Advice?

[mothermedea]

If you were me (as in: work FT, school PT, single parent to special needs kid), what would you do to get direct patient care experience (you know, without quitting my job and going to school for some piddly certification)? Can be paid or unpaid. Do not have a population preference, although I can't speak other languages and prefer it be close to

Comments

[katttg]

Are you looking for experience as a PCA/DSP type of direct patient care experience?
If so, are you able to apply to be a PCA/DSP for kiddo, and get hours that way (therefor being able to prove experience by working for an agency without having to go anywhere but home)? I know there are weird regulations around family members, but I don't know the rules around parents/kids.

Otherwise... how many hours are you looking for, and would it be possible for you to get a part time job as a DSP/PCA (you don't need any certificates or anything -- my agency is always hiring if you need an agency to go through)? Maybe Toxic can help watch kiddo at night while kiddo is sleeping, if you take an evening shift (I know some folks who are looking for late night help).

[katttg]

Ps. As a PCA/DSP (and I'm sure you know this already), without a CNA certification, you can't do most of the things you listed while you're on the clock..

[mothermedea]

we go through fraser. i can't pca for my own kid, although that would be convenient. ha. i figured PCA is an easy way to get direct patient care experience.

[katttg]

Yeah -- it's a really great way to get direct patient care experience! If you want to be a PCA, even if it's just for an hour or so a week, I can highly recommend MCIL.
Also, check out Craigslist -- there are lots of folks looking for private pay (it generally pays more than the agencies, and you don't end up having to deal with all the DHS crap also). Many people are looking for someone to help out with kiddos before/after school for an hour or two.

If you need help finding clients, let me know because I know quite a few folks who are looking for PCA/DSPs for just a few hours a week.

[rebex]

what is yr goal? like to buff a resume to go to med school?

maybe prochoice stuff? free clinic stuff?
you can volunteer at the HCMC ER as a research associate...

email me

[mothermedea]

my goal is the PA program at Augsburg. i have to take 5-6 more prereq classes before i apply (biochem, psych, a&p, stats, etc), so i'm thinking apply for a may 2012 admission, graduate may 2015. the PA program is super competitive. my gpa is 3.75+, but i don't have any unique, clinical experience.