[SingDanceRunLife]

Hi guys,

I'm currently finishing up my junior year of high school...But unlike most juniors, I have all sorts of things all planned out. I know that I want to major in nursing. I know where I want to apply.

After high school, I am plan on getting a BSN and then working. Depending on if I want to go back to school or not, and how I like what I'm doing, I might go for my Master's to become a PNP.

That's not in the immediate future though.

In the immediate future, I'm thinking of becoming a CNA. The local vocational/tech school offers a CNA program during the school year, and I've signed up to do it next year for various reasons:

1. It's free training and taking it would make me eligible to sit for the state exam.
2. I think it would get me good exposure to the nursing field.
3. It's very hands on, and I absolutely love hands on things.

The program is about 2 1/2 hours each day, Monday through Friday including both lectures and clinicals. Does this sounds good?

Along with the CNA program, I will be taking AP Bio next year because I realize that Bio is definitely needed when thinking about the medical field.

I do have a couple of questions though:

1. Many colleges that have BSN programs aren't direct entry...You have to go as a pre-nursing student and then apply to the nursing program. Will the CNA program help my chances in cases like that?
2. How hard is it to find a job as a CNA? I was thinking that maybe I could work as one next summer, and also summers while I'm in college.
3. Anything else I should know?
4. Out of these colleges (they're all ones I'm thinking about applying to), which do you think has the best nursing program and which do you think is the best school overall? Temple University, Howard University, SUNY Buffalo, SUNY Binghamton, SUNY Stony Brook.

Thanks!

Oh, and as to why I want to be a nurse (since lots of people ask me that when I tell them that's what I want to do)...

Well, the medical field was the first thing that I ever wanted to do. Like most little kids, I said I wanted to be a doctor...Well, doctors are great people, and definitely needed, but I'm more of a people person than that. The most appealing thing about nursing is the very patient oriented approach. I want to deal with people directly, I want to make a direct impact, and get to know them a bit. I also like working with other people...And medicine is incredibly interesting! I seriously watch Discovery Health Channel and read about all sorts of medical stuff online just for fun. And pediatrics? Well, I've absolutely always loved kids, so being a pediatric nurse blends my great interest in the medical field with my social skills and love of children.

...And yes, I have in fact given this more thought than many college students...And yes, I do realize that my plans might change...But I don't think I could stray too far. My life goal in terms of careers has always been to help people, and I'm sure that I'll do that in whatever I end up doing.

[Shan25]

I am finishing my CNA course this week. I loved it. You will definitely gain valuable experience in the clinical component of the course. It made me realize that I was making the right decision in becoming a nurse. Good luck to you!

[coltsgrl]

Sing...great idea. I needed more credits for last semester and took the CNA class. As far as finding a job, nursing homes are soooo desperate you can get hired the day you take your state board! Also, (at least around here) you can name your schedule! It is fun work, the residents are, for the most part, funny as can be...don't get me wrong, you will be worn out at the end of the day, but its all worth it! I know I will definitely appreciate the experience once I'm done with nursing school. Good luck, and seriously, have NO worries about finding a job!

[SingDanceRunLife]

Thanks.

I was thinking that it would be a good choice

[degraypoole]

As a CNA I would suggest you work for a hospital. I have been a CNA for a few years and about to start nursing school myself at the age of 56! All the while I have been working as a home-care CNA specializing in seniors. From what I have read and been told, I would have gained greater preparation for nursing school by working as a CNA in a hospital setting. None-the-less I have learned a lot in the capacity of a senior home-care giver.

As far as to tech. classes go, it really doesn't matter how long the course is, the classes are, or how much it cost, what does matter is their success rate in number of students per class that pass the state exam. I personally believe the failure rate should be no more than 5%.

On a personal note I would recommend going straight into nursing school and do your BSN. CNA positions are poorly paid and don't afford you that much more experience. You have to work years for it to really count as gainfull experience.

[SingDanceRunLife]

I think you misunderstood...I am going for my BSN straight after high school, but I'm taking the CNA course in the hopes that I can work as a CNA during the summers (between high school and college, and then the summers in my college years). I'll have to work unless I take classes, it's a requirement of my parents, starting this year actually, so I figure, why not work in the field that I'm planning on going into?

[sschrader]

Originally Posted by SingDanceRunLife

I think you misunderstood...I am going for my BSN straight after high school, but I'm taking the CNA course in the hopes that I can work as a CNA during the summers (between high school and college, and then the summers in my college years). I'll have to work unless I take classes, it's a requirement of my parents, starting this year actually, so I figure, why not work in the field that I'm planning on going into?

i don't think anyone misunderstand. most programs require a cna certification now so it won't make you stand out. working as a cna will ...........A lot. good luck. i think even working a night a week while in college is good discipline ....

[Carmen29]

I don't know...if your parents say get a job or take classes, I'd be taking classes. Do you have a community college in your area? Do you know if they'll let high school students take college classes? You seem like you've got it all planned out. At your age, I wish I would have gotten an early start on college. If you're good at math, get your math requirements out of the way. Good at English? Get those requirements out of the way. You MIGHT get ahead if you do the CNA class. You'll really be ahead if you get into the academic requirements while you're still in high school...that is, if you can.

[SingDanceRunLife]

I don't want to take classes...If I do, they'll be high school ones that I can get out of the way so I have more time next year. Oh yeah, and I think I forgot to mention this, but taking the CNA program allows you to take 3 classes at the local community college tuition free.

And, I also need money for college. I have none. I would honestly rather be working than taking classes. Maybe that's just me but...