Help!!!

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Specializes in Interested in NICU.

Hi all, new member here. I need some help! So I have been thinking about nursing ever since my son left the NICU 3 years ago. I'm not new to the medical field as I have completed my studies in Medical Coding and Billing and as a Pharmacy Tech. I know nurses are in demand, and EVERY community college I have called here has a waiting list. My husband is active duty military and we are stationed in NC. I don't really have a huge choice of schools to go to (like I do back home, which is Los Angeles). Someone told me its best to start out as a CNA. Is this true? I did find an extension of the CC here in my town that is offering CNA classes but the next class doesn't start until Nov. I eventually want to become a RN, it's just right now I don't have the time to sit around and wait (I would actually have to complete my pre-reqs first). How long is the training for a CNA?? Any other relevant information I should know?? I'm sorry if I am rambling on, I'm just not sure what to do. Thanks all!

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Specializes in Med-Surg/DOU/Ortho/Onc/Rehab/ER/.

Well i live in so cal, los angeles county and here, the training is 8 weeks (@my community college) and the state requires the program to be 150 hours minimum...other states can go as low as 75...you'll have to look it up on your states health dept.

if you want to be an RN, you have to do the pre-reqs, there is NO getting around them (i know i tried lol)

so just work hard, ace the pre-reqs...get your CNA and apply to nursing schools

good luck

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Specializes in ICU, ER, Hemodialysis.

I think it is a great idea for nurses to work as a cna first, and some schools require it. My training, I believe, was 8 weeks. I wish you all the best!!

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Specializes in Interested in NICU.

Thanks. Being on these boards have really helped. I've seen a lot of people saying being a CNA is not worth it because of all the work you have to do, but I feel like it will help me to get my foot in the door and give me the experience I need. Like I said I'm on the list for the class starting in November and I was surprised to even find that. Seems like everyone wants to start at the top and no one wants to start at the bottom. I however will do whatever it takes to get to where I want to be.

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I am a pre-nursing student and am a CNA now. I am glad I am working as a CNA, I have learned alot about dealing with people and basic tasks. I do like it but it is very busy and it seems I am doing the same thing over and over.

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