Collecting Certifications

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 17, 2012

When I see the list of different diciplines, careers, roles, etc. get too long ... it makes me think the person wasn't able to commit to any one thing and get really good at it. Be careful you don't appear to be just "collecting certifications" without really working in those fields long enough to develop expertise in them. An inability to commit to a career/job and stick with it is very unattractive to employers. ("Why should I invest in this person. He/she will just leave soon to go on to the next job.")

You would be better off picking one that you really liked and then developing true expertise in that field -- picking up any credentials relative to that field along the way as you build your expertise in that field. You'll also develop a solid career alternative should registered nursing not work out for you and earn more money along the way as you gain seniority and experience. Hopping from one to the other is not good.

halotrics · Jan 17, 2012

When I see the list of different diciplines, careers, roles, etc. get too long ... it makes me think the person wasn't able to commit to any one thing and get really good at it. .

I agree just because they are all medical dosent mean that they all build onto each other, which ever makes you happy build on that one but usually the next step from cna is sometimes is LPN that what i did, that dosent mean i should po straigth to to a peds doctor

hilzaberry · Jan 18, 2012

I agree just because they are all medical dosent mean that they all build onto each other, which ever makes you happy build on that one but usually the next step from cna is sometimes is LPN that what i did, that dosent mean i should po straigth to to a peds doctor

Okay, now I'm confused...

Perhaps I should clarify first what my "dream" career destination is...When all is finally said and done, I want to become a nurse/nurse practitioner who specializes/certed in midwifery/prenatal/doula. I love working with the labor and delivery teams and wish to be able to travel abroad to teach the practice.

I am pretty much locked out of nursing schools on +2 year wait lists so getting these certs to get experience seemed like a good idea. I only keep getting more certs because I cant find work!! I also see postings online now that require even MORE certs IN ADDITION to the ones I have to get a job! Now your saying getting certs hurts my job potential??

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jan 18, 2012

EMT/Paramedic aren't particularly useful certifications if you wish to go into OB/midwifery.

Doula is not nursing but labor/mother/parental support and it depends on your area as to whether a doula certification would help or harm your career opportunities. Some areas embrace doulas some do not based upon experience. Some facilities will not permit doulas to work in their L&D birthing units because of prior experiences.

Same with lay midwife vs. certified nurse midwife, it depends on your area as not all states authorize lay midwifes to practice.

I think the original point was the process of collecting various, unrelated certifications is more of the issue. An alphabet soup after your name doesn't indicate specialization or even highly qualified. It can make it seem like you have no direction in life, especially with a wide variety of "certifications" and 'credentials' AND you titled your thread "collecting certifications"

While EMT & paramedic are a related progression, neither certification is really related to RN/CNM/APN. CNA is very different than EMT/medic (how many bed baths did you do in EMT/medic school?). While minutely useful telemetry, ECG & phlebotomy certifications won't necessarily help you progress towards your dream of women's health nurse.

Your CNA is more likely to help you land a hospital or clinic job perhaps working in an OB GYN office or as a CNA/tech in a labor & delivery unit. That would me more in line with the direction you wish to aim. While waiting for the start date for an RN program, start the job search. The experience as a CNA will likely be beneficial as you begin a nursing program.

Have you completed all the pre-requisites to your nursing program? Have you followed up with the admissions office (sometimes there are last minute drop outs to a program and if admissions know that you are cleared & ready to go on a moments notice you can get that empty seat. The nursing admissions department can be your best friend sometimes. :) )

Whether you decide to go for your LPN now while waiting for a spot in the RN program, is totally your decision. You can also look at whether there is a bridge program at your RN program. Sometimes there is less of a wait to bridge from LPN to RN rather than direct entry into RN. But other programs require that you work for 6-12months as an LPN as a requirement for entry into an LPN-RN program. LPN may or may not be helpful. If you live in an area where it is nearly impossible to get a job as a new grad LPN the license is not going to do you much good.

One other option, is some community colleges allow experienced NREMT-P's to bridge to RN just like LPN to RN.

annlewis · Jan 22, 2012

Move!

hilzaberry · Jan 25, 2012

EMT/Paramedic aren't particularly useful certifications if you wish to go into OB/midwifery. Doula is not nursing but labor/mother/parental support and it depends on your area as to whether a doula certification would help or harm your career opportunities. Some areas embrace doulas some do not based upon experience. Some facilities will not permit doulas to work in their L&D birthing units because of prior experiences.Same with lay midwife vs. certified nurse midwife, it depends on your area as not all states authorize lay midwifes to practice. I think the original point was the process of collecting various, unrelated certifications is more of the issue. An alphabet soup after your name doesn't indicate specialization or even highly qualified. It can make it seem like you have no direction in life, especially with a wide variety of "certifications" and 'credentials' AND you titled your thread "collecting certifications" While EMT & paramedic are a related progression, neither certification is really related to RN/CNM/APN. CNA is very different than EMT/medic (how many bed baths did you do in EMT/medic school?). While minutely useful telemetry, ECG & phlebotomy certifications won't necessarily help you progress towards your dream of women's health nurse.Your CNA is more likely to help you land a hospital or clinic job perhaps working in an OB GYN office or as a CNA/tech in a labor & delivery unit. That would me more in line with the direction you wish to aim. While waiting for the start date for an RN program, start the job search. The experience as a CNA will likely be beneficial as you begin a nursing program.Have you completed all the pre-requisites to your nursing program? Have you followed up with the admissions office (sometimes there are last minute drop outs to a program and if admissions know that you are cleared & ready to go on a moments notice you can get that empty seat. The nursing admissions department can be your best friend sometimes. :) )Whether you decide to go for your LPN now while waiting for a spot in the RN program, is totally your decision. You can also look at whether there is a bridge program at your RN program. Sometimes there is less of a wait to bridge from LPN to RN rather than direct entry into RN. But other programs require that you work for 6-12months as an LPN as a requirement for entry into an LPN-RN program. LPN may or may not be helpful. If you live in an area where it is nearly impossible to get a job as a new grad LPN the license is not going to do you much good. One other option, is some community colleges allow experienced NREMT-P's to bridge to RN just like LPN to RN.

o_o ***head desk*** This entire nursing school application carnival show has been such a nightmare for me I'm getting ready to throw in the towel. The ONLY reason I have my EMT/Medic cert is because I initially wanted to go to medical school and felt it would be silly to let them expire. I am 100% done with my schooling but because I made the mistake of going to a seedy private college I have been financially bled dry, black marked by both schools/employers due to my schools illegal conduct, AND have only JUST gotten on lists thus I am now stuck waiting for +3 years. I moved from AZ to CA and still got nothing...even with my 3.2 gpa, certs, recommendations, and prior experience I get no where!! I cant even get a job!! Im 24 already and this is retarded. I refuse to attend another private school but I will move pretty much anywhere at this point...

hilzaberry · Jan 27, 2012

**ANXIETY ATTACK!!** I am getting pretty freaked...I can't finish school and if I can't work enough to support myself when my parents insurance support ends I'm SCREWED! I have SEVERAL genetic issues that would be terminal without EXTREMELY pricy health insurance. I NEED TO GET THIS DONE!! I'M NOT SLACKING AROUND HERE!!!

toxic.waste · Jan 27, 2012

**ANXIETY ATTACK!!** I am getting pretty freaked...I can't finish school and if I can't work enough to support myself when my parents insurance support ends I'm SCREWED! I have SEVERAL genetic issues that would be terminal without EXTREMELY pricy health insurance. I NEED TO GET THIS DONE!! I'M NOT SLACKING AROUND HERE!!!

I am not up for pity parties. I am sorry that you haven't gotten anywhere with your current school. But if you can't get off of waiting lists, then it is time to think of another school to speed up the process. Sitting there and "waiting" for it to happen won't help you get an ADN or BSN. Plus, private colleges are a LOT more expensive than public colleges and community colleges.

If nursing is what you REALLY want to do... then do something about it. Go to different schools and apply for their nursing programs. Why settle for a program that won't put you farther than a waiting list? Also, look at the prerequisites because you may think you have all the classes you need to enter the program but you really don't. Be proactive. There is a saying, "the squeaky wheel gets the oil." Be the squeaky wheel by taking the time to talk to the nursing faculty about the program and your classes, etc. Some programs require an interview before they will accept you. Also, make sure you have taken the right entrance examination, like the HESI, TEAS, etc.

hilzaberry · Jan 27, 2012

I have taken every test required with acceptable scores, have obtained all of my pre-req classes with a 3.7 GPA WITH recommendations and have applied to over 15 schools...and have been placed on the waiting list...for 15 schools. RANDOM LOTTERY LISTS. UCLA has 10 spots on their whole list PER YEAR! State Colleges all appear to also randomly pull names or refuse to look into possible factors for advanced students. I'm stuck! Private is too much or too seedy and public seems locked! I just don't know what to do!