Good class to take to see if nursing is for me?

Katbird2014_RN · Mar 31, 2014

If you want to take a class to understand what nursing is like, it's going to be very hard to let you completely understand exactly what you're getting into. I would say maybe a anatomy and physiology class. Still, this will be nothing compared to actual nursing classes but at least you can begin to learn about body systems. Why don't you volunteer at a hospital or nursing home? I feel that would be better to see what nurses do on a daily basis. You may not get paid but it would benefit you more if you're wanting to know what nursing is like before you take classes. Or you could both! Best of luck to you.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2014

If you want to take a class, then taking a CNA or EMT class would be best.

NicoleLynch, ADN, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2014

Taking the CNA course is where I realized I really, truly wanted to be an RN. I would suggest doing that. You get hands-on experience as well as the classroom setting. It's a good way to test the waters, I think.

dt70 · Mar 31, 2014

Some links to view : https://allnurses.com/nursing-career-advice/nursing-career-you-266908.html

volunteer, or work at a rehab place with a job that's above volunteering and below CNA, or take a cna class and find a job with that.

desereelynn · Mar 31, 2014

I haven't heard of a CNA course at my college.. Where do they offer them typically? Is it a class or a program?

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2014

I haven't heard of a CNA course at my college.. Where do they offer them typically? Is it a class or a program?

They typically offer CNA and EMT classes at your local community college

NicoleLynch, ADN, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2014

I haven't heard of a CNA course at my college.. Where do they offer them typically? Is it a class or a program?

I took it through the hospital I was working for, which was also offered to the public.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Mar 31, 2014

CNA courses can be found, all one has to do is look for them. Often, but not always, colleges that offer nursing courses also offer a CNA course as well. Just be warned that some private institutions that offer CNA courses may charge quite a bit of money. College courses are usually a lot cheaper, though they often take a bit longer time to complete. This gives you time to absorb the material and go thorough the course at a nicer pace so that you start to get a feel for basic nursing.

If you're looking to be a nurse, take the CNA course. If you're possibly looking at becoming a Paramedic, take an EMT course. The two skill sets are very different and not interchangeable. Both should be low-cost ways to see what you want to do.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2014

If you're looking to be a nurse, take the CNA course. If you're possibly looking at becoming a Paramedic, take an EMT course. The two skill sets are very different and not interchangeable. Both should be low-cost ways to see what you want to do.

If you have any interest in being an ER nurse I would do the EMT as it gives you a leg up in getting hired later on.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Mar 31, 2014

I would volunteer at a hospital. You cannot take any courses starting with NSG until you are in the program. I do know my school offers a med term class and a beginner's pharmacology class maybe you could take something like that. To me spending the time and money on a CNA course is wasteful unless you really want to work at that. You can apply for your CNA license after the first semester of nursing school.