Young guy in need of advice.

[FutureRNMichael]

Hello everyone. Found your nice site through word of mouth on another site.

Let me first explain my situation.... I am 18 years old right now and am really just getting my life in some similance of order. Im working as a Caregiver at an Assisted Living Facility and I really enjoy my work. Have only been doing for a short period but everyone(Myself included) from my mother,to co workers to the head RN thinks it is my 'cup of tea'. The same people are telling me I need to pursue a career as a Nurse.

I would like to know what should be my next step towards becoming a Nurse - OR - Is there another field, similar to nursing, that I should set my sights on, potentially? I enjoy helping people, both old and young, I would like to be in a career where I can help people but I also do not want to be stuck as a Caregiver working for under $10 all my life like some of my colleauges. My mind set is towards working as something that is not only considered a more succsesful avenue of work but the pay difference would be nice as well.

Some different indviduals have told me I should work towards my CNA certification next but is that what really true?

I would also like a list of positive qualitys, In YOUR opinon's, a Nurse must have to be a succsesful Nurse.

Any information would be greatly appreciated!! Any at all.

- I certaintly apologize if this is not the place for this type of topic or if I am going out on a limb here for this info.

Regards, Michael

EMAIL: [email protected]

AIM: Mayer057

[FutureRNMichael]

Excellent information! Just what I was looking for.

Thanks alot!! I will be contacting those of you who sent me emails & PM's.

[nrw350]

Talk with your co-workers and with your local hospitals and see if you can shadow a few nurses and see what you think of what they do. That way you may be able to find out what area of nursing you want to get into. Hope this little bit helps.

[FutureRNMichael]

I had thought about doing something like that. But, would you suggest I call a local hospital and ask about something like this oe how exactly would I go about getting in touch with and possibly shadowing other nurses?

[nrw350]

that would work too.... often times it would help to know someon who already works there so at least you can find out who you need to talk with. Let us know how it turns out.