Career move struggle...Need Help Please.

[Cherry68128]

So I am currently a nursing student at a CC. Well I wouldn't even say I am a nursing student, I am pre-nursing. Still finishing up my Generals. Right now I work full time at an assisted living facility as a CNA/CMA. I recently just got a call from a local hospital that wants to interview me for a position as a Greeter at their front desk. It is part time, but everyone that I have talked to has encouraged me to take the position, even if it is a bit lower in pay and only part time.

They are of the opinion that it could be a good career move. Most of the places that I have scouted out for possible CNA positions req. experience..and the same is true for RN and LPN. Now to my question...is it better to stick with the AL facility (which happens to be a 30 min drive from my house) or to try my hand at the part time place? (Which is actually a university hospital and I have been told that they possibly do tuition reduction or even free tuition for some employees.)

Just thought I would get the opinions of a few others that might be or have been in similar situations, or may have some knowledge that I am lacking.

Thank you!

*** Small side note, money is not really an issue. So part time or full time employment really doesn't matter much.

[juliaann]

For experience, stick with the AL facility. For opportunity, move to the hospital.

Does the hospital have any CNA openings? Do they have CNA openings ever? It would be unhelpful to you to take the job as a greeter and sit in the lobby earning less money for part-time hours AND getting no useful experience for years.

If they hire CNAs regularly, then taking the greeter job would position you well to make an in-house transfer, which is almost always preferable to being an outside applicant. But if there are no jobs to transfer to, then you're stuck being a greeter.

If I were you I would go on the interview and see what they say - especially regarding opportunities for advancement within the facility.

Is it possible for you to be part-time/PRN at the AL facility and work at the hospital until you get a full-time job at the hospital? That may make you look even better when you try to transfer within the hospital because you will have current CNA experience.

Either way, good luck! I hope you find the right balance for you, and the right job while you work your way towards nursing school.

[MidnightAzalea]

If money/tuition isn't an issue, I'd stick with the CNA position. It'll look much better for getting into an RN program and then into a nursing position.

[Cherry68128]

I interview for the Greeter position tomorrow. I figure there is no point in not going. Juliaann, I think that may be possible. To work part time at each one. I am pretty sure the greeter hours are pretty stable. Every few months they do have openings for CNA positions, so this might be a good oppurtunity. Thank you ladies! I just needed a few opinions on the matter, glad I got it.