My story and some questions from a confused older student

U.S.A. Arizona

Published

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!

If you can afford to work as a CNA while pursing your BSN, go for it. LPNs are not commonly used in hospitals anymore, however, in longterm care, there are still positions available.

If you get in anywhere as a CNA, it will expose you to many of the day to day activities of healthcare. At least you will have an idea of what you are getting into. I went to school with people who had never been in a hospital, either as a healthcare worker or a patient, some of them were very disappointed with their choices.

If you feel called to be a nurse, that is a better reason to go for it than for money or recognition.

P.S. Being in your 30's does not make you an "older student" :)

Thanks qaqueen, I feel so old sometimes. I think it's the barely out of my 20's jitters though. A few years back probably 8, I worked as a staffing coordinator for a small nursing home and saw many of the things I'm certain I'll be doing as a nurse and a CNA, so hopefully it won't be much different being on the care giving side. I feel a calling to make a difference, and I think this is my avenue for success. My CNA hours will be drastically reduced during nursing school, hopefully wherever I'm working is understanding!

Specializes in Trauma and Cardiovascular ICU.

Dude, I graduated from ASU when I was 29. There were several people much older than me. You are far from an "older student" and in fact you will probably have your head a little more on your shoulders. Just image how you were in your early 20's. Not a bad thing, but just life experiences and whatnot I think make a difference in your perception on getting through school.

I would very much discourage the LPN route. If you want in the hospital, just get the LPN idea out of your head. ADN's still get hired, but as mentioned there are a TON of them. Working as a CNA, especially in a hospital will give you a leg up on getting in where you want.

Like others have suggested, what about just going straight for the BSN? Or at least, knock out the classes required and see if you can get accepted. Probably will all happen well before your name comes up on the wait list at the CC's, and then if you do, you graduate earlier, and much earlier considering you now don't have to do the RN to BSN either.

Good luck to you!

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!

I graduated with a 60 yo male who probably will work to 89. I currently work with two late 70s nurses

Specializes in Emergency/Trauma.
Fromthe sea---I want to make sure we are on the same page. You, of course are in the trenches, I am not...but I think there is a misunderstanding. I agree with you that there is a difference between PCT's and CNA's (and that PCT's are a higher level position)...my point was that from my run-ins with other students is that the PCT class in and of itself is not enough and is not a stand alone credential...I always understood you first need your CNA license to get a PCT job, and that the extra PCT credentials come after you get the initial CNA license...which could then be obtained through a community college class, but is often provided by the hospital itself. Am I misinformed? Thanks!

I floated to the ED the other day and asked about this. Only 1 of the PCTs I worked with had their CNA. The others were hired as nurse assistants (non-certified), and Banner trained them in IVs, foleys, etc. One thing I've learned about the nursing world is "rules" about what certifications you need to work certain jobs are very fluid and change from week to week, from department to department. The best bet is to get whatever certifications you can to always give yourself a leg up.

Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

Ive been seeing that many hospitals will hire nursing students, with no CNA cert who have completed and passed block 1, as PCT's as a way for the student to get acute care experience. Then it gives them a better shot at getting a job as a new grad, many times at the center that they worked as a PCT at. I know Banner offers this because I have seen job postings for PCTs, and the requirement was a CNA license or completion of block 1.

Are you starting the EVIT program? I'm thinking of starting as well but looking for some feedback from any previous students that recently attended.

There is no running out of financial aid. I'm ABSN, and hit the 180-credit limit from the feds. I just had to write a letter of hardship, have my advisor fill out some paperwork, and voila! All the federal loans I needed to graduate. Private loans exist if you have a co-signer. The only thing you can run out of is scholarships/Pell grant. You can find the money.

Specializes in MICU, SICU, CICU.

I think you would qualify for admission to an 18 month accelerated BSN program. Do they have anything like that at ASU or UofA in Tucson?

Old brain?

Dude I am 52. Got my CNA at 49.

Been getting pres and cors for the last 2 years

Just got accepted and placed for Block 1 starting in Jan '16, I will be 53.

Hell, at 30 I was taking on child birth with my wife. Now I am all growed up, yes I said growed up and ready to become the best male nurse on the planet.

You can do anything you like in the moment called life. Just love what you do and do it to the best of your ability.

You're not OLD. Get rid of the CRAP thinking now!

Luck with your dreams.

Hawk - I envy you in someways. You're going to be awesome. You have a good head and heart to take on this journey. You are never old.

Keep pushing for your goals and dreams and you will succeed.

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