I need your advice, nurses!

[Qka]

Hi everybody!

I need your advice about my personal situation.

I am a nursing student, I do not work. Date of graduation is may 2010. I am doing good in a nursing school and even have some free time. That is why I decided to look for a job as a CNA at one of the hospitals while being in school. Plus, it is a good experience before becoming a RN. Right now I am applying to different hospitals and hopfully get some job. It is not a question of money for me, though of course it is good to have some extra money. This is more a matter of experience, of getting know the hospital, stuff to get an RN job there later.

After I graduate, I will sit for boards. I hope to get my license in June, July 2010. How long does it take to prepare for the NCLEX?

On the other hand I am married and want to have kids. We wanted to have kids even before nursing school, but then decided to wait till I finish. I was thinking over different options about when is the best time to have a baby and decided to do it right after I finish nursing school. I know it is not garanteed, it is just my plan. I want to get pregnant in November 2009, deliver a baby in August (approximately:)) Thus, I will finish school, get my license and become a mother. Ideal plan, ha-ha?:) I just think it will work for me as it is better than to work for a couple of months or a year and then have a break for a baby. With a copule of months/ a year of nursing experience I will not be a better/more experienced nurse than a fresh graduate. Then I find a nanny for my baby and start working as a RN full time. Again, this is of course ideal.

Now my questions:

1) do you think it is a good idea?

2) if i get a CNA job now and work during the summer, fall. I do not count to get a maternity leave, it is not a question for me. I will quit my CNA job when I decide I need more time for finals, for NCLEX, for delivery. Thus, I will get about a year of CNA experience and I will be a new grad RN. DO you think CNA experience will help me to get a RN job in my hospital? or just at any hospital? or it is all the same if I am a new grad with CNA experience or without?

[Ninja Nurse, ASN]

It sounds like you already have it pretty well planned

It is ALWAYS good to get your foot in the door, so to speak. Many hospitals are more than willing to hire nursing students in the hope that you will work for them after grad, but it's not a guarantee. IMO, it won't hurt. Plus being a CNA first will make you a better RN, I think.

Good luck in your pursuits!