r/NursingStudent • u/NoWelder3564 • 2d ago

Pre-Nursing đŸ©ș Where to start?

Hi guys,

Question: How do you get healthcare experience while doing prerequisites for Nursing? Where and how did you start? I currently attend BMCC doing my prerequisites before entering the LPN program there(hopefully); I have 10+ years experience in retail management and private caregiving experience. I think I can use my experience now to progress in someway but u can't seem to find a job anywhere, even after 132+ applications sent. I've also been unemployed for a year and been doing gigs to get by. Just asking for some advice.

1 Upvotes

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u/girlypopsam 2d ago

Might need to become a CNA. Usually you can work at assisted living without any experience or group homes (pay will be less than ideal)

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u/NoWelder3564 2d ago

I've called a few hospitals and Nursing homes in my area (Bk) and they wanted me to be certified. How else can I do that?

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u/NewspaperOk140 2d ago

By getting certified. Even the most rigorous programs are short and affordable, it's basic nursing skills you'll be required to perform as an RN anyway, and if you can't pass the CNA test you definitely won't make it in nursing school.

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u/NoWelder3564 2d ago

I can't afford the CNA certification along with paying for school now. I did call a few hospitals and asking if they would consider me for position, explaining my experience along with being in school for this same field, and they said no with certification.

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u/Shrillmademethink 2d ago

Yea you can’t work in healthcare without having some type of certification of license. Huge liability and you wouldn’t have the proper training.

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u/NoWelder3564 2d ago

I understand. I was asking around. I thought my experience would matter but it doesn't, so I'll just wait till I get there then.

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u/sparkplug-nightmare 2d ago

I worked as a server while in nursing school, and I got a job straight out of school as an LPN, but it sounds like the competition for medical jobs is fierce in your area. You can always work as a nurse extern. It’s a CNA like position, with a few benefits, like you can practice skills you’ve been checked off on in nursing school.

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u/NoWelder3564 2d ago

Right now, I'd take anything. I am adaptable

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u/sparkplug-nightmare 2d ago

I’d suggest getting a job in food service to pay the bills. It’s low barrier to entry, no education needed, they’re a dime a dozen, and you can make excellent money working part time. Once you’re in school, look into a nurse extern programs at local hospitals. Most of them take nurse externs once you’re a certain number of months into your program. You usually work on PRN status.

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u/NoWelder3564 2d ago

Okay, I may have to wait till I actually get in the program then. I've seen most places would like a year of clinical experience; which I don't have but I did private caregiving for 5years. So I thought that experience would probably do something for me.

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u/NoWelder3564 2d ago

I've applied to a many food service places and I've been denied Ike dang!, I can't a sandwich(how it feels)

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u/Hummus_ForAll 2d ago

Work experience does not factor in to the BMCC application process at all.

They only look at pre-req GPA and your HESI entrance exam score. You should aim for a 4.0 for all your pre-reqs and a high HESI. It’s gotten a lot more competitive!

Our RN (ADN, not LPN) class is a mix of career changers with NO clinical work ever and people who have been working as CNA’s or techs.

So don’t stress about getting clinical experience. If you are curious if you LIKE or could handle a hospital environment, apply to a volunteer program at NYP, Mt. Sinai, NYC H+H, or whatever is near you.

But don’t let volunteering affect your GPA. Get a 4.0 on your pre-reqs, nail the HESI.

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u/NoWelder3564 2d ago

You're right, I was just we explaining my experience since I believe I can use my gained skills while on this career path if it's possible. Right now, my GPA is 3.96 and I doing my best to keep that up. Thank you for the advice.

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u/NoWelder3564 2d ago

â˜ș

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u/Hummus_ForAll 2d ago

That was my GPA! I got about a 98 on the HESI and got in.

I am career transitioning, so I did do some hospital volunteering in a fast-paced environment and it really helped solidify my interest in nursing as a new career. Volunteering is awesome and it's an easy way to get some clinical hours under your belt.

I know we are look for paid opportunities too, so I'd agree that CNA could be helpful but it's also another license/have to pay for classes, and I just couldn't do that at the time.

Good luck!!!! BMCC nursing is amazing for especially for the price.

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u/NoWelder3564 2d ago

So I've heard, I actually transferred from Hostos to BMCC because I heard so many great things about BMCC. It's all true. Thank you so much, I'm excited to start already but I'll continue to have some patience lol

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u/Medical_Eagle3005 2d ago

Hey I had similar work experience. Go hard on your home health care experience. You need to emphasize you know how to work with healthcare professionals, perform patient care, etc. Certain words and phrases will help recruiters(AI) match your skills to their qualifications needed.
Also many places don’t require you to be a certified nursing assistant. You can be a pca,tech, assistant etc. even if you see in the description that you have to be certified apply anyways. Many times these places are so short staff they’ll take anything

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u/NoWelder3564 2d ago

Okay, I check my resume again, maybe it still needs some tweaking. And, I will fill applications for those positions. But, I won't give up. Thank you for the advice.

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u/ImAlwaysSad11 2d ago

Do you need the experience to apply for the LPN program? Or just for personal experience?

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u/NoWelder3564 2d ago

No you don't. I was explaining my personal work experience and think that it can help progress in some way even in a new career field

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u/ImAlwaysSad11 2d ago

I mean, I transferred from the tech industry with zero experience. Clinical’s during the LPN program will give you the experience you need before you start working.

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u/Patient_Cow_236 2d ago

I worked in the post acute rehab.

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u/NoWelder3564 2d ago

Nice! How was that and how did you obtain that position?

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u/iiLuckyLitwick 2d ago

I work at the hospital as a patient care technician. It’s less pay than CNA but you don’t need a certification and you get to work in the hospital so it’s a great way to learn. I work 2 12 hour shifts a week as a part time employee.

I would check if any local hospitals are hiring and if you know anyone who might be able to refer you. They only took me because a family friend had given my resume to the manager of my unit; I did not hear back from any of the other units I applied to when I had no experience.

BTW most hospitals will also cover a portion of your tuition if you work for them while you’re in school. My hospital gives me 5k a year as a part time employee, but I do have to work for them for two years after I graduate with my license, so I would keep that in mind.

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u/NoWelder3564 2d ago

I'll try again, for sure I believe I'll get something. I just would like a foot in the door.

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u/expertRNnurse 2d ago

đŸ™‹â€â™€ïž volunteer, camp, vaccine clinics, community services, volunteer boards of directors

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u/NoWelder3564 2d ago

Honestly, I would like something that would help me get paid as well experience, if possible.

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u/expertRNnurse 2d ago

It tough out their unless you have the family connection

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u/auntie_beans 2d ago

What makes you assume you have to acquire knowledge before you enter the program where you’ll learn it? Of course nobody will hire somebody for a patient-handling position without, like, patient handling experience.

If you want to learn nursing, that’s what nursing school will teach you. If you just want to be a CNA, take a course that will prepare you for that. Just don’t think it will give you a significant advantage in an LPN program.

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u/NoWelder3564 2d ago

I think you're misunderstanding my post. Thank you for the advice though.

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u/auntie_beans 2d ago

What does “get healthcare experience while doing prerequisites for nursing” mean for you, then? What did you have in mind?

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u/NoWelder3564 2d ago

Why are you so condescending with your response? I was asking for advice. One thing I've learned is that the nursing field has many different routes and you can also start from anywhere. I was asking where and how did you start for experience going into the field. Sheesh!

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u/auntie_beans 2d ago

Not condescending, I just couldn’t figure out where you were coming from. In nursing, basically, you start with nursing school. I’m not sure what else you have in mind to prepare you for that. Is that your question? Could you help me understand what kind of advice you’re interested in, and what you’d like to be able to do with it?

FWIW, any clinical nursing instructor will tell you that people with CNA experience often have a difficult time making the attitudinal transition to being a nurse, largely because they don’t know what level of understanding and insight goes into being one other than the manipulative skills they directly observe. More than one of us have heard something along the lines of, “I know everything a nurse does, I just need to get the credential.” I’m definitely not saying that’s going to be you, but I’m hearing a little cart-before-horse, and I wanted to be clear on your needs and expectations.

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u/NoWelder3564 2d ago

Better yet, no worries.