Can someone mentor me?

[aniandr]

Hi guys.

Maybe the title is a bit different, but I feel like right now I should speak to someone experienced in the nursing field to offer advice, personal experience, and opinions since I'm having a bit of a hard time figuring out how I can to go about entering nursing (or if I should even do it at all).

I wrote a thread in the Nursing Career Advice section explaining that I am ineligible for federal aid and private loans. Being that I only make 30K before taxes that has to be distributed among three or more people (my husband and child and sometimes others) at any given time, it doesn't leave me a lot to save up with. I'm in NY and expenses tend to be high here. Aside from that, I'm not sure if I should attempt to start out as a CNA or HHA just to get in the door since I have limited funds, or if I should aim for LPN or ADN first, etc. I also have some slight concerns about whether I'd start the journey in my studies to become a nurse only to find out that I am too timid or sensitive for the profession. I love biology and learning about medicine, but I've always been a little meek and quiet.

So would anyone care to become my mentor in nursing? I don't care about age so much, just hope to run into someone who doesn't mind sharing experiences as a nurse and advice, especially if you've been in a similar predicament. I think I'm generally bright with a lot of promise, but I can be scatterbrained and get distracted at times. I know my situation is a little more difficult than some, but it shouldn't be unable to be managed. It's just depressing right now.

[FrogKissingNurse]

if you are not sure if you have the personality for nursing i would highly suggest becoming a cna. plus the adn schools around me rank applicants by points and you get more points for being a cna.

it will get your foot in the door and help you feel comfortable in a hospital setting and allow you to work with nurses.

[aniandr]

Thanks a bunch. I started to think about the CNA route first, but then I got a little scared from stories I've heard.

[colzanurse]

Check into nursing school scholarships. Also see if your state offers a nursing scholarship that kicks in after you are in school for a period of time and maintain a good GPA. I also agree with getting a nurse aide or nurse assistant position to learn about the medical field. You don't necessarily have to earn a CNA certificate to do that first. See if your local hospital/nursing home/other medical facility hires and trains. Also read the following post from this forum for advice: https://allnurses.com/nursing-articles/how-survive-thrive-532725.html

[Kateoh82]

I think that is really good advice for her. I went through a CNA program just to get some insight, as well as getting my feet wet into the medical world. I have never worked as one, but plan on possibly doing it part time when my nursing program starts in a month. I think it was a great experience for me to go through the cna program to watch, learn, and be exposed to the very basics. I really enjoyed the three week program. The wages for a CNA are so incredibly low to me for all the work that is involved. Thankfully I have financial support from my boyfriend and If I decided to pick up some hours doing it, I would be doing the CNA to put on my resume and for a little extra cash. Good Luck to You!

[aniandr]

Hey everybody. Thanks for the advice.

I found a FREE CNA program that lasts 8 weeks that I'm going to get more info on at the orientation.

Even better, the biggest burden on my shoulders is almost lifted. I will be eligible for FAFSA in March, so I should be fine come fall if I feel like I'm getting into the right profession after testing out the CNA courses. If I qualify for FAFSA, I also qualify for Veterans' aid, so my financial situation won't be the pits if I try to study and my family won't be starving.

Thanks for making me feel better about the CNA idea.

P.S. I still want to find a mentor!