Another 'is it worth it' question for RNs

Nurses General Nursing

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Now I know that there are probably hundreds of similar questions floating around this site, but I'm hoping this one is a little different.

I am currently a CNA in a mixed rehab/LTC facility, and I am certainly not happy. It's not changing briefs, or feeding, or any of those things that give me problems. It's the possibility for advancement. For some reason I currently have no idea of, the only local uni that provides CNA level training dropped their Medication Technician, Advanced Skills Nursing Aide, EKG/ECG, and Phlebotomy courses. So now you're either stuck as a CNA, go 'behind the scenes' (RadTech, CT Tech, Surgical Tech, etc.), Patient Care Tech (the national exam type, not the other CNA title), spend another semester in and go for LPN, Or go for ADN.

My dream is a job as an RN in direct wound care types of jobs. It doesn't have to be solely wound care, it's just that my skills are more in that area, more so than pharmacology, etc. and I have little to no problem with the aspects of it people find rather - undesirable, like debridement, ostomies, and the like.

But as things stand now, I'm not making all that much. Every advisor I've had has told me that it's not a good idea to work while in the nursing program, even going so far as to put a suggestion to that effect in the schools materials. So I have to work.

So the question is, what path would you advise me to take? I keep hearing the messages of "It's sooo worth it!", but often these were women that had either still been living at home with their parents, or with their significant others/spouses through the educational process. I don't want to mess things up by flunking out by not being able to handle the course load, and I don't want to let myself get disheartened to the point that I give up. Should I stick to trying to get in the ADN program, go for LPN and worry about advancement later, or is there some field I'm not even aware of that would be a far better fit.

And before you start being too concerned, I'm not going to make my choices solely on what all of you have to say. But with so little useful information and chances here, it only seems right to reach out.

Thanks for your time.

Specializes in Critical Care.

Since you already are familiar with the healthcare environment you have a bridge to build on. If you like wound care you could go on to become an RN and work in the field. Our wound care specialist has a Masters degree, but I believe you could find work in a wound care clinic, possibly even now as a tech. Wound care is part of floor nursing and home health care as well as the clinic option. It is not a favorite part of my job, but I'm able to do it and do my best for the sake of the patients.

You are smart that you are considering all your options. I was not aware of the many healthcare jobs out there other than nursing. Perhaps I would have been better suited for an allied health position. Nursing has been very hard for me stress wise and I've witnessed the working environment, staffing levels and expectations deteriorate over the years. I like many others have gone on medication to deal with the stress and while part of me feels weak for doing it the other part of me wishes I had done it years ago to help me cope.

From a purely practical economic viewpoint, nursing has enabled me to pay my bills, buy a house, travel a little, and save for retirement. I come from a lower middle class working family without a college background or the necessary social connections to get a good paying job in this world where who you know matters more than what you know. There are moments when I enjoy my job and feel a connection with my patients, but there are too many times of being overworked and over stressed to recommend nursing generally. However with your background you could probably succeed and maybe even thrive.

Many students are able to work while going to school. If you decide to do it check oud your local community college for an ADN RN. It could save you thousands of dollars. Stay away from for profit colleges and from private student loans. Take out the least govt student loans. Once you have your ADN you can then go on to a low cost RN to BSN option, there are now many online degree programs. is among the cheapest option out there. If you are lucky your employer will help pay something toward your BSN.

Dear SolDanz,

When I started my nursing program, I still remember the advice my nursing instructors gave to us that first day of nursing school. "We strongly advise that your do not work." Only 45% actually graduated from my original nursing class.

Some people worked, I myself took out loans and committed my self to nursing (that's a fun pun!). I know that some struggled, some got A's, some got B's, and some just passed. While grades are important, something to consider is whether your can easily apply your knowledge to direct patient care. Some students who did great on exams could not, and some who did great on the floor had trouble with their exams. Depending on the program you could be in school 5 days a week, and clinical hours could be during the day, evening, or noc shift depending on available times and locations.

The possibility of last minute changes in your program can come up and again, you have to be committed to completing the work.

You passion for wound care is awesome and it is a realistic goal. I would recommend going straight for your RN because it will take you less time. As a RN you will be able to assess admissions, discharges, review meds and form treatment plans, which is required to assess, diagnoses, plan, implement, and evaluate wound care patients. You will need to know pharmacology because medications can affection the healing rates of wounds, meds can cause skin problems, drug interactions can promote or inhibit length of stays.

Yes the RN degree is a generalist degree but what does that mean? If you study hard and study more than just what is assigned to you by your instructors, your RN degree may be more than just a general degree. Learning for life, not just the class is something to consider. When I applied for a psychiatric nursing job out of nursing school and was interviewed, I knew my drugs and side effects. I could recommend nursing interventions for specific psychiatric diagnoses and was able to provided appropriate medical interventions for specific scenarios. I got the job because I was prepared.

RN programs are inconsistent with training depending on the area of nursing practice. Pediatric, Psychiatric, Wound Care, Cardiac, and ICU rotations may be limited if non existent. Definitely get subscriptions to ANA and Nursing 2018 magazines to keep up with current topic and issues. Consider getting a student membership to a nursing wound care organization. Free classes can be found and you can find great resources if your text books are not clear.

Another thought to consider, if you had to work, you could try and get a position in a wound care clinic. Even if it was a clerical position, you could still be focusing on what you want to do and it would be a good experience. Another part of wound care is understanding the supplies needed to be used on the different types of wounds. Cost is a big factor and knowing which companies to order from and which insurance plans will authorize payments, will get the best and affordable products for your patients. That would be great knowledge to have.

Good luck and much success!

You have some different options. You could work full time and go to school part time. Or you could work part time and go to school full time. If you go to community college you are eligible for financial aid, which can include living expenses. I'm not sure of your education level. If you have not yet attended any college, why don't you start with the nursing pre req classes like Biology, Anatomy, etc? Just take one class at first so you get an idea of how much time you need to study and if you are comfortable working and going to school at the same time. Good luck.

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