Discouraged...

I'm starting my 13th year of being a CNA. I've started and stopped college 3 times. Brain surgery and a divorce really slowed me down finishing. I've done about everything I could with my CNA. Nursing homes, Hospice, Dr's offices, Hospitals. I'm a hospital CNA in the float pool and with as many years experience as I have I'm only a few dollars less than a new RN grad. So pay wise I can't complain. But I'm driving an hour each way to my job. I have ALL my pre-recs for my RN done but not sure when I'll get admitted into the program. The counsler here said the wait is long (community college) and if I wanted to be more competative I could re-take one of my A&P classes for a higher grade while I wait. You know, I really don't feel like it. I'm really disgusted right now it's this hard to get in around here. And I'm sorta burnt out. The counsler said I'm too far into this to quit now. Which is true, because I don't want to be a CNA forever. Even the 4 year schools around here have huge wait lists. I really don't want to keep testing everywhere and paying to send my transcripts all over. And sence I'm already driving an hour each way for my job I really don't want to go anywhere else but the community college here. (where I work the school there has no nursing program) So here I am hoping and waiting. Anyone else have waiting stories?

[YoungWiseWoman]

Hi Reesa,

I'm sorry you are feeling down about the wait. I don't have any waiting stories, but I did want to tell you to be of good courage. Try not to let yourself get bogged down about what is in the past. The past is history and you can't change it. I'm a firm believer in everything happening in the time frame that it needs to happen. Your counselor is right, you've come too far and defeated too many odds to stop now. Your numerous years of experience as a CNA should definitely help you with admission. You are never to old to be a nurse, so don't let age get in your way. Stay prayerful and take it one day at a time. I will keep you in my prayers. :) Ketcia:)

PS Enjoy your holiday!!

[angel337, MSN, RN]

i know how you feel. i was a medical assistant/pct for about 6 years before i graduated nursing school. i thought i would never finish because i had to work full time and i was taking 1-2 classes here and there in order to finish my prereqs. you did not come this far to give up. once you get in the program, you are in and you can look forward to counting down to graduation. i have a friend who is in her 40's and has been a LPN for 19 years. she also was once discouraged and she actually gave up school for a little while. she will be graduating in the spring of 2006 and says it is the best thing she has ever done for herself. you can do it too.

[Race Mom, ASN, RN]

Reesa,

Take the A&P class! You already know it, so it should come naturally to you and you will score well. I know the thought of taking another class is mind-numbing, but you might as well have something to pass the time. It could make a tremendous difference in your waiting time. Plus, if they go by a point system, or GPA, by not taking it, you might just end up a lifetime "waiter". These programs are increasingly more competitive and if you want in...you must compete! If you take the class at the community college, there won't be any transcripts to send or pay for. If you have already transferred credits via transcripts to the CC you are applying to, you only need to have done it one time. It sounds like you have to do something to better your odds, so do it. I know it is frustrating, but what you are currently doing isn't helping your chances, so make a decision to do what it takes and better your life. You won't regret doing it, but you will regret not doing it.

Lisa

This has to be really tough. Is moving to another, less competitive geographic area an option for you?