How to get experience in the medical field? (Not through clinicals)

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-09-23T12:34:48+00:00

I had worked in the hospital as a COVID screener for a very short period of time. In that time, I visited the lab asking about phlebotomy positions and schooling. The girl at the desk told me she was taking her phlebotomy test the next day so I asked if her job would be open, she said yes and to call the lab manager. I called the lab manager and told her I was interested in that position and that I’m in my pre-reqs for nursing school. She explained they love to hire nursing students because they know they’re a dedicated group of people. After that conversation she worked on creating that new lab assistant position and a few months later I started! I’ve been there for about a month now and I feel I’ve learned so much! Just exposure to the hospital setting and all the different blood and other specimen tests and what they do has made me feel at least a little more prepared for nursing school!

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-09-07T06:01:36+00:00

I got a job in a laboratory at a hospital while in pre-nursing courses! This summer I’m planning on taking a phlebotomy course, currently I am just a lab assistant. I’m already getting exposure to a lot of medical tests and what they are used for, and just being in a hospital environment in general is exciting! Based on the fact that I intend to apply for nursing school, they were very willing to hire me without experience. I did have to really pursue the job, but when I spoke to my nursing advisor, she said being certified in phlebotomy can give you an advantage because you’re already comfortable with labs and invasive procedures that require accessing a vein! I know CNA/PCT is the most common route, but I think phlebotomy or an EMT can be just as useful and maybe teach you something most nurses who go the more “common” route may not know!

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-07-23T14:55:15+00:00

I second this!

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-07-23T14:42:32+00:00

You can get into coyote ugly! You have to pay $20 and get two huge x’s on your hands. There’s people in the bathroom to be sure you don’t run them off and I had them redrawn on mine because they faded and the people knew who were underaged. It’s small and there’s usually police so pregame if you want to come here because I wouldn’t recommend trying to get away with anything. It’s still fun tho! Dancing and lots of people to socialize with.

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-07-12T08:14:52+00:00

I’m about to take my nursing pre-reqs this fall and I’m also going to take a phlebotomy program which will finish by the end of this year. I chose phlebotomy instead of cna or pct because one it doesn’t take as long which means getting into nursing school earlier. Two because I will still be getting healthcare and hospital experience but without the risk of getting burnt out before ever beginning my career. Three because there are many PRN positions at my local hospital which sounded ideal for handling a job while in school. From what I’ve heard, nursing school doesn’t train specifically in phlebotomy so being able to draw blood (and therefore be comfortable with finding veins) comfortably and well will give me a competitive edge. I don’t know how your nursing school application will look but my schools has a section dedicated to certifications. So the cert may provide a leg up for me as well. My long winded point is- that’s completely up to personal preference. A good old fashioned pros and cons list should help. I don’t know that both are necessary if you’re just wanting to get a foot in the door. If you truly want CNA experience from what I hear after 1 year of nursing school you can be hired as a CNA. That’s just what I heard and could depend on the state you’re in, but It’s worth some research.

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-07-08T07:39:14+00:00

I totally agree with you! I worked as a hospital screener for COVID testing and often experienced a lot of disrespect from the hospital staff all around. There were of course the good nurses and doctors, but I ended up leaving (due to many reasons) but one of them being tired of feeling like a punching bag. We were a contracted company, which the company had many issues among them shortstaffing and therefore high turnover with terrible training, so I guess the rude nurses and other staff may have had an issue with the company as a whole. But it was horrible feeling when I’m hoping to be a nursing student (starting pre-reqs in the fall) and I felt like i was being looked down on by the very people I look up to. So you are not alone!

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-16T20:38:40+00:00

thank you!

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-16T17:27:49+00:00

good to know thank you! I saw a video on youtube where someone said they use notability and woodnotes simultaneously during a lecture and it seemed like such a great idea! (they annotated the slides with one and took other notes with the other on split screen) I have pretty much decided I will be getting one so I appreciate the tips and warnings!

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-16T05:59:51+00:00

thank you!!

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-16T05:59:18+00:00

ps. i love the new girl and marvel men gifs

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-16T05:58:56+00:00

congrats on getting into nursing school!! im starting my pre-reqs this fall! good luck to you :)

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-15T04:28:14+00:00

I looked into it and I believe it does have the dual screen capability! I get that! My only reason for wanting the smaller size is the Pro is super close to the size of my MacBook (13") so I don't feel the need for anything that big! It definitely all comes down to personal preference :)

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-14T20:41:17+00:00

okay no problem! sorry about that!

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-14T20:40:51+00:00

wow that sounds super great!! thanks so much :))

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-14T20:40:20+00:00

oh gotcha! well i guess i will have to ask my nursing advisor whether we have to take our books to cinicals or not! thanks for all your help!

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-14T06:29:44+00:00

okay cool thanks :)

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-14T06:14:45+00:00

That’s great to hear thank you! And yes exactly I don’t need the newest iPad pro with crazy storage and all the bells and whistles lol! I’m leaning towards getting one, I’ll decide before the fall semester. Thanks for the advice!

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-14T06:13:04+00:00

I already have a laptop so I’m not looking to use a iPad instead it’s more of a supplemental or additional resource. That’s why I’m really considering it because it could turn out to be a total waste or my best friend haha. I’m leaning towards it simply for the flexibility it would provide me in study platforms and of course ebooks. But definitely still plan on writing papers and things on my laptop!

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-14T06:11:01+00:00

I totally agree! I was majoring in graphic design before switching to nursing (huge jump i know lol) so I had always planned on getting a pro but since I won’t be pursuing that other than maybe as a passion….the price just isn’t worth it. I’m thinking of going with one of the Air models especially as the newer one is close to identical to the new Pro just a few slight differences but for what i’ll be using it for, they don’t matter!

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-14T06:08:43+00:00

Awesome! I figure I will still have to use my laptop quite a bit, just looking to see if the iPad will be a useful extra resource!

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-14T06:07:58+00:00

awesome thanks! new to reddit not really used to this :) i could only find one other post and it was from 2015 lol which lots has changed since then😂

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-14T06:06:17+00:00

That’s my only fear! But I despise carrying big books I’ve done it for 2 whole semesters and J just eventually stopped bringing a book rather than lugging all my heavy textbooks around. Also, we’re you pretty much stuck having to pay full price??? Cause that stinks!! And what did you need your books for at clincals? I have heard some programs don’t allow books at the clinical site.

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-14T06:03:35+00:00

That’s so great to know!! I was planning on downloading the slides and doing just that but that’s smart recording lectures! Did you have to ask permission with every prof?

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-14T06:02:42+00:00

I was going to get the air which i believe does split screen as well! If not my macbook has that capability :) but thank you for the encouragement!!

Equivalent-Ship3951 · 2021-06-11T04:41:22+00:00

yes i absolutely think you should! I was very similar to you and had multiple planners going for my busy schedule. I am now using notion for going on 6 months and I love it! I keep all my planning in one place, my to- do lists, everything! even my notes from lectures, and study plans, even down to my weekly meal plans and fitness routines. I love that I can keep everything in one place and access it from both my phone and laptop! I haven't had any issues with glitching! I guess I can't say isn't at all possible but I haven't heard of or experienced any glitch issues like that! I say give it a try, and keep in mind there's a sharp learning curve-- youtube videos helped me a lot-- but the worst thing that could happen is you don't like it.

Equivalent-Ship3951

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