CNA vs. Hospice Volunteer?

[dc1994]

I'm debating between getting licensed as a CNA vs. volunteering at an outpatient hospice.

I work in a restaurant currently. I like it most of the time, but frankly I am just kinda tired of restaurants. I feel like I'd be a better fit in a job where I can actually make a difference in someone's life and that actually pertains to my future goals vs. somewhere where I'm just making sandwiches, taking people's money, and being looked down upon for being "uneducated"...people can be poopheads no matter the field though. However, I've mastered the arts of multi-tasking and prioritization thanks to food service.

One of the girl's I work with is about to take her NCLEX-PN and she keeps telling me not to be a CNA...even though she was never one herself. I am considering it to get some experience and get my foot in the door. CNA's are extremely important and I know that as an RN I will have to do tasks that CNA's normally do sometimes. Not a big deal to me, I don't think I'm above anyone or any task...the patient is my responsibility and I am going to do whatever I can to help them and leave the politics out of it. But...making sandwiches isn't going to give me valuable experience with patient interaction and won't give me a leg up in nursing school.

I'm also in the process of volunteering at a local outpatient hospice. I just have to finish the paperwork (they gave me a huge binder full of a bunch of tests I have to take) and take the TB test. I've been in talks with the hospice since December, but between school and work (I'm a full time student), it's hard to find time to finish all of the paperwork. Luckily they understand and have made it clear that they REALLY want me.

I feel like either way I go (CNA or hospice) I'll get valuable experience, I just can't decide which way.

What do you guys think? Should I become a CNA, leave my current job, and drop the hospice volunteering? Or keep my current job and volunteer at a hospice?

[Kuriin, BSN, RN]

I've found that through applications and speaking to numerous "MEPN" style programs, they actually look at CNA experience over volunteer experience. Of course, I guess it always depends on the school itself and how you explain yourself in your essay.

[dc1994]

I've found that through applications and speaking to numerous "MEPN" style programs, they actually look at CNA experience over volunteer experience. Of course, I guess it always depends on the school itself and how you explain yourself in your essay.

My school actually doesn't require volunteer experience or an essay. They based admissions solely on GPA and HESI score.

[RunBabyRN]

My vote is for CNA. It'll give you a leg up on nursing duties, and you'll have some of the basics down when you get to the program. It'll give you an advantage if you're used to working with patients and touching them when they're as vulnerable as they are in a hospital.

That said, if your goal is to work in hospice, that experience will be fantastic.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

It depends. How much are you making at your current job? Don't leave a good paying job to become a CNA. You can test and get your license for it after your first semester of nursing school, if that is what you really want to do. I don't see why you would pay upwards of $1500 for something that can be done for free if you can be a little patient. Plus the only thing a CNA gives you a leg up on is nursing fundamentals. After that you are on the same level as everyone else. It's up to you how to spend your money, I just I guess loom at the thrifty side.

[ShelbyaStar]

From what I understand and have experienced, at least from volunteering at a hospital, is that there isn't a whole lot a volunteer can legally do. When I volunteered, I fetched water for pts in med/surg and rocked babies in the nursery. Both were fun and were eye-opening in getting a feel for how hospitals work, but you will get a lot more experience as a CNA. Plus money! Medical assisting is another possibility.

Or if certification isn't in the cards, maybe find a job at a group home or something similar. That's what I did to get my feet wet- I wasn't sure I wanted to be in the medical field and wasn't going to pay for certification to find out. The work can be very similar, plus I learned to pass meds.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

and being looked down upon for being "uneducated"

Some people will still look down upon you and think you're uneducated if you were to become a CNA. Heck, a sizable number of people in the healthcare community view nurses as uneducated in comparison to other professionals such as doctors, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, etc.

In other words, you shouldn't base your decision on whether people will look down on you because there's always going to be a faction looking down their nose at you.