Hello all! I've been habitually reading this site for the last month, and I've now decided to sign up and begin my story here on Allnurses, in hopes that one day I will be posting advice to prospective nurses.
A little about me: I am a 30 year old guy from Phoenix, Arizona; still in college due to my lack of the ability to make up my mind what I want to do. In '07 I began my pre-reqs for nursing, which I finished, along with my co-reqs, before deciding to try elementary education. I received my associates degree in the arts along with an AGEC (General education curriculum) certificate about a year ago, and thought I was on the path to where I wanted to be, but there was always something missing. I found the missing link when bringing my fiance to the ER one night for stomach issues. I realized every time I step into a hospital, or doctors office I am immediately overcome with feelings of anxiety due to my choices of career, almost as if something was telling me I needed to pursue the medical field. My change of heart came when our RN was administering care to my fiance, and the way in which he consoled both of us, and carried out his duties with a sense of urgency, and empathy, regardless of what else may be going on in his busy day. The caring that man showed us brought a new paradigm with it, and completely changed my mind. THIS is what I was meant to do, to heal people both emotionally and physically.
Since that time, I have gone full-steam ahead, finishing my chemistry credit this summer, and now preparing for the HESI. The only thing that stands in my way is that BRUTAL wait list, which I'd like to find things to do inbetween. My questions are more or less involving time management:
1. I am planning to continue pursuing my Bachelor of Arts for Fall 2013, and Spring 2014. During this fall, on top of having a full 12+ credit hour course load at ASU I plan to complete the CNA program at either EVIT or AMTI (Formerly RSAA). What is the career outlook like for someone in full time school trying to find a part time CNA gig fresh out of class??
2. After this year, I would love to turn my attention fully towards nursing, and maybe enroll in the EVIT LPN program, or maybe gateway if there isn't a wait list. From what my nursing advisor tells me at Mesa Community College, LPN classes are practically worthless and a waste of money and time because "I'll never find a job as an LPN, the ones working are grandfathered in even in LTC." These are her words verbatim....How true is this? I would LOVE to continue to improve my nursing credentials while on the wait list and this is an attractive option, but why bother if there's no chance of using an LPN cert? Is this really how it is? Is it a waste of time? EVIT is 8k for LPN give or take, and that is a chunk of change for an undergrad with no career backing.
3. Another option would be PCT, which seems to be around 1800$ through Phoenix college. Is this a supposed dead end just like LPN is?
What I would like to do is finish CNA, my last semester of ASU for arts, and then either pursue LPN or PCT. I do understand the job market, and I am willing to put myself out there, fully expect 100 resume denials, and am ready to keep trying. What I am looking for is maybe some success stories or a pat on the back saying it is possible for the motivated person.
4. After this Spring 2014, I will have an AA, and also a BA in history. Do potential employers value a diverse academic background? Will my two other degrees make me more desireable to a potential employer in the medical field???
5. Final question, again I do apologize for the length of this post: I am nearing the end of my student aid funds, and I'm CERTAIN nursing is what I'm meant to do, so with this considered should I abandon history and save those funds for RN-BSN program? How difficult would it be for a new grad with CNA experience to find ANY RN position somewhere with an ADN and hopefully pay for the BSN program? My fears are that I will discontinue my educational background, obtain my RN with no aid left, and be jobless with no way to continue my education!
So my plan boils down to this:
1. At least one more semester at ASU for Education/history, while doing a weekend CNA class.
2. Begin work as a CNA part time, and continue through spring 14 at ASU.
3. Apply to EVIT or Gateway LPN program, hopefully begin Fall 15. Or begin PCT training, which is my best bet?
4. Work as an LPN/PCT until around Fall 2016 when I should be pulled into RN school.
5. Finish ADN program, get RN job, begin working towards BSN.
6. Obtain BSN, work for at least two years, and begin towards MSN in hopes that my old brain can carry me over one last obstacle to become a nurse practitioner, although I'd be satisfied with myself for simply being a career RN.
Any thoughts about my plans, suggestions, insight into the world of LPN or PCT and how to go about it are much welcome. Or, simply just say hello!