I need advice! Health Professions

imadoll1980 · Mar 14, 2014

A lot of colleges now require RN students to be CNA. It weeds out people that end up not being meant for the medical field. CNA would be a quicker way to get into the health field. If you are looking to get into the ER then maybe EMT would be the way to go. But, you could always become a CNA and then work in a ER. I'm thinking over all CNA is the best bet. I was a caregiver in CBRF. I was kind of a CNA, but never had the training of a CNA. I took care of 3 people in a group home by taking care of all their activities of daily living plus giving them their meds. Now I'm a RN in home care.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Mar 14, 2014

PLEASE - if you're using your own picture for your avatar - change it to something more anonymous. Not a good idea to be recognizable on an 'open' social media platform.

I used to have some misgivings about the increasing number of nursing schools that require potential students to complete CNA training as a condition of admission. But I have become convinced of the value... particularly those outlined by imadoll1980 in the previous post. It's always so sad when someone who has put forth enormous effort to become a nurse - ends up realizing that s/he has made a bad career choice. Hopefully the CNA experience can help eliminate this problem.

Hint -from an oldtimer. If you want to sound like an 'insider', do not refer to our industry as "medical". We work in the "healthcare industry". Physicians are the only ones who practice medicine. Everyone else is a healthcare professional.

RunBabyRN · Mar 14, 2014

I agree about CNA. That would be the best way to stay up on what you're doing.

Change your pic and your screen name- you want to maintain some anonymity here! :up:

kels6365 · Mar 16, 2014

I think I'm going to go ahead and go with the CNA. My nursing program doesn't require it, but regardless I think I would learn information that would later be useful. The only thing I'm concerned with is income. But I guess that will all depend on where I work.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2014

A lot of ERs prefer EMTs over CNAs unless you know someone. Out of the five PCTs, we started hiring EMT-intermediate/specialists for the pcts, two were there a long time, and one was a family member. However, we also had phlebs and paramedics and we think they were trying to phase out the PCTs in favor of paramedics as they had four of us.

However, a lot of ERs will not hire EMTs straight out of school. Most prefer 1 year of EMT experience through private but preferably true 911 experience.

Private ambulance pays crap and the shifts are long. The private ambulances will run you to the ground if they can get the chance. Most private ambulances run day cars. Either 5 8s, 10 4s, or 3 12s. Each private ambulance is different. There can be one or two 24 cars but those are highly desired and usually given to someone who has an open schedule or they really like. Honestly, private ambulance almost destroyed any desire I had to go into healthcare. It is very drama filled and there's a reason why most EMTs switch companies at a drop of a hat. This may just be in my area though. Also, EMT won't give you that much experience. Paramedics have a wide range of drugs depending on the state's scope of practice (some have tiny med boxes and some have such a wide range). Then that can be limited by what the med director wants to do. I am licensed in one state where I can give have the drugs that I could give in a 2nd state that I am certified in. (Legal, technical terms).

If you can get into the hospital as a CNA, I recommend it. CNAs in LTC facilities seem to be overworked. Never enough to go around. Even in hospitals. However, I don't know how much you will actually pick up as a CNA. I don't have CNAs in the ICU so I don't know much about it. They do vitals, blood sugars, help with bathroom assists, and I am sure others. We have to do 12 leads as the nurses on the floor during the night shift unless respiratory is free. Otherwise the EKG techs do it during the day with the rare exception it needs to be stat.

I think a unit clerk could be useful if you work in an ER where you still have to put in doctors' orders. However, most are moving to computer systems where doctors input their own orders. I worked as a paramedic and a unit clerk to average out 48 hours when I was in nursing school and it was extremely helpful.

I think a unit clerk in an ICU would also be helpful. I know one guy who was hired into his ICU after graduation because he was a unit clerk (I forget what the title they use over there was. In essence, it was a unit clerk).

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Mar 16, 2014

Just an FYI- none of the options you listed (CNA/ EMT/ coding) is going to pay you much - you mentioned looking for 'something that will pay me a decent salary'.

kels6365 · Mar 16, 2014

I want to be able to get by with this salary. I can do something on the side like serving too. Im just worried about having enough time two then have to juggle two jobs and school.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2014

Well, what is "getting by?" A decent salary to one person is nothing to another person. There are people who cannot survive on 30,000 a year let alone 50,000 a year.