Former vet tech thinking about becoming an RN

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Apr 1, 2015

I have been a licensed vet tech for over 11 years and an unlicensed one for about 8 years before that. I am contemplating a career change due to low pay, low respect, and no job opportunities where I live. .... Any thoughts?

Have you researched your geographic region so that you are reasonably certain you won't be experiencing low pay, low respect, and no job opportunities in nursing? There is no nursing shortage throughout most of this country. If you're in a rural area, or location that attracts few to move there for reasons of climate or industry, you might have more of a shot at it as a new grad.

What did you find when you looked at local job postings?

RVTtoRNmaybe · Apr 1, 2015

I live in a very rural area. From what I understand just by asking around other nurses, there is no shortage of jobs.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Apr 1, 2015

Then that's a good thing! As for the rest, much will depend on how much money you need to earn while you're in school. Some people work a full-time job, no issues, and others struggle even without employment. If you become a CNA initially, at least you'll have an idea of what you'd be expected to do once you are working as a nurse later on down the road. You might find you love it...or hate it. Better to know for sure before diving into an expensive and time-consuming college degree!

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Apr 1, 2015

Vet tech to CNA may not be an entirely pleasant change. Your scope with people will be much more limited and you'll be working on "lower level" tasks as opposed to the higher level tasks you may be used to doing. Nursing may be more similar to vet tech, but of course it takes longer to accomplish.

The hospital paying for your CNA training isn't significant. If they were paying for the rest of your school, it might be worth it to deal. I worked in an animal ER while in school (office job), and although I applied for a few CNA positions, I'm glad they never called! School was tough and my school schedule was constantly changing. The employer I'd been with for years was willing to work with me, but I'm not sure a new job would have been as flexible. It would have also been a stressor for me to have to deal with a new job, a bunch of new people, new routines, etc. I'm glad I stayed put until I graduated.

Raviepoo · Apr 1, 2015

There are more rural areas in the United States then cities, although the cities are more populous. I don't regret becoming a nurse.

Definitely stay at that hospital as a CNA. You will have an advantage over all other job applicants after graduation.

P.S. I feel you. I changed careers in mid life. If I could have found a way to support myself working with animals, I would have.

RVTtoRNmaybe · Apr 8, 2015

Thank you all for the advice! I am still undecided. Thinking about just working as a vet tech nights and going to school during the day for my RN prerequisites then maybe working as a vet tech on weekends while in RN school. I am afraid I will suffer a decrease in salary as a CNA and I think a RN may be closer to what I am used to as a LVT then a CNA. Any more advice would be greatly appreciated? Any former RVTs or LVTs become RNs????

Libby1987 · Apr 8, 2015

Small animal or large? Large vet techs do the best leg wraps :-)

I'm nervous about the job opportunities even as an experienced nurse so I would want to start building relationships in a hospital system that I wanted to work in. As well as learning how to organize and manage patient loads by providing CNA care and observing the RNs.

I'm not sure what I'd do for money, if feasible I'd look at cutting COL by renting a room etc. I would whatever I could to avoid being one of those grads without relevant work experience and no good starting point.

RVTtoRNmaybe · Apr 8, 2015

I am also scared that CNA work may be something for those with young backs. I am not as fit and limber as I used to be. Anybody else have those concerns? I can't rent a room. My husband and I have 4 kids under the age of 12 between us. So, money is definitely as issue. Thank you for your advice!

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 9, 2015

I was a large animal technician for many years, ran anesthesia, ran the barn, everything. I think it is great experience. I decided not to go to vet school because the return on tuition was terrible (large animal vets make no money). later I worked as a CNA while I went to school for my RN. I would work in the hospital-get your foot in the door. The experience will be useful too.

The great thing about being a vet tech, is that the medicine itself is very similar and it will help you. Good Luck!!!!!