Scribe + CNA... or just scribe

[weeblerdog]

Hello everyone,

I have been working as an ER scribe for 1 year, and I absolutely love it. I've learned so many things, and I've had the privilege to work alongside great providers. I've been brought up in physician meetings as one of the best scribes at our location, and overall, I've had a great experience.

However....

I am also trained as a CNA. I have not had a job as one thus far, but recently I was offered a job at the same hospital to be a CNA. I'm wondering if it would be beneficial to have both experiences under my belt in preparation for med school... or if they would appreciate my consistency/dedication in employment as a scribe. I truly enjoy CNA work, it allows me to connect with patients in ways you simply cannot as a scribe. You also get hands on experience, but you spend much less time interacting with physicians. Of note, I can't work both jobs, as it's against hospital policy.

I'm just looking for opinions on this decision. I realize the scribe vs CNA debate is a long one, but maybe I would be avoiding having all my eggs in one basket by doing only one.

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[SadAsian]

Hello everyone,

I have been working as an ER scribe for 1 year, and I absolutely love it. I've learned so many things, and I've had the privilege to work alongside great providers. I've been brought up in physician meetings as one of the best scribes at our location, and overall, I've had a great experience.

However....

I am also trained as a CNA. I have not had a job as one thus far, but recently I was offered a job at the same hospital to be a CNA. I'm wondering if it would be beneficial to have both experiences under my belt in preparation for med school... or if they would appreciate my consistency/dedication in employment as a scribe. I truly enjoy CNA work, it allows me to connect with patients in ways you simply cannot as a scribe. You also get hands on experience, but you spend much less time interacting with physicians. Of note, I can't work both jobs, as it's against hospital policy.

I'm just looking for opinions on this decision. I realize the scribe vs CNA debate is a long one, but maybe I would be avoiding having all my eggs in one basket by doing only one.

I personally think being a CNA offers more. It's unique, it's hands-on... and you still have the opportunity to work with physicians and healthcare providers. You can always use the relationships you've formed in the past year to shadow, reach out to other specialties and shadow, etc... but that's just me. I'm just an applicant like you 😛

 

[Mooseforkicks]

If you’ve already scribed for a year, I think that demonstrates enough consistency.

Both are valuable healthcare experiences, but I think you are correct in saying you usually get more direct experience with patients as a CNA.

Having both experiences gives a bit more diversity, but either choice is a good option. If you want the CNA position, go for it. If you don’t, keep scribing.

I would probably take the CNA position, just because I like to have a range of different experiences. After a year scribing, you’ve probably had a lot of contact with physicians, and have already shadowed/made enough connections to shadow in the future. And you might learn some things with more patient contact that you wouldn’t if you stay in the same position. But it also depends on pay and shift times. No one is going to look down on you for continuing to scribe.

 

[Save a life]

Yeah, either one is good. I think scribing offers a bit more intellectually but CNA lets you be more hands on.

 

[Arturiase]

Take the CNA cause it gives you more diverse experiences and you've already worked a scribe for a year

 

[AdenineThomasPhosphate]

CNA all the way. Hands on care and interactions with patients were paramount to my growth as a person, a professional, and made me love the healthcare field. That being said it’s tough and emotionally and physically demanding. It gives you an honest view of healthcare and will give you the point of view of the nurses and CNA’s you’ll work with as a physician. Also you develop a good bedside manner.

I’ve been a PCA (basically same as CNA) for 3.5 years. I’m per diem as well so my schedule is flexible. Maybe try and pick up a a per diem position? I’m biased, but I really think the CNA experience is amazing, humbling, and gives you stuff to talk about in essays and interviews.

 

[Tenk]

Scribing is far superior to being a CNA.

 

[little_giant]

Hello everyone,

I have been working as an ER scribe for 1 year, and I absolutely love it. I've learned so many things, and I've had the privilege to work alongside great providers. I've been brought up in physician meetings as one of the best scribes at our location, and overall, I've had a great experience.

However....

I am also trained as a CNA. I have not had a job as one thus far, but recently I was offered a job at the same hospital to be a CNA. I'm wondering if it would be beneficial to have both experiences under my belt in preparation for med school... or if they would appreciate my consistency/dedication in employment as a scribe. I truly enjoy CNA work, it allows me to connect with patients in ways you simply cannot as a scribe. You also get hands on experience, but you spend much less time interacting with physicians. Of note, I can't work both jobs, as it's against hospital policy.

I'm just looking for opinions on this decision. I realize the scribe vs CNA debate is a long one, but maybe I would be avoiding having all my eggs in one basket by doing only one.

jw, how did you get the scribe job? Did you apply through a scribing company like ScribeAmerica? Or was there an open position specifically for that hospital?

 

[weeblerdog]

jw, how did you get the scribe job? Did you apply through a scribing company like ScribeAmerica? Or was there an open position specifically for that hospital?

I applied through the scribing company. If there is a scribing position where you'd be employed through the hospital, I recommend that over working for a scribe company.

 

[NeurosciencePrincess]

I applied through the scribing company. If there is a scribing position where you'd be employed through the hospital, I recommend that over working for a scribe company.

Why do you recommend that over the scribe company?