New York Nursing Assistant School Experience

Take advantage of your New York nursing assistant school experience

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other government-based employment tracking sources, the demand for skilled nurses and nursing assistants -- in New York and elsewhere -- is expected to grow by leaps and bounds over the next decade. The "skilled nurse shortage" and "nursing staff retention problem" are also hot, discussion-provoking statements. These statements are true -- but there's another side to the statistics.

Hospitals and clinics in need of skilled nurses or nursing assistants will not hire just anyone. Just because a student has completed a nursing assistant training program at a New York nursing career school DOES NOT mean he or she is the best, or most desirable hire for the job. It is not enough to just show up to class each day and squeak by. The most qualified nursing career hires in the New York city job market are those who have taken advantage of the opportunities given to them through their school program.

The faculty at the Mandl School, College of Allied Health in New York City want all of the school's nursing assistant students to succeed in the nursing profession. New York is a huge, huge place with a very competitive job market, and students who've maximized their school and career training experience are the best hires -- 100 percent of the time.

Below are the Mandl School, College of Allied Health in New York City's tips for making the most of the nursing assistant school experience:

1. Expand your knowledge beyond the classroom

Some of the skills and techniques you'll use on the job cannot be found in textbooks. So, go above and beyond what you're taught in nursing assistant classes, or even in your externship. Read nursing periodicals. Visit job message boards such as Monster.com to learn more about what it's like to be a skilled nursing professional. Volunteer at your local New York hospital or clinic. When you can add skills and knowledge to your resume that you didn't learn in school, you will shine through as one of the top candidates for a nursing assistant position.

2. Learn from Mandl School faculty

The faculty of the nursing assistant school program is there to answer your questions. So, don't be afraid to ask them! If you're not sure how something works, or you need more clarification about a topic discussed in class, ask, ask, ASK! Or, if you want to know more -- and you should always be wanting to know more -- stick around after class and talk to your teacher. You'll come out ahead in the New York nursing assistant field -- because you'll have gotten more in-depth knowledge from your schooling than your peers who are afraid to ask questions.

3. Demonstrate caring -- both in the classroom and on the job

If you don't care about your academics, you won't care about your patients. Why is this? Focus and investment in one's studies are important components of getting an education, and participation is key. If you feel that you're behind in school, or you need a special accommodation (not an excuse, but an accommodation), don't be afraid to ask your instructors.

When you begin your externship, it is -- again -- important to participate and invest care into your work. This externship is the only thing separating you from your nursing assistant career. And you, want to stand out from all of those other job candidates from New York City schools. So, learn as much as you can. Ask the teachers questions. If you don't understand something, ask to be shown. If you finish your work early, ask your supervisors if there's anything else you can do.

When you do land your first nursing assistant job, treat each patient, and each of your co-workers as important individuals: people to treat well, listen to, and most importantly, learn from. Talk to patients, and actively listen to find out what they need. Converse with other hopsital or clinical staff to learn more about the nursing field; ways you can improve your patient care skills; and what else you can do to grow as a nursing professional.