Advice on Positions to Work While in or Waiting to Attend Nursing School?

[RNfaster]

I was wondering if anyone had advice on positions to pursue while in or waiting to attend nursing school.

I have two decades of work experience (most recently in a high-paying technical marketing job), I speak Spanish, and I recently aced my medical terminology class. Further, I've completed all my pre-reqs but one. --I'm changing careers as I predict continued layoffs for high-tech marketers in the coming decades due to globalization. --I think nursing offers intellectual challenge, stability, and personal reward (nice to go home with knowledge that you have helped folks).

I'm having trouble landing an entry-level job in a hospital, e.g., registrar, unit secretary, etc. I'd hoped - and still hope --to land a unit secretary position as I heard that was a great position to work while in school. I'm now planning to take CNA classes (at the Emmanuel School of Nursing for about $1500 - will be finished in three weeks) and then, once licensed, try for a CNA position.

Do any of you have any advice on how to break in to an entry-level job at a hospital? I'm currently unemployed, so the $1500 is a big investment. Previously, I'd thought it didn't make sense to pursue CNA work as it isn't part of the Maricopa colleges degree requirement. (I don't understand why not --have asked a few folks, but haven't received any real answers.)

Thank you!

[ready2banurse]

Thank you to all of you. I just found out I'm eligible to receive funding for the class because of my layoff.

Previously, I'd contacted Phoenix Workforce Connection as I'd heard they might be able to help me with retraining as a NURSE as I was laid off from a field declining because of globalization. But, because of a comment from a counselor that my income last year was too high, I'd given up on it.

My severance package is nearing the end, so I just signed up for unemployment (you can't receive it until severance and accrued vacation runs out) this week. Upon doing that, I learned I'd have to have all my ducks in a row with Phoenix Workforce Connection before I was eligible to receive UI. I messaged the counselor I'd talked to several months ago to say I was going to take care of my classes, but wanted to ensure my paperwork was in order. He called me back and told me they'd be able to help with my classes. Boy, was I surprised.

When we talked this time, I let him know I was interested in CNA training as an interim step to becoming a nurse. He said CNA TRAINING was very doable. Apparently, their budget has been cut and cut (it had just been slashed when I made my first visit to them, and new rules were being constructed ---I think that is partly why I received mixed messages from him). I get the impression that in the past, a nursing program would have been possible. I also learned that now they are using a rating system that does use income as a qualifier. He said I entered the program before that system went into effect, however, so I was eligible.

I talked with some hospital hiring managers about whether or not a CNA certification would make a difference in the way they looked at me. They were resoundingly in favor of it. (I think this may be in part because they or their colleagues worked as CNAs on their road to becoming a nurse. I think they have deep respect for the work CNAs do.)

I also talked to a representative from the Arizona Board of Nursing. I asked her why the Maricopa Colleges just recently dropped the nursing school prerequisite for CNA certification. She said that there were several reasons:

1) nursing students looked down on the CNA position --felt it was beneath them.

2) nursing students were getting the training, and then forgetting it by the time they got to block one, so they needed the training again.

3) nursing students were getting the training, but not pursuing certification (I guess this indicated to the colleges that CNA training/certification per se was not critical...???)

I can't help but wonder if this issue with CNA work reflects a transition of sorts in the medical field (perhaps with various roles are being redefined with greater equity). I get the impression that the medical profession is very, very rank conscious (this, as I see it, is rooted in competition for work/money, and even rooted in gender and societal class issues). I know such attitudes don't always promote patient welfare. think CNAs do some very critical and difficult work, and they should probably be paid more for it. Tough situation. (Have started reading a book by Suzanne Gordon called, "Nursing Against the Odds," it is rather skewed towards the negatives, and can be depressing for a prospective nursing student, but I think there are many truths...and pointers that can help bring positive changes to the field of nursing and medicine in general.

I am going to pursue the classes, certification, and the work. Then I will pursue nursing school.

How did you go about getting your class paid for? I called Phx workforce and I have to go to a meeting they have..but I figure I'd ask you to find out the right things to day :-)

thank you

[RNfaster]

It was such a long time ago. I just went in and asked about it. I have the impression (not sure if true) that they used to retrain "dislocated" workers to be nurses (and other positions that require more funds) when funds were available. By the time I got I got there, the "barrel" was running dry. I don't know how things will be for you, but you can inquire. --Were you laid off due to your company sending jobs overseas? --That's how I got in. Maybe there are other programs for workers laid off due to the bad economy now.

Ask...that's about all I can suggest.

Good luck to you.