Former Cardiac Patient Entering Nursing

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Greetings!

My name is Larry and am in my early 40's aand have been through two open heart procedures as well as many catheter ablations.

My problem has been resolved.

After witnessing the skill and compassion of the nursing professionals, I have decided to make a career change.

My plan is to start as a CNA, then obtain Phlebotomy certification, and then to LPN.

My CNA training begins next week and I am very excited.

My question is this an efficient method to begin my career? Money is an issue and I would like to begin working as a Nurse Assistant with additional training as time allows.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Neuro ICU, SICU.

I can relate as I first considered nursing as a profession when I was a patient. I had 2 heart ablations in order to correct WPW when I was a teenager. I started out as a CNA on a med surg floor. I was a CNA for a year before I eventually found an office job at the same hospital. A year after taking the office job, I went to nursing school. I am very happy with where I am now in my career. I have been an ICU nurse now for 2 years.

If I were to go back and do it all again, I would have done my EMT-Basic instead of CNA. I did not consider EMT as an option when I was first starting. In many cases, EMTs can still get CNA type jobs in hospitals as ER techs. Additionally, you could get a job for a fire dept or ambulance service. This is much more exciting than recording vital signs, bathing patients, and cleaning poop in a hospital or nursing home.

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CNA seems like the fastest way to get to work. I am prepared to get my hands dirty for a while. I really hope to get the phlebotomy training concurrent with the CNA and start LPN within the next year or so.

I have a half dozen health care facilities within three miles of my house and ultimately would like to work the Cardiology wing of our local hospital.

Thanks for the input!

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Specializes in Neuro ICU, SICU.

I think you are on the right track. It sounds like you have your goal and the steps it takes to get there. The only thing left is doing it. Good luck to you! and maybe you can give us an update or two along the way!?

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

Your plan sounds fine. But instead of LPN why not enter an ASN program? You will have more career options sooner with an RN. Good luck.

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Specializes in Critical Care Medicine.

I started out as a CNA, got my LPN license during my ADN program -- Went on to go on to a Med-Surg floor as a new grad and now work in ICU in FNP School. CNA experience is great and you can make out of it what you want, I would suggest looking into EMT-B programs as well, though. EMTs get a whole different kind of experience and better assessment skill training than CNAs, IMHO. GL either way, glad you're feeling better!

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