All advice will be appreciated

[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

[fv1993]

either one depending what career path you take , emt may be more flexable for school, good luck

[proudpops]

thanks for the advice thats what i figured......

[Jules A, MSN]

Just wanted to wish you much success with whatever you decide. You sound like a responsible, hardworking young man and we can always use nurses like that!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

whichever will help you get your goal the fastest. Consider hours you work, pay, fatigue level and ability to have study time. Good luck!

[belgarion]

Where I live the nurses and techs at dialysis get paid very well in comparison to similar positions. In addition, the dialysis company will usually offer tuition assistance to techs pursuing a nursing diploma. The downside is you have to agree to work for them for a few years after you graduate and the experience you get is, well, dialysis. While an EMT-B may or may not be paid less, the experience is much more varied.

At any rate, you sound like you will do just fine no matter which way you go.

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

I don't know you, but I'm both proud of you and admire you. Your son will also have a lot to be proud of when he's old enough to understand. What an amazing example you're setting for him.

Either would be useful experience, but I agree that the EMT position might be more flexible for school. Plus, you might find it sparks an interest in ER or critical care nursing.

[mustlovepoodles, RN]

I"d go for the EMT-B. Dialysis is good, but it can be routine. As an EMT you're going to see a broad cross-section of the population who have everything from a hangover to seizures to stroke to gunshot wounds. Plus, you would have a lot more flexibility. I say, go for it!

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

EMT you will see more and get more hands on experience, but the pay will be less than a dialysis tech. So depends on the perspective of how much money you need. If the money isn't so much an issue, definitely the EMT.

I wish you luck!

[ctdismukes]

I am formally an EMT and now Im in nursing.

I WISH WISH WISH all nurses could have had one semester of clinical rotaion through ERs and on ambulances! I have said that from DAY ONE! That field will keep you on your toes and gives you a better perspective on how to handle an emergency situation on a Med/Surg floor (or anywhere for that matter).

I feel my background gives me that "been there, done that" type feeling when I come across a patient that would either make one of my nursing peers panic or vomit (or both!)

Please! Go be an EMT and enjoy the hell out of it. You will make more on the road with a private ambulance company (like AMR) than you would as a CNA. And try to pursue getting on an ALS truck where you can work with a Paramedic. You get more experience with codes (as in CPR not ICD9) and drugs that way!

Best of Luck

[proudpops]

Thanks everyone for your input and advice i do think that i will go with The EMT=B rpute because after looking over the hours that a renal tech will be most likely to work, fresh out of school, it would be better for me to go with the EMT=B route because i can work nights and longer shifts to make ends meet. @Ctdismukes what exactly can i expect to do as an EMT=B what would be the typical night out of curiousity? I think i might start a thread on that subject alone in order to gain a more indepth understanding. I really appreciate all of the input everyone has given, thank you all so much.

[ctdismukes]

At night we typically stared out with:

MVAs (motors vehicle accidents) - because everyone was out on the road at 7pm

OR

Interfacility Transfers (hospital to nursing home or vise versa) - to pick up left overs from day shift

As the night progressed, we would frequently be accompanied by law enforcement R/T domestic disturbance, a perp's "face plant" into the concrete by law enforcement, another MVA or "unresponsive person" (most likely due to substance abuse). We frequently ran across the homeless... especially on cold nights and they really are not bad people as everyone thinks. Some of them are actually pretty damn cool... they just need a shower, some clean clothes and a roof over their head

We usually would end our day with an interfacility transfer to take patients to regularly scheduled appointments or the ER (mostly likely because a night shift nurse just got orders to move a patient out because of their rapid decline). You will learn much more at night.

There are times when you will be hated, yelled at, swung at, spit on, hugged, kissed, vomitted and cryed upon. The "thank you" from a single patient makes it ALL worth while. Find some locals in their station or on the road and ask about their war stories (trust me I'm sure they have plenty). Im really excited for you! Have fun in your new endevors!