I think I want to do it

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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I have battled with the idea of going through a CNA course for over a year now. However, I really think the time is right to do it now. My husband has gotten a promotion and I found a part-time job that I could take to make a little extra cash so I don't have to give up getting paychecks all-together. I'm dreading giving up my regular job because i've been there for 2 years, but it has gone way down hill and I just feel like the time may be right.

A new hospital is being built in my area and will be open in 2011. They're already filling positions for PCTs and I figure if I go ahead and take the course that I might have a good chance of working in the hospital near my house.

Basically, I just shared all that information because I need some encouragement. It seems like everything is pointing towards doing something good for myself, a career change, etc. I currently work in a daycare, so the pay I make is miserable, so working as a CNA, I may feel like i'm being spoiled with 9 dollars an hour, lol.

What do you think? Should I go for it? It's a 4 week course, it seems great. I really want to do it, and I really think it's a good idea, but I don't have anyone encouraging me so I thought I might need to hear it from true CNAs.

Thanks so much!

Bri

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

I think you should go for it! I didnt want to become a CNA at first because I thought it would be "gross", but I really enjoy it. Take the class. If you decide that its for you, great!! But if not, that's good too. At least you know that you gave it a try. Good luck :)

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Specializes in ICU.

Definitely go for it! Remember, though, CNA and PCT are not the same, so if you want to be a PCT and the hospital is hiring PCTs, take a PCT class.

In my state, you take a PCT class and then you take the exam for state certification as an AUA (Advanced Unlicensed Assistant). I'm not sure if all states have AUAs, but an AUA is the only person who can get a job as a PCT in my state and has a *much* broader scope of practice than a CNA. My hospital hires CNAs for the general med/surg floors and PCTs for ER, ICU, and Post-partum/Nursery/NICU.

It's a good idea if you want to do it and think you'll be good at it. :) And higher pay never hurts, either.

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab.

There's nothing wrong with further education. I think that the CNA training would come in handy if you are trying to work as a PCT in a hospital. But some PCT or PCA duties differ from that of a CNA. Like Phlebotomy and basic lab work. I'm sure the hospital will further train you if willing to hire you. So, good luck and best wishes. :heartbeat

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Honey.. you don't need our encouragement. That little inner voice seems to be doing all the encouraging for you. It keeps pushing you to do what it may very well be time for. Don't ignore it, sometimes it knows things that's best for us, whether we can see it at the time or not. You know what it's time to do so go do it. Sign up for the course and see what happens. Life is short so it won't hurt to try. I personally love being a CNA. Yes, I took a paycut, but the rewards of my job far outweighs money at times. I never regret it and would tell anyone with the drive to at least try. Good luck to you.:heartbeat If your heart is in it, put your mind to it and make it happen.;)

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Thank you everyone!!

It means a lot to hear it from everyone, I think i'm going to sign up. Probably not until the summer, but i'll frequent these boards to stay well informed!

Thanks again.

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