Hospital jobs, CNA training, Nursing school

Boston-RN, RN · Jan 13, 2005

Hey there,

I'm not yet a nurse but just got accepted to LPN program (no waiting compared to RN) but I'm going through the same dilema.

From what I have found there is CNA training through Red Cross and it is for CNA and Home health aid combined, they won't split it. It's $595 and it's 4 weeks full time and 8 weeks part time and locations can be found on the internet. They have classes starting one right after the other.

But in MA I hear the salaries for CNA are around $10/$11 per hour is the only response I got when I asked around how much the pay is. I was toying around with the idea of CNA vs. waitressing when I leave my Full Time Job to pursue LPN in Sept.

If you find anything out to the contrary, please post I'd love to hear about it.

Kim123 · Mar 26, 2005

Hi everyone,
I am currently taking prerequisites before applying to a nursing program. I have decided to look into BSN programs in Massachusetts. I have a BA in psychology, and there are only 3 programs that offer the "second degree" option. My main question is... I am looking for a possible hospital job that may facilitate my acceptance to nursing school, or at least to help me get my foot in the door. I am considering CNA training. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Should I keep my current job (waitressing)? Does anyone even know of any CNA training programs in the area? I am not tempted to spend a year being certified when I can be in nursing school already by that point... maybe someone can advise me in some way here. All advice is appreciated.
Annie

I also have a BA in psych and applied to Direct Entry NP programs at MGH, Simmons, and Regis, but am waitlisted at 2 of them so far...so im considering accelerated BSN, then BSN to MS

What are the 3 Second Career BSN programs you know of in MA? I live in Brighton, MA and the closest one I found was at Curry College in Milton.

I've thought that if I don't end up getting in anywhere, I would try to get a CNA position or at least volunteer. Has anyone heard of any good volunteer positions that would be worthwhile to amp up my application to these nursing programs?

Thanks!