What kind of job should I look into?

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Specializes in IMCU, Oncology.

I have been a stay at home mom for 8 years, however 1 of those years I did work at my son's preschool as a teaching assistant. I do have a medical background from 15 years ago as a pharmacy tech and an in office trained medical assistant.

Other than that, I haven't really worked in 15 years.

I hope to start nursing school this upcoming fall, but I am thinking I should look for some PRN or very part time work at a local hospital - only summer jobs while in nursing school. I would even volunteer if you think it would help? What should I look for? I wish I had gotten my pharmacy tech license, but I quit working as a tech right before they required certification. Maybe I could work as a pharmacy clerk. Any other ideas?

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Really, I would look for anything. If you've been out of the work force for that long, it'll set you behind other new grads with recent work experience when it comes time for looking for a nursing job in a tough market. If you're able, get your CNA certification, and work as a CNA. That way you have direct patient care experience, and are ideally building connections that will come in handy when it DOES come time to look for an RN position.

Good luck!

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Specializes in IMCU, Oncology.

I was thinking of getting my foot in the door somewhere now, and once I have completed my 1st semester as a nursing student to apply to work as a CNA the summer after my first semester. I started looking on hospital websites though to see what I can possibly apply for right now.

I realized I need to get back in the work force so that finding a job later on wouldn't be so hard, esp. if I already have my foot in a hospital door. :-)

It looks like I qualify for a sitter position, but honestly that kind of scares me starting out again...

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

A sitter isn't so bad. You are generally able to get to the patient before anything gets out of hand, and most of the patients I've seen that needed sitters are patients with dementia who aren't TRYING to be "noncompliant," but rather are confused as to why there are things sticking out of them (Foleys, IVs, etc), so they're trying to pull them out, or they're trying to get out of bed, but they're a major fall risk. A gentle hand and reminder that those are to help make them healthy or assisting them to the restroom are generally all that's needed. It's not usually that patients are leaping out of bed and throwing IV pumps at you or anything like that. Usually if they're that confused or agitated, they'll be in restraints.

You sound like you're looking in the right places for work- I hope something pans out!

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Specializes in Public Health.

Ugh I HATE sitting SO MUCH. It's so boring watching people sleep for 12 hours straight!

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Specializes in IMCU, Oncology.

I found a couple of jobs, unit secretary PRN and admissions PRN. I guess I am going to submit my resume to see what happens. I don't think I could sit on my butt for 12 hours as a sitter. That would drive me nuts, but I may apply and see what happens anyway.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Sitting is definitely boring, but it's something, at least until you find something else. Hopefully one of those other positions would work out!

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Specializes in IMCU, Oncology.

So do you think volunteering would help me get hired later on? I only want to work about 4 hours a week, and it looks like I could do that as a volunteer. Then of course as jobs become available, maybe I can let others know what I am looking to do and hopefully as a CNA later on.

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