I talked to one of my teachers today about whether it is vital to work as a tech during school or not (I have been second-guessing myself), and she said I would be fine either way. She said she sometimes thinks that working as a tech/CNA even discourages people and has no discernible benefit, although she said it’s good from the standpoint that BSNs will be managing CNAs. I am feeling much better about the whole thing. She also said I might dash off a note to the CEOs of these hospitals; she doesn’t think they know how ridiculously incompetent these HR departments are, and it’s silly when there are staffing shortages to have this kind of thing go on. I don’t know that I want to make that big of a wave over it: yikes! Wheee, I will be fine. Also stay tuned regarding my clinical clearance: it is REPORTED that I can pick up my card tomorrow. I will believe this when I have the card in my hot little hand, but oh man will I be a happy camper. After that…the giant and dreaded “math worksheet” with which we must appear on the first day of class. Is this in lieu of the dreaded math TEST we had to take previously (get 100% or you’re out of school)? Nobody knows. I can feel the stress lapping at my toes. 
Did your instructor elaborate about her feelings? I suppose it depends on where you work, but most SNs that tech at my hospital get to assist in all kinds of procedures and things they would never get to see. I’m sure you will be fine without the job, especially since you have patient care experience as an ED volunteer, but I can’t see how it would have been discouraging.
~Raven
Yes, she did take the time to discuss many pros and cons of working as a tech (mostly pros, obviously). She did not DISCOURAGE it and said if the right situation comes along go for it. She seemed to think that students get discouraged doing all the worst scut work when the rest of the time we’re learning about interesting technology and such. It depends on the hospital whether techs are allowed to see and assist with procedures! Some tech jobs can turn into a full-time butt-wiping experience, because even other CNAs look down on nursing students. I think that’s all she meant. I still have an open mind about it, and I hope that next summer perhaps I will be able to get a tech job. I will apply in January so the HR department gets to me in time.
I see what you’re saying, although it’s too bad about CNAs looking down on nursing students. (Why can’t everyone just get along?!) I’m sure the experienced ones have had their share of cocky students pass through, thinking they are too good to wipe butts.
Personally, I think more of us could use the experience just so we know what its like to do the most basic patient care. I think it should be a pre-req for med school, actually. Can you imagine? Me neither.
~Raven
I would personally feel better with more experience; no doubt about it. A lot of nursing programs require that you be a CNA before you apply, and I think it’s a good idea. I’m just relieved to find out that I’m not actually jeopardizing anything by not doing it.