Confused CNA/Nursing Student

[cwoloszyn]

I have been a CNA at a LTC facility for over a year. I have grown accustom to policies, procedures, and residents--I feel like it is a second home. I also just started my 3rd semester of nursing school (1st semester in the actual program). I feel that the LTC facility is holding me back because unlike a hospital, we deal with a lot of the same types of diseases and problems. I feel that a hospital will expose me more to different types of patients and prepare me more for my nursing career. Should I try and gain more experience and apply to a place like a hospital? Or should I stay in the same LTC facility and wait until clinicals? Thanks in advance for your input!

[Marsha238612]

Well I've read extensively the threads regarding this issue, whether to apply at hospital or LTC as a new grad, but most will tell you it's a matter of finding a job as a nurse, any job. Unemployment is so high that nurses (new grads) just want to get experience.

Something like "paying your dues" meaning working in a LTC facility and then applying to a hospital.

But it doesn't hurt to try, if you can get a job in a hospital as a CNA and then work in the same place when you get your license that sounds dreamy.

Good luck

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