I've been working as a cna for roughly 5 months. Do I love it? No but that doesn't mean I don't want to become a nurse. I have patients and nurses telling me that I'm the best aide they've ever worked with. That's a great feeling to have but the company I work for constantly messes up my payment and schedule.

I do work two jobs. I make more money and work less hours as a waitress. And waitressing honestly works better with my school schedule.

If everything goes as planned (fingers crossed!) I wouldn't start nursing school until fall of next year.

i was thinking about quitting my cna job and instead saving up for a healthcare organization in South Africa this summer. I'm not entirely happy with my cna job because of the constant calls I get to come in and work. I go to school 5 days a week (morning and night) and I'm trying to balance that job and my other without being let go.

Would that possibly hurt my chances of getting into nursing school? I would absolutely love to volunteer in South Africa or any country in need for that matter.

I want nothing more then to become a nurse. I love helping people in need. I just don't want to ruin my chances of getting into nursing school because of quitting my cna job to save up for volunteering in another country. Any thoughts or suggestions?

I know how u feel I waitress and that's where mos of my income comes from but I kept the cna job part time 16-20 hours a week to look good for apps

Live the life that makes you happy.

If you're looking to boost your changes for nursing school admission, a great GPA will be much more important than CNA experience. The waitress job seems much more practical for you at this stage, particularly if you're having problems being paid & scheduled appropriately with the CNA gig. There will be plenty of time to grab another CNA job when you're in nursing school.

Best of luck on your educational journey

I'm not sure if my comment will help, but just wanted to let you know I was in the same position as you, I made the decision between working more as a waitress while going to school and being a CNA and I completely understand what you're going through because its a . I am currently only a waitress and going to school, although I was worried about it would affect my application, I am now pleased with my choice because my GPA has rose, opening more doors for me, such as earning more scholarships and beening asked to join a Honor Society, along with that I am much happier and less stressed. Good Luck in your decision!

I don't think it's a bad idea. You do what you need to do. The South Africa thing sounds cool. So if you can do it, go for it. Being a CNA is not the most important thing when it comes to nursing or nursing school. Plenty of nurses have never been a CNA and do just fine.

Spending thousands to volunteer in a foreign country is a waste of money. Why? Because there are thousands of people in your general area who need just as much help.

One idea- wait until you have your RN and volunteer with Doctors Without Borders.

I agree about your GPA- do what it takes to keep it high.