CNA: Best Career Path To Becoming A Nurse

I was one of those straight A, AP, National Honor Society kids in high school, so I was a little shocked when things didn't go my way at the University. It was very hard to figure out how I was going to get myself into nursing school without getting myself in a lot of debt. While my story probably isn't the most tragic one you've ever heard, I have worked very hard to find a round about way to continue my dream of becoming a member of the healthcare profession. I began at the bottom of the food chain--- as a CNA. Nurses Announcements Archive Article

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CNA: Best Career Path To Becoming A Nurse

I wish I were one of those people who had a cool story about what compelled them to go to nursing school. I come from a family of doctors and nurses and have a caring soul, so I figured I too would go into healthcare from a young age. I originally started out as a Pre-Health major (biochemistry specifically) at the University of Florida, but unfortunately that didn't suit me. By the time I decided I wanted to go to nursing school instead of be a doctor or dentist, I had hurt my GPA with very hard weed out classes and couldn't get into UF's Nursing program (my GPA was around 3.35.) They also are the only school in Florida that does not offer grade forgiveness, so even if I retook the classes I got poor grades, they would have just averaged the scores. So from a cost-benefit perspective and with an Associate in Arts degree, I left UF and got my CNA license. I figured this would be my first step in becoming a nurse, and if nothing else, I would start to pay off some of my student loans.

This was one of the hardest things I ever did. I still wonder if I made the right decision sometimes. I gave up the amazing and fun university lifestyle for stinky patient rooms and endless evening shifts (sometimes 16 hour doubles.) What had I DONE?!

My first weeks as a CNA were horrifying. Being only 19, I had never even seen a catheter or colostomy bag. I challenged the state exam, so I had not even seen this stuff in a school setting before. My first two nights on the job I cried at the end of my shift and slept a total of two hours those nights (waking up frequently with images of colostomy bags in my head.) I was taking care of 13-14 patients, as we were heavily understaffed. I remember that all I could think about was the terrible smell of C-diff and how THAT MUCH of anything could come out of a human. I started looking into other schooling options--- I was so traumatized that I almost gave up on nursing. I couldn't help but think I had neglected a patient and was going to lose my license in my first week.

But I'm so glad I pressed on.

My time as a CNA was the most valuable thing I could have done to confirm that I would make it in the nursing field. My facility was very understaffed, poorly organized, and hard to deal with at times. They would call me at 5 in the morning asking me to come in and work a double. But I still loved my job. My patients adored me. My nurses trusted me to do the jobs that they couldn't trust the others to complete. My DON had me training new CNA's after only three months. And best of all, I finally was making a difference in people's lives. Even in some of the worst imaginable working conditions, I felt like I could do my job as well as some of the aides who had been there for years.

In the time that I was a CNA I was looking for a school that would accept me with my less than perfect GPA. This is a harder feat than you may think in this day and age. Many schools in Florida (especially BSN programs) will only look at GPA and MAYBE a TEAS or HESI test score (UF did not even look at that.) So finding a program that I was competitive for (that wasn't $40,000 a year) was nearly impossible.

Now, about a year later, I have been accepted for the fall semester at Palm Beach State College in their RN program. I start in just two weeks!

My story of becoming a nurse is just beginning, but in many ways I believe I am already a nurse at heart. When I finally came to peace with my job as a CNA, I began to truly enjoy my experience. I can't wait to start school in the fall and show everyone that the beaten path is not the only way to reach your greatest potential. I hope that I will find a specialty that truly calls to me, and I will continue my education as far as I possibly can. wave.gif.f76ccbc7287c56e63c3d7e6d800ab6c

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Lori215

About Lori215, RN

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Judging by your attitude (and writing ability) alone, "showing up" is going to "pay off" -- both for you and your future patients.

Well-done!

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Specializes in Cardiovascular.

You are going to flourish. I wish you all the best.

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Specializes in ICU, neuro ICU.

Thank you both for your kind words! I was a little nervous about posting this because I wasn't sure how it would be received, but I'm glad that this is in fact an encouraging place :)

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Thank you for sharing the beginning of your journey. I truly believe you are going to just revel as a nurse. Your story actually sounds very similar to mine; I, too, began as a CNA. To this day, I feel being a CNA was more difficult than being a practicing RN. I commend you for sticking through the difficult times, your experience will only make you a stronger, compassionate nurse. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

For some, nursing isn't a calling, it's an expression of who they are. I thoroughly have enjoyed nursing so far and I hope to (very soon) get paid for it. I wasn't called to it. I've long been the kind of person that helps others out. I've been an athletic trainer, I've been a paramedic and now I'm a nurse. Quite literally, for me, helping others is who I am, being a nurse and paramedic is how I choose to express that.

So in a very real sense, I also showed up on nursing's doorstep and was let in. You learned from your CNA experience exactly what I think you should have. You learned that this is a place for you and you're good at what you do. You've come to realize just what you can do for others and you now want to expand your horizons beyond that. Never stop learning and growing as a person and as a nurse, in that order. When it's time to go to work, show up both physically and mentally. Just with that attitude alone, you can go far in many fields. Too many people show up at work just for a paycheck. Don't get me wrong, getting paid for your work is great! It's just that they're still checked-out while at work and aren't present in the moment. People like that normally don't go very far because all they're looking for is the paycheck and it's obvious.

Good luck in your future endeavors, because whatever may come, you'll do well. I wish you the best!

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Great post... There is no feeling like bringing happiness to someone in a time of need. I believe you feel this way as well. Enjoy your journey through school and have an amazing career!! I start on the 25th, it will be over before we know it.

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Specializes in ICU, neuro ICU.
akulahawkRN said:
For some, nursing isn't a calling, it's an expression of who they are. I thoroughly have enjoyed nursing so far and I hope to (very soon) get paid for it. I wasn't called to it. I've long been the kind of person that helps others out. I've been an athletic trainer, I've been a paramedic and now I'm a nurse. Quite literally, for me, helping others is who I am, being a nurse and paramedic is how I choose to express that.

So in a very real sense, I also showed up on nursing's doorstep and was let in. You learned from your CNA experience exactly what I think you should have. You learned that this is a place for you and you're good at what you do. You've come to realize just what you can do for others and you now want to expand your horizons beyond that. Never stop learning and growing as a person and as a nurse, in that order. When it's time to go to work, show up both physically and mentally. Just with that attitude alone, you can go far in many fields. Too many people show up at work just for a paycheck. Don't get me wrong, getting paid for your work is great! It's just that they're still checked-out while at work and aren't present in the moment. People like that normally don't go very far because all they're looking for is the paycheck and it's obvious.

Good luck in your future endeavors, because whatever may come, you'll do well. I wish you the best!

I really appreciate your response, because I am always made nervous by those who have AMAZING stories and reasons for wanting to be a nurse. I feel like if I don't have a good enough reason that I want to be a nurse, I won't love it. But it sounds like I am not the only one who came to it this way!

For me, like you said, being a helpful and kind person is just who I am. I want to affect peoples lives in a positive way, and it was pretty amazing the feeling of gratitude from those people who truly can't help themselves (even just for a glass of water!) It was a sort of adrenaline that could keep me going for those 16 hours.

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Specializes in Hospice.

Good for you, OP!

44 years ago, I started work as a nurses' aide (no CNA certificates then) on night shift in a local nursing home. I needed to pay the rent and the pay was a tad better than the capacitor factory in which I was working at the time. I found out that I both liked the work and was good at it.

42 years ago, I graduated from the local community college's nursing school and took my boards - the two-day marathon us old fahts mention from time to time.

I never looked back.

You GO, young'un!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Sometimes one only needs to do is "show up". ;)

Sending positive vibes in your success!

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It doesn't actually matter what our reasons are for becoming a nurse. At the end of the day, it's the pleasure of helping others that will drive you to pursuing that path.

It seems to me that you already have it, plus your determination and dedication- it will surely take to you to where/ what you want to become.

Good luck mschulz, and may the spirit of florence nightingale be with you! ;)

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Specializes in L & D; Postpartum.

Thanks! That is what happened to me also. I am the eldest of three girls, born 1949-1953. The middle sister was indeed "called" into nursing.....actually she wanted to be veterinarian, but was convinced that nursing was a better fit for a married woman by her in-laws and a over-controlling EX. No way would she allow that now.

Anyway, when I went to college, I didn't actually know what I wanted to be. I knew what I didn't want to be. My high school counselor decided I should go to a certain state school that trained teachers and I told him that wasn't going to happen. No way, no how. So off I go without a clear plan. I loved math, so I thought about becoming a CPA; I loved languages so I thought about that, but way back then, translators were like basket weavers, and none had actual jobs, and what else would one do with a language degree but teach? Again, not happening.

Then I got married, and left the University I loved (and still do) for another state. By then, my sister was already out of a diploma nursing school and loving what she was doing (she later went back to school and became a Nurse Anesthetist and about 3 years ago, decided to get a BSN: which, she says, didn't make her a better nurse, but it did improve her power point skills). Anyway, I decided that nursing was something I could do and do anywhere life might take me. So I went to nursing school in Northern California.

I graduated in 1976 and spent 35 years doing labor and delivery. Which I loved and was very good at what I did....in L and D. Not sure I would have been as successful in other parts of the hospital. One must know one's limitations.

I am now retired and I don't miss the J O B at all. I would go back to the work in a heartbeat, but I have serious issues with the direction nursing is headed. There is far too much focus on the computers, having nurses do all the order entries, blood draws, even janitorial and housework, than on patients anymore....This is just my opinion after watching the trends for the last 15 years I was employed.

That said, good luck to all who go there. You don't have to be "called" to be awesome!

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