What kind of experience did you have?

mstigerlily · Jul 28, 2005

I went straight into nursing school and had zero experience in health care and other than having my two daughters (at the time) had never been in a hospital. I wasn't familiar with any of the equipment (foleys, IV pumps, etc) and although I got the basic concept it was all foreign to me. I was not comfortable handling equipment and am not one of those people who can just "look" at things and figure it out, I need to touch it, play with it and put things together myself a few times before I get it.

The first six weeks of clinicals were spent at a LTC facility where we were basically nurse's aides: bedbaths, showers, toileting, diapers, washing dentures, brushing hair and teeth - and honestly that was all I was suited for at that point. I'm glad we had those six weeks to handle the equipment and understand how things work and get comfortable talking to/dealing with sick people.

But here I am: a nurse. Working as a CNA between 2nd and 3rd semester was helpful even though it was only for a few months.

Melissa

I have only just applied to nursing school. I have no experience whatsoever with nursing. I have never worked in a hospital. I have only had an office job. Recently someone I know who is a nurse told me I should have some kind of experience in hospitals/healthcare settings before committing to nursing school, otherwise how will i know that i really want to be a nurse? I dont know if i agree. I cant just quit my job to try to find a job in a hospital probably making less than i do now. Were most of you STNA's or LPN's before becoming RN's? How many had no healthcare experience at all, and did you feel at a disadvantage going into nursing because of it?

RoxanRN · Jul 28, 2005

I have only just applied to nursing school. I have no experience whatsoever with nursing. I have never worked in a hospital. I have only had an office job. Recently someone I know who is a nurse told me I should have some kind of experience in hospitals/healthcare settings before committing to nursing school, otherwise how will i know that i really want to be a nurse? I dont know if i agree. I cant just quit my job to try to find a job in a hospital probably making less than i do now. Were most of you STNA's or LPN's before becoming RN's? How many had no healthcare experience at all, and did you feel at a disadvantage going into nursing because of it?

I would stongly advise you look into working as an aide! I had a few folks in my class who never worked as a CNA (or otherwise) before school. Clinicals scared the ca-ca out of them.

Yes, you'll probably make less in a hospital as an aide than you do now as a receptionist/secretary/whatever you are. But if you are wanting to be a nurse, you need to find out if it's what you want before you spend the thousands of dollars for the education only to find out you hate it. Nursing isn't something you do because it sounds like it would be fun. You do it because it's a calling. Either you have it or you don't.

justavolunteer · Jul 28, 2005

Another possibility: consider a position as a volunteer at a hospital, nursing home, etc. This could be as little as 3-4 hours per week. Most places will try to fit things in with your schedule. As a volunteer, you won't even be doing nearly as much "hands-on" as a nurse's aide. It will, however, give some idea if you can even stand to be around a hospital, sick people, etc. If it turns out you like it, then good luck! The world needs nurses, that's for sure...

jkaee · Jul 28, 2005

I have only just applied to nursing school. I have no experience whatsoever with nursing. I have never worked in a hospital. I have only had an office job. Recently someone I know who is a nurse told me I should have some kind of experience in hospitals/healthcare settings before committing to nursing school, otherwise how will i know that i really want to be a nurse? I dont know if i agree. I cant just quit my job to try to find a job in a hospital probably making less than i do now. Were most of you STNA's or LPN's before becoming RN's? How many had no healthcare experience at all, and did you feel at a disadvantage going into nursing because of it?

I went right from high school into nursing school.....and I only worked in the food industry while in high school, so I don't know if I agree with your friend. Working as a CNA is very difficult, and not at all like being a nurse (not slamming them at all...a good CNA is a blessing!). It will also be difficult trying to learn a new job while going to school. I'd say just stay where you are in your current job, and dedicate yourself to doing well in school. You will know soon enough if it is right for you.

And no, I didn't feel I was at a disadvantage by not being in healthcare before. If anything, I had an easier time because I learned to do things the way the instructors wanted them to be done, and didn't have to unlearn any "real life nursing" habits that we all pick up with experience. I know some LPN's that were in my class that had a real hard time, because you are expected to answer the questions and do your clinicals "by the book", and not by reality, if that makes sense. I think you will do just fine without experience. Good luck!

Mej · Jul 28, 2005

I never had any experience in the medical field before starting the nursing program. This past spring I completed my 3rd clinical (1-Nursing home, 2 & 3-Med-Surg floor). Since we did not have a scheduled class to take over the summer I got a part-time job at a hospital as a Patient Care Technician ("nurse aide"). I can't tell you how much it has helped me as far as managing my time with more than one patient, patient interactions, and I'm more comfortable around the equipment. If at all possible during your education try to get some experience even if it's volunteering once or twice a week/month.

P.S. Waiting until after my first nursing class was helpful so atleast I knew some basics and types of equipment to expect to be in contact with.

nursinggirl05 · Jul 28, 2005

I strongly recommend you working part-time, volunterring, shadowing the nurse before you sign up for nursing. Trust me, nursing is not what most people - who have never been in the hospital before- think. Had I worked first in the hospital before school, I would most likely not be in nursing school anymore. Yes, you can find out if you like it or not in nursing school, but why would you waste your time and money? Nursing is much harder than anybody can imagine.