Where to start?

[crispynurse2B]

I'm just finishing my first semester of my LPN program. I plan on continuing directly for my RN (ADN). I've been told that after we successfully finish our first semester we can work as a CNA.

I'd like to get a part time job in a hospital or LTC facility to replace my currect p/t job (which is not nursing related). I think it will help provide more learning experiences.

My question is, everyone has an opinion about where you should start. Some day I'd like to specialize, but I think I will start in either Med Surg or LTC to gain as much varied nursing experience as possible for a couple of years before I specialize.

What do you recommend. Is there more basic nursing knowledge to be gained in LTC or in Med surg? I think I would be happy in either area.

I'd appreciate your input. Thanks:)

crispy

[PJMommy]

I think that if I'd have been a CNA, I'd like to have done so in ICU. You'd see ventilated patients, brain trauma, post-heart surgeries, wounds galore...you name it!

[medicrnohio, RN]

In my opinion, working anywhere as a CNA would be helpful. A CNA does the very basics of nursing such as bathing, toileting, vital signs, etc. These things don't change much from one setting to the next. I think just learning to be with people and do the basic nursing skills is important. Also some LTC facilities have a skilled care area where you would learn to work with patients on vents, feeding tubes, etc. Good luck to you whatever you choose.

[crispynurse2B]

I hadnt really thought about ICU, sounds interesting....I liked being the LTC setting for this clinical rotation, but I want to learn as much as I can and hope working in a facility as a CNA will help me get foot in door for future nursing employment.

Thanks for the good wishes, I'm loving this stuff and cant wait to get to work!!

Crispy:)