Where can I work in the med field?

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I am a pre-nursing student with no other college degrees, and I've also been a stay at home mom for 10 yrs. I am in need of a job right now, and would like to work in a medical surrounding. What types of jobs are there for people like me? People that want to work in a hospital, but not a nurse yet? I've heard of a Tech, but I don't know if that's the official name, what are the qualifications, etc? I want something to get some experience, but also need a job right now. I also realize it might be difficult to find a job in this economy (which is why I've been forced to look for a job myself). Any ideas?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Just about any job in a hospital will require training. Healthcare - despite the public perception - is a very low margin business, with very little $ to use for training, so non-qualified applicants are turned away.

You may want to talk with HR departments in your local facilities & ask them about training programs for jobs like Unit Secretary.

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The hospital near me has a position called a "Patient Transporter". Basically the job is to take the patients to and fro from x-ray, lab work, etc. and back to their rooms. I have been applying at my hospital for two years trying to get in! Meanwhile I am working weekends at Target. It is flexible, so that is good. The only other hospital job I can think of is a pre-registration type position. You could also check Craigslist, as sometimes there are people looking for a companion/caretaker of an elderly or special needs relative that does not require special training.

At the nursing school where I plan to attend, students can take the CNA exam after the first semester of NS, so I will probably do that and try to pick up a part time job at the hospital to get some experience and get my foot in the door. Until then, I am going to volunteer in the ER as that is where I would like to work someday.

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Specializes in ICU/UM.

You could try dietary or house keeping. It's not hands on patient care, but it is hospital. Some hospitals and nursing homes will pay to train CNAs/Aides.

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So who would I call (HR?) to find out if they will train me as a nursing aide? I think a nursing home here might do that, should I just call up HR and ask? Just wondering if that's the best contact. Thanks everyone!

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At the nursing school where I plan to attend, students can take the CNA exam after the first semester of NS, so I will probably do that and try to pick up a part time job at the hospital to get some experience and get my foot in the door. Until then, I am going to volunteer in the ER as that is where I would like to work someday.

I haven't heard of being able to take a CNA exam after the 1st semester of nursing school...is this common?

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

To be a tech (at least in my area) you have to be in nursing school with at least 2 clinical rotations under your belt (usually includes LTC and med-surg).

You can look into a nursing assistant - a lot of hospitals have those, and you don't have to be certified (CNA, or STNA as they are called that in Ohio). My hospital has a ton of NA's that are not certified.

I used to work as a PCNA (patient care nursing assistant) and I did not have to have a CNA for that. My "training" for that job included a week-long class and stuff that I have already learned in nursing school...it also included a skills test-out day (had to demonstrate doing vital signs, simple dressing change, use of restraints, how to d/c an IV/foley and how to obtain a specimen from a foley). for my NT job, I was only there for one full day.

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If you can't get a job without certifications/training you should look for a receptionist job at a clinic of some sort. They tend to favor those who atleast are familar with the medical terms because on the phone alot of pts ask "How long does the xyz procedure take?"

I see a lot of ads on craigslist for these types of jobs

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I was in a customer service job for 8 years, so a receptionist position could work well. The only problem is finding someone flexible with my school schedule. I'm in school 2 days a week until 2 pm, so I'd have to find something where I could work 3 week days a week.

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I thought about going through a temp agency, I've been out of work so long....its hard to go back.

My husband was told he was going blind in both eyes, then his construction work slowed....to non existent...then he injured his eye, ended up having retinal detachment surgery...and is still recovering and unable to find work right now. A positive, he is not actually going blind in both eyes...he does not have the retinal disease he was originally told he had. So, I am in need of a job. Not feeling all that confident since its been so long and I've gained weight (after having 4 babies in 6 years)...just hoping I can find something.

Thanks everyone!

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question....

aimed mostly at mama2fiveboys...

How would one go about volunteering at the ER??

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Definitely look into receptionist jobs. For flexible hours, try a small clinic. A friend of mine got hired for that while still in high school and they tailored the hours to fit her (since she had school until 3pm and sometimes stayed later for club activities).

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