Gaining experience with a baby

[unladenswallow]

Hi All,

I'm beginning the process of applying to an ABSN program. Currently I'm working full time with a baby in day care. The roadblock I'm foreseeing is gaining patient care experience, such as working as a CNA. Not only do these jobs require certification which cost time and money (time that I need to spend finishing up my pre-reqs), but CNA pay may not cover the cost of daycare. My husband is in the military and we will be moving to San Diego where I'm certain child care is very expensive. I have volunteered for the Red Cross which I really enjoy, and I can do around my husband's crazy schedule. Has anyone been accepted with volunteer hours only? What other options are there for PCE hours? Thank you!

[compressionsock, LPN, RN]

I did not go through an ABSN program so I cannot speak to that. I do not know how you score amongst other applicants in terms of your whole GPA however what I can speak to is that a lot of hospitals (especially if they are near med schools or are teaching hospitals) can reimburse you for tuition. At my hospital they actually have an LNA to RN pipeline program where you commit to two 12 hour shifts a pay period and they pay you another two 12 hour increments of study time. I would look to see if any programs like that exist around you if it is more feasible for you to work through your program.