“ I learned about blood draws, wound care and suture removal,” Burson said.“ I liked it and decided to become a nurse.”
He attends nursing classes at Northwest Arkansas Community College.
Dawes started his medical career as a member of the Air Force Reserves. He chose nursing as a specialty when he signed up with the Reserves.
“ I had several jobs, but I knew I didn’ t want to make a career of any of them,” Dawes said.“ I considered several fields but decided nursing was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Don’ t do something you hate just to pay the bills.”
“ All nurses should be an aide first,” Hudson said.“ That way you will know if you like nursing.”
The hospital hires graduates of two and four year nursing programs in the area, said Kimberly Wright, Northwest Human Resources Generalist & Recruiter.
“ The pay rate can double for CNAs who are attending nursing school and obtain their RN license,” Wright said.
Some employees also start as PRN workers, who work as needed. They can move to full time employees.
Nurses are in short supply locally and across the nation, Wright said.
Another entry point for the hospital is working as a certified nursing assistant, or CNA. CNAs need a certification, earned by taking a six-week class and passing a test.
Tonya Hudson worked as a CNA and decided to become a nurse to advance her career. She now works as a phlebotomist while taking nursing classes. Phlebotomists start IVs and draw blood.
“ It’ s a perfect career for a caring, compassionate person,” Christianson said.
“ You have to be able to react at the drop of a hat,” Burson said.“ It’ s a great job for multitaskers.”
Some high school classes can help prepare you for a career at Northwest Health. For example, high schools in Springdale offer classes focused on the medical field.
“ You should also take science courses,” Dawes said.“ Public speaking will help you communicate with your patients and your co-workers.”
“ Anything technical oriented will help get into the health field,” Burson added.
Those interested in current career opportunities can visit northwesthealth. com.
People who enter the medical field can find rewarding work, Wright said.
“ Workers can come in and learn the system, the processes, the procedures, and build a longterm career,” Wright added.
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