas!!! :)))
I've heard that being trained in phlebotomy is a BIG plus on your resume. If you can't find a job, here's a potential volunteer opportunity, you can volunteer for hospice, they do intense training that will show your prospective employer that you can effectively work with terminal patients and truly understand lifespan issues. Usually as a hospice volunteer you are a warm friendly body to give a break to the other family members or entertain the patient, and also deal with the emotional and possibly spiritual issues. I still think the home health caregiver/companion is a great opportunity.
I can identify with you, I have a B.S in Paralegal Legal Studies, I have always being torn between a Legal Career and the Medical field. I have a good job but not in the legal field. Last year I decided that I would wanted to explore the medical field and of course I had no experience. I took a free Home Health Aide Course which Visiting Nurse Here in New York Offers , it was very intensive as VS is the Gold Standard in Nursing Care.I suggest that you find a Visiting Nurse in your area and I am sure they offer this course, however it does not pay very much but the home care experience is invaluable. Friends laughed at me that I had taken a step backwards but I found that I really enjoyed Home Care. It may not be glamorous but I learned a lot. The course was approximately 4 weeks full time days from 8:30am -4:30pm very Intense. Once you have completed the course you are given an assignment.
I just recently completed a 3 month accelerated Nurse Aide/PCT course which included Phlebotomy and EKG training. I did not pay for this course as there is FREE MONEY out there if you know where to look.Find a WORKFORCE 1 Career center in your area, They usually want you to have some experience, which for me was the HHA training and work exp. Since you are well on your way with your pre-reqs. you should not have any problem geting the grant. My course was $3550 including all books, uniforms, and testing certification fees for NHA certf and CNA State Board
I think that you can just skip the HHA class and go to WorkForce 1 or if you really want the experience 1 month HHA training is not bad as you go to work right away after the class. It takes about another 6 weeks before they give you your Certificate. You do have choices. It is a good thing to do the CNA/PCTwith national certf for EKG
and PBT...Good Luck!!!! Workforce 1 is sate funded and they also have Pell grants for 2year programs but your work force 1 center will give you details, I dont known if you will be paying out of your pocket for nursing school but look for the FREE MONEY!!!
I agree that CNA training would be the most beneficial but I began working as a registration clerk in the ER before nursing school and it has definitely benefited me. I came from a corporate background and it was the only type of in-hospital position I could get. It does pay better than a CNA position, but if you can come up with the money for the CNA course I would do it. Good luck!
Soooo..how do you feel about dogs and cats? I worked as a vet tech (well, vet assistant really) for years before starting nursing school. Teching was my only medical experience when applying to nursing school and I was accepted to a competitive Accelerated BSN program. All my training was on the job - no special schooling required (at least in SC). I get to draw blood, put in IVs, take rads, give injections, assist in surgery..all kinds of fun stuff. You have to deal with angry animals and cleaning up poo and all kinds of nasty stuff, but most days it's pretty fun. If you have questions shoot me a message. :)
I have applied for 3 hospital registrar jobs, but was turned down due to lack of industry experience. In a different economy, I believe I'd be a candidate, but with the unemployment rate as it is, I simply think they are able to find candidates who have previous hospital registrar or medical records experience, so no need to go with someone who doesn't.
I like the senior companion idea - I will check into that. If you work through a company/agency, do they typically offer a healthcare insurance option, or any benefits?
I will also look into Visiting Nurse and WORKFORCE 1 - thanks for the tip. If that would pan out in my area :yeah:
Regarding animals - I :redbeathe them! Back in the day, I wanted to be a vet. I have looked at the job listings for vets and vet hospitals, but again, they are looking for someone with experience: certified vet tech with minimum 1 year experience, or receptionist/office staff with 1-3 year minimum veterinary office experience. I might have some luck with the vet position if I went knocking on doors, and while I'd enjoy the work, I really feel I need 'people experience' at this point......
Thanks for all the responses - it really helps. Keep em comin'!! :loveya::loveya:
I just recently completed a 3 month accelerated Nurse Aide/PCT course which included Phlebotomy and EKG training. I did not pay for this course as there is FREE MONEY out there if you know where to look.Find a WORKFORCE 1 Career center in your area, They usually want you to have some experience, which for me was the HHA training and work exp. Since you are well on your way with your pre-reqs. you should not have any problem geting the grant. My course was $3550 including all books, uniforms, and testing certification fees for NHA certf and CNA State Board
Hanoka - I am calling my local workforce office tomorrow. The course you took sounds excellent - very comprehensive, and I know I'd feel more comfortable starting nursing school with practice like that under my belt. Another question: after your Nurse Aide/PCT course, are you now certified with the state registry for each individual specialty (CNA, PCT, Phlebotomist, EKG), or did the amount of coursework allow you to sit only for the CNA registration?
I just recently completed a 3 month accelerated Nurse Aide/PCT course which included Phlebotomy and EKG training. I did not pay for this course as there is FREE MONEY out there if you know where to look.Find a WORKFORCE 1 Career center in your area, They usually want you to have some experience, which for me was the HHA training and work exp. Since you are well on your way with your pre-reqs. you should not have any problem geting the grant. My course was $3550 including all books, uniforms, and testing certification fees for NHA certf and CNA State Board
Hanoka - I am calling my local workforce office tomorrow. The course you took sounds excellent - very comprehensive, and I know I'd feel more comfortable starting nursing school with practice like that under my belt. Another question: after your Nurse Aide/PCT course, are you now certified on the state registry for each individual specialty (CNA, PCT, Phlebotomist, EKG), or did the amount of coursework allow you to sit only for the CNA registration?
I am certified with NYS registry for CNA as well as I certified by National Health association as Certified EKG tech(CET) and Phlebotomy Tech(CPT) I am now looking into certification with ASCP, American Society for Clinical Pathlogy for Phlebotomy, I have noticed that many hospitals want ASCP certf but if you have NHA it cant hurt, you can just sit for the ASCP Phlebotomy test after, there are several routes to qualify for testing one of them which is route 7 is to have completed a CNA, medical assist, phleb. or other training..see their web site for info.The CNA advanced course was very intense but it is a good to do to get the experience if you are going into the nursing field.The course is intense but the not as difficult as you would think. Common sense rules. The CNA course itself is appx 1 month. Most hospitals want you to work/ have CNA training first and then will train you for the Phleb and EKG(PCT) you must have the basic knowledge first. Good luck again as I said You can get the money for Training if I did.
keep calling around- some nursing homes will train you!
and although some programs are pricey, it could be worth it to get your cna. yeah they don't pay much but they are good learning experiences! good luck to you:)
:yeah:
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acubed
76 Posts
I've heard that being trained in phlebotomy is a BIG plus on your resume. If you can't find a job, here's a potential volunteer opportunity, you can volunteer for hospice, they do intense training that will show your prospective employer that you can effectively work with terminal patients and truly understand lifespan issues. Usually as a hospice volunteer you are a warm friendly body to give a break to the other family members or entertain the patient, and also deal with the emotional and possibly spiritual issues. I still think the home health caregiver/companion is a great opportunity.