Advice Please

[proudpops]

I need advice, i am currently a soph. in college, i have a 2yr old son that i support by myself. I am currently a CNA, I am in a cross roads of what I should do for the summer, over the summer i am taking AP2, which will leave me with just micro to take in the fall then i will be done with my pre-reqs, and will be attending nursing school that spring. I am hoping to go to chamberlain college of nursing in Addison, IL. I am trying to figure out which quick job will give me more real world medical exp. as a CNA in a LTC I believe I have seen all that I can see, and have learned quite a few things. But the pay is sub-par, and i have a child to support so i am considering either taking a Dialysis Tech Course or a EMT-B course over the summer, both would only take 8 weeks to complete. But the question i have is which will be more beneficial to my aspirations of becoming a nurse. Im not letting anything distract my sights of becoming a nurse, this will be a reality within the next 2-3 years. I am just trying to gain exp. so that i am a more well rounded RN, and which will make my time, more productive financially. Any insight or advice will be greatly appreciated.:) *I will post to the student nursing section as well*

*I am 19 years old

*I live in the south suburban area of Chicago

[TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP]

Starting EMT-B pay actually isn't that great, somewhere just north of $8/hr in the Chicagoland area. Part of the reason is that there's a glut of paramedics in the area, so EMT-Bs are running with private companies that primarily do medical transport. What the EMT-B does do for you is give you a leg up on assessment. While your rapid trauma or rapid medical exam is not as in depth as a nurse is trained to do, it's a lot more than a CNA does.

I can't say much on how a dialysis tech is viewed, as I'm not familiar with the training or the job. What I personally think, which may or may not be what your applicable admissions committees may think, is that the EMT-B course is fairly rigorous and exposes you to a lot more than the dialysis tech course will. Additionally, once you get some field experience you should be able to get a job as an ED tech in a hospital, increasing your overall clinical experience.

However, you're the one who has to live your life. Do what interests you more.