CNA looking to advance advice?

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Good afternoon all. I am new to the board :). So I just found out I have to wait until 2017 before applying to nursing school (bummer) because I need a few more prerequisites and of course I have to pass my Teas test. I want to advance from just CNA to a higher paying career while I finish school.

My two options would be A) take a 4 month course to become a dialysis tech or B) EMT.

Please any other suggestions are appreciated.

CNA is great while doing my prerequisites but, when I get into the nursing program the salary is just not going to cut it when each nursing course is going to cost me over $400 not including books. No I do not plan on using loans or financial aid.

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Dialysis tech will certainly pay more, as being an EMT will certainly lead you to making less than a CNA. I will advice, though, that CNA experience is the most revered in terms of applying for a nursing position down the line.

Point: if $$ is what you need more of, then dialysis tech will be it, but be mindful that you're sacrificing great resume experience for more money now. Stay away from EMT.

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Specializes in critical care.

I think EMT would give you variety in what you would see from day to day, but how long would that take?

Would dialysis tech be inpatient or outpatient? I think inpatient would be cool because you'd see higher acuity and learn how to remain level-headed when a patient is actively crashing in front of you (a very necessary skill for bedside nursing).

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Do which you think would be better for you. I did MA part time but served and was a bartender. I made more money that way (bar and serving) while able to show I was serious about nursing.

Also look at the hours will you be able to take pre req while working at as an emt or a tech in your area???

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A CNA can make up to $17 an hour in a hospital setting. Have you considered getting your phlebotomy and ekg certs? Some hospitals even offer training in these areas so all you would need is experience as a CNA. Make sure you mention that you are interested in pursuing nursing school because there are many hospitals that will cover your tuition costs.

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I am currently applying to hospitals now, no word from anyone yet. I seriously doubt I could make that much here when the major hospitals are only paying Cna's $11 hour. Phlebotomy is something I was thinking of taking as well.

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I guess it varies depending on what area you're living in, I'm in NJ. But there are just far more advancement opportunities in a hospital and the possibility of having your tuition paid could really help you out.

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Specializes in Long term care.

Dialysis techs in my area make the same as, if not less than a CNA in a nursing home. I tried the route and thats what I've found. The demand for dialysis techs is not very high here either tho.

You'll have to do some research.

I also know many of the dialysis centers will provide paid training with a contract of course.

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Thanks for all the replies everyone. I have decided to take the phlebotomy and ekg route to make myself more marketable. The local community college also has a CNA II course that interest me. It teaches catheter insertion,wound/tracheostomy care and laboratory work to name a few. Since CNA is the foundation of nursing I might as well continue here. FYI, I recently interviewed and shadowed for a local dialysis center. Needless to say the staff didn't seem happy or didnt have many encouraging things to say about being a tech.

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Specializes in Dialysis.

Have you thought about QMA? They're a CNA with training to pass meds, usually in ltc setting. Makes considerably more than CNA, at least in my neck of the woods

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Specializes in Post Acute, Med/Surg, ED, Nurse Manager.

in Washington state EMT's make about the same as CNA's as well roughly $11 starting.

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