Did anyone work as a PSW before becoming a nurse?

[Worthy]

I was laid off from my (boring) office job last week. I cried all weekend because we need my paycheque - and poof - gone. I could either claim unemployment, look for another boring office job, or immediately sign up for a four month PSW course.

I signed up.

I will be done by the first of May, and I know the pay is not great, but I figure it will be great experience. I am ineligible for EI while in the program (you must be available for work "at all times" while on EI), so we are drawing from my RRSP's to finance us through. It's interest free, and I have 15 years to pay it back to myself. I figure I will take about $5,000 to finance this.

I am one third of the way through nursing, at night. I am not qualified to work as a PSW, so I decided to get certified. The classes are easy, I find it a basic version of theory. I hope to work in a LTC facility.

Does this sound like a reasonable plan? I reeeallllly don't want to have to get another office job, but need to make money to survive!!!!

[KeriH1]

Hi there,

I did work with an agency for four years as a PSW before getting my nursing license as an RPN. Being a PSW will give you invaluable exp and help you perform better in nsg school as you will have already learned the basics. Hang in there. You're action plan sounds great. Don't get discouraged and go for it!

[sixes]

I was a HCA now PSW then I took the RNA know LPN then I took my RN.

The experience is great. I find because I took all areas of Nursing it makes me a better RN. As I've been there and done that

I have contemplated taking the BSN but at this time in my life I am happy whrer I am

I work in a long term Care facility and love it

Good Luck in what ever you decide to do

[JMP]

I was a RPN, did not practice much..... years went by.then I decided to get my RN- worked as a HCA and then RPN while I got my three year diploma RN- worked two years and now I am almost finished by BSN.

Education and experience are two great friends that will be with you forever- no one can ever take either one from you!!!! good luck-

JMP

[loriangel14, RN]

Your plan sounds very similiar to what I did. After my marriage ended and I got laid off from work( in the same week, no less!) I took the only job I could get working for an agency doing homecare.They hired me with no qualifications but I took my PSW and graduated March 2002. I am now taking my rpn part time and plan on going formy BScN later. Good luck.