How about this as a foot in the door?

[CloudySue]

I am a teacher looking to change careers and become a nurse. (I have had it with the surplus of teachers in my area, ie: one job per 1000 applicants! I want to be a needed and wanted professional, not a dime-a-dozen substitute!) I am well aware of the different paths and degrees, as well as what programs my local area has to offer. I think I may have come across another way and I want to get an idea of what you might think of it.

Our local hospital (On "Fortune Magazine's 100 best places to work" list) has a 4-week CNA training program, afterwhich they keep you on to work for them. After 6 months as a CNA, I'd be qualified to apply for a technical assistant position. The hospital reimburses tuition, plus they pay all medical benefit costs which will save my family $370/month if we stopped being on my hubby's insurance. Would this be a good way to get my feet wet and learn while I earn? I'm sure it would be good on my resume.

I have a year of prereq's and general ed courses before I get into a nursing program anyway, and I'd rather be doing something in the medical field rather than just substitute teach for one more year! Thanks for your insight!

Cloudy

[caliotter3]

Welcome to allnurses. I think that you are describing an excellent opportunity. Most people who try to get their foot in the door while they are students find that the only or easiest avenue is through long term care facilities only. In my area, acute care facilities were very difficult or impossible to get CNA jobs at. The experience you would get at the acute care facility is very different from the long term care facility. You would find yourself in a much better position for employment down the road. Hope you can get into this program. Good luck.

[jjjoy, LPN]

Yep, it sounds like a good opportunity.

[Predaking]

You could work as a housekeeper or a transporter and that's a step into nursing. Most hospitals will sponsor their own employees and union rules give the edge to employees as far as seniority goes. Of course, working at the bedside with patients helps alot. I started off as a CNA and I've worked as an LVN for 3-4 years already. Hoping to be an RN and Paramedic soon at some local hospital and with the Air Force Reserves.