Advice From Nurses Needed.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · May 25, 2011

Look into CNA classes or even EMT-B. They are quick classes and you can get a job doing that. My school was a different process and everyone that met the requirements got a chance. But if your schools weighs things like that, then I would do that. As an EMT-B you can work as a Tech in the ED. If you don't need the money you can volunteer at a hospital too. But I would get the CNA over the Medical Assistant.

Best of luck to you :)

smishra8 · May 25, 2011

Look into CNA classes or even EMT-B. They are quick classes and you can get a job doing that. My school was a different process and everyone that met the requirements got a chance. But if your schools weighs things like that, then I would do that. As an EMT-B you can work as a Tech in the ED. If you don't need the money you can volunteer at a hospital too. But I would get the CNA over the Medical Assistant.
Best of luck to you :)

Why do you think that CNA is better than Medical Assistant? Dont they have pretty much the same experience? Do you have any information on CNA programs? LIke how long they are and how much does a CNA make after getting a certificate?

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · May 25, 2011

Why do you think that CNA is better than Medical Assistant? Dont they have pretty much the same experience? Do you have any information on CNA programs? LIke how long they are and how much does a CNA make after getting a certificate?

The pay and length of time varies on your area. Same with MA, some MA programs are certified and can be a year long or longer. Some are weeks. I suggest CNA because if working in a hospital is your goal, CNA jobs are more prevalent in the hospitals (from what I have ever seen) and will give you a better idea of what the nurses do because you will be working with the nurse. It's a completely different roll then a medical assistant. Most of the MA I have ever seen work in private doctors office or medical clinics outside of the hospital. I know some MA's work in a hospital but I have personally never encountered one or know of a MA that has. I have many friends that are CMA's. If nursing is your goal I would do CNA, or LPN/LVN and bridge into the RN. I have known of a lot of people that do that as well.

smishra8 · May 25, 2011

thank you soo much for all your help! So you recommend that with this year i have to work on applications i get experience in nursing by starting as an LPN instead of an MA and not worry about working in a hospital yet. Is it easy to get into an RN program as an LPN? Are there any LPN programs i can get into without being a CNA first? I did some research and noticed that alot of the programs you need to be a CNA first. Is this mandatory for most LPN programs?

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · May 25, 2011

thank you soo much for all your help! So you recommend that with this year i have to work on applications i get experience in nursing by starting as an LPN instead of an MA and not worry about working in a hospital yet. Is it easy to get into an RN program as an LPN? Are there any LPN programs i can get into without being a CNA first? I did some research and noticed that alot of the programs you need to be a CNA first. Is this mandatory for most LPN programs?

I have no idea, it completely depends on your area. Here the LPN was easier to get into then the RN programs, I know of a few students that did there LPN first and then did a LPN-RN bridge program. It might take more time but it was easier for them to get in that way. My school also didn't require a CNA first when I applied but apparently now they do. But the CNA class can be completed here in less then a semester.

I am just saying if it was me personally, if it was between a CNA or a MA and my long term goal was an RN then I would chose the CNA. If the LPN/LVN is an option while you wait, then I would do that. If you only have a year and you can get into an RN program, then just go with the CNA.

That's just how I would do it. I believe the MA's get paid more then CNA, but usually the programs are longer then the CNA and it's a completely different field, it's still healthcare but the scopes are much different. The CNA would be more in lines with a nursing goal. You would work more with nurses and get a better idea of what nursing is about.

smishra8 · May 25, 2011

wow thank you so much! you have totally inspired me to keep going with this. Yea it will take me longer and my main goal is to actually be an NP. I know i have a loong way to go but i've realized if you really want something in life, just grab any opportunity that comes your way and go with it. You have taught me so much and honestly i feel so much more relieved and i have direction once again in my life. After being declined from the nursing schools i applied to, i was really confused as to what to do. I didnt know if i should get more experience in the nursing field or if i should just work to earn money but you have answered my questions. If i need to be a CNA to be an LPN to be an RN to be an NP thats the path i need to take. Would it be ok to keep in touch with you just in case i have more questions? I dont know that many people who are in nursing so i've been slightly confused and lost but you have helped me a lot. I really appreciate all the help you have given me and i would be even more grateful if I can come to you in the future if i have more questions.

caliotter3 · May 25, 2011

Also check with each of the programs you applied to and those new ones you intend to apply to and see what their policy is on repeating classes. You should repeat any course you received a C in, to raise your grade, (particularly the science courses). This will help your application at those schools that do not penalize a person for course repeats. Good luck.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · May 25, 2011

wow thank you so much! you have totally inspired me to keep going with this. Yea it will take me longer and my main goal is to actually be an NP. I know i have a loong way to go but i've realized if you really want something in life, just grab any opportunity that comes your way and go with it. You have taught me so much and honestly i feel so much more relieved and i have direction once again in my life. After being declined from the nursing schools i applied to, i was really confused as to what to do. I didnt know if i should get more experience in the nursing field or if i should just work to earn money but you have answered my questions. If i need to be a CNA to be an LPN to be an RN to be an NP thats the path i need to take. Would it be ok to keep in touch with you just in case i have more questions? I dont know that many people who are in nursing so i've been slightly confused and lost but you have helped me a lot. I really appreciate all the help you have given me and i would be even more grateful if I can come to you in the future if i have more questions.

Absolutely you can, and you have a wonderful attitude. I started my pre reqs in 2004, got on the waitlist for my program in 2006 and started fall 2009. It was a 3.5 year waitlist. But I stuck with it and I graduated this month, took boards and am officially an RN. Many times I felt like giving up because it was to much time. But it paid off and I kept my goal in sight. You can do this and if you have to take a longer path to get there, the outcome is still a nurse.

Stick around Allnurses, it's a WONDERFUL resource with really great and helpful people with tons of experience.

Congratulations and good luck with your ventures.

smishra8 · May 25, 2011

i feel the same way as you. I know its going to take me a while to get to my goal and i know there may be ups and downs but one thing for sure is i want to be a nurse practitioner with all my heart. After shadowing one last summer i knew this was something that i want to do for the rest of my life. If i need to start at the bottom and work my way up thats what im going to do. Its funny because i have a ba in psychology and im not nearly half as passionate i am with that, that i am with nursing. This site is very helpful, just within a day of registering to this site, i finally know how to achieve my goal so thank you! and congratulations to you as well for being an RN! Thats very exciting!! Good luck to you as well.

smishra8 · May 25, 2011

Also check with each of the programs you applied to and those new ones you intend to apply to and see what their policy is on repeating classes. You should repeat any course you received a C in, to raise your grade, (particularly the science courses). This will help your application at those schools that do not penalize a person for course repeats. Good luck.

Thats a good idea as well. thank you!