“ 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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