Which would you pick?

[dnm6072]

i interviewed for 2 positions this week, i am transferring from radiology to the floor. i offered both jobs, same hours-evenings from 2p-10p and every other weekend, anywhere between 24-30 hours a week. the first job i interviewed for was a postpartum/nursery unit secretary position. the second job i interviewed for was a nursing assistant/nurse technician job on a med/surg floor. i am going to be a third year nursing student in august. after school i really want to go into labor and delivery nursing, i just don't know if being a unit secretary would give me a better idea if i want to or not. the med/surg floor is hectic all the time, but i know i would learn a lot as a nursing assistant/tech there. which job would you take? i am having a hard time deciding as you can tell. let me know your opinion.

[txpixiedust]

If you want to work in Womens & Childrens Services I think you should take the job in that unit. I work PP, and love it. Also....the unit clerks in our unit know so much that would be helpful to you when you are in RN in that unit. I'm a newbie, and if I need something fixed, an order placed into the system, to know which MD's are in a group together, what to the usual orders are for certain MD's (lab draws, etc.) before the patient gets to the floor,etc. - I know the unit clerk can answer them. Of course I always ask for help from other RN's or the Charge RN, but the unit clerks on my unit are indepsensible. And....even though they are busy and earn their money, they tend to have more "down-time" in that they can sit at the desk, and in between placing orders, answering call lights, and assigning rooms,etc. they can study. I think every one of our unit clerks is going to nursing school! :)

A CNA job would be good for getting you accustomed to caring for patients, and time management - but you can make up for that in school and in orientation. I think you'd be fine, especially if you get a Internship when you get your first job. I got an internship in PP, and loved it! The classes, and time on the floor with my preceptors was such a blessing!:twocents:

Good Luck & God Bless!:heartbeat

txpixiedust

[RheatherN, ASN, RN, EMT-P]

i would take the job where you would get the exposure. usually when you are going to be doing that, you have your foot in the door. and if the staff knows you, they will be willing to help you and be able to learn and do things before you actually work as an RN there. i would do the L&D/PP.

GL!

-H-

[dnm6072]

Thanks for your thoughts. txpixiedust made a good point that i get caring for patients during clinicals and orientation. I have had a semester of med/surg experience already and know i don't want to do med/surg for the rest of my life. I think since I am interested in becoming a LD/PP nurse after school, getting an experience in there now would help me out! Thank you for your opinions again!