CNA program + waiting list

[barnacle1985]

I currently go to school in Southern CA, where at the moment, it is typically a 2 year wait to get into the RN program, at local community colleges.

I will be taking anatomy and math this next semester, as well as maintaining my p/t job as a server. I am 29 with no kids.

The last classes I need to complete BEFORE applying to the RN program are: physiology, microbiolgy (which is said to be taken last), chem, cna program and nursing math.

I was intending on taking the CNA course in the Fall semester of this year, and just trying to get my foot into the door as a NA at my local hospital. I've known people who have done this, and once done with the RN program, they are hired at at the hospital they were working as a CNA at.

I guess my main question is, if technically, if things go as planned, I won't be in the actual RN program till 2017?, should I just do the CNA course for my very last class and just work it while waiting for the program?

OR!!! Should I take it the Fall of this year, and continue to do school and get a job in the hospital field as a cna for the next 3 years or so?

I don't want to burn myself out with the whole CNA thing, and some how get discouraged.

I am open to all advice to people who have actually been in my shoes.

[bluescrubs16]

I am certainly an advocate for preNursing students to get their CNA, although it isn't a job that makes a lot of money... Have you considered going to a CC RN program out of state where the wait may be shorter? Or how about pursuing a 1 year practical nursing program? The wait for those programs is often shorter, you may possibly bridge to an RN program later, it could give you a leg up on the competition for RN programs, and LPNs usually make more $ than CNAs. Even an Medical Assistant or EMT program may be something to consider.

Whichever route you choose while waiting for the RN program, I'd do sooner rather then later. The more heathcare experience you have, the better I would assume. If you are concerned about burn-out as a CNA, which I hear is common in most allied health careers, most professionals seem to combat this by switching floors/departments when burn-out strikes.

Best of luck on your decision!

[RunBabyRN]

I'd do the CNA sooner than later and get started working as a CNA. It'll really help you to have those skills down pat when you start nursing school, so you can focus on learning the new stuff.

I agree about applying for other CC programs. Some work on a lottery system, which may be better than waiting for so long. Any possibilities of moving for a program, even within CA? Depending on where you are in SoCal, you may not even have to move, just transfer.

[dt70]

From a friend who works HR in a hospital, they give big preference to cna employees, followed by good clinical performance.

Schools that don't require cna for entrance don't care about your cna status, ones that require it before acceptance, you don't stand out because everyone has it.

It would be good to take cna level II if you get cna, because you can also qualify to work in icu and med-surg.

If your lucky, the hospital is very flexible with student hours, and you can get by working 4 hour shifts when your available.

Of coure you need someone to support you to get by with that low pay.