[quicksilverXP2400]

Hey guys,

First post here, but I just wanted to say how proud I am of all of you for being able to what I couldn't do and become a nurse initially because of my gender. I've been wanting to be a nurse ever since high school, but was deterred because no one seemed to support it. I now work for corporate America and hate it.

So now I'm back to step 1 and need some advice/help in becoming an R.N. I have a major in Economics and minor in management and was interested in in the MSN program since I already have an undergraduate degree. My only volunteer experience was in high school as a hospice volunteer (LONG time ago.. I'm 25 now)...

But I would like some advice on how to go about all of this...

Basically, what type of volunteer work should I do while taking my prereqs? I was thinking of taking an EMT or CNA course, but I heard volunteer work is more than enough to get my feet wet.

[Miami NightNurse]

Why were you afraid to become a nurse because of your gender? There are plenty of male nurses out there. Why do you want to do volunteer work? To see if you like nursing? Becoming a CNA would be your best bet. Although sometimes I think they have no understanding of what our jobs entail. Just remember we aren't looking through those charts as a form of entertainment, as some of them seem to think.

[mrsportsmedicine]

Originally Posted by quicksilverXP2400

Hey guys,

So now I'm back to step 1 and need some advice/help in becoming an R.N. I have a major in Economics and minor in management and was interested in in the MSN program since I already have an undergraduate degree. My only volunteer experience was in high school as a hospice volunteer (LONG time ago.. I'm 25 now)...

But I would like some advice on how to go about all of this...

Basically, what type of volunteer work should I do while taking my prereqs? I was thinking of taking an EMT or CNA course, but I heard volunteer work is more than enough to get my feet wet.

Sorry to hear you were deterred initially. But glad your interest is still in nursing. It's an awesome profession.
As for volunteering, each to his own.
You get out what you put into it. As a CNA you'll definitely have a better appreciation and respect for those awesome individuals and the nursing care they give. It will definitely help you with your basic nursing skills later down the line.
Not sure about the MSN? I know you can do bridge programs after you get your RN, but going to an MSN program you'll have to be pursuing a BSN of some sorts. At least that's my understanding.
BEST OF LUCK ON YOUR NEW JOURNEY

[BumblebeeRN]

EMT is great, you learn basic emergency treatment (duh) and you can also get a job working as a nursing assistant as well. (at my hospital to be a patient care assistant, the requirements are either have finished one semester of nursing school, medical assistant, EMT or CNA or have been a nurse or a doctor in another country).
It's great, I became a medical assistant and started working as an assistant. I loved it so much and pursued nursing as a career. Now I am an RN in a surgical peds floor.

[quicksilverXP2400]

Ok. So I'm gonna enroll in my prereqs soon. I'm also working part time for a little cash flow, but I wanted to know if there were any good opportunities that would allow me to gain some valuable experience... pay or no pay.

I know of volunteering... I can do this on the weekends. But are EMT/CNA programs offered on weeknights or weekends as well? I'd like to ultimately do EMT work, but if it gets in the way of actual work or taking my prereqs I don't know if I'll have time. I'm trying to manage my time effectively. Any other ideas?