I need help with a couple of questions

[Anthony09]

Hello, I am new here and I need some help. I am a recent college graduate with a degree in Health Science and I want to get into a nursing program since I finished all my pre-requisites. The last thing I have to do is taking the pre-admission test (TEAS/HESI). My friend told me that he knows a RN who received the same salary as a LPN for her first year because she had no work experience in the hospital. As for right now, I am a bit lost. My plan was getting in a nursing program, study hard, and graduating with a BSN. Should I find a part time job while I am in nursing school? For example, working for U-haul as a delivery truck driver while being a full time student at a nursing school. Or is it best that I find a job in the hospital while I am in school? I did a little bit of research and most entry level jobs at the hospital requires me to have a certification. Here is where I am really lost and I do not know what to do. Is it a good idea that I will take nursing courses for my BSN while taking courses at the same time to get my CNA or medical assistant certification?

Thank you for helping someone who is lost and confused. I appreciate your time.

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

I'm confused on what you are asking because you seem to be all over the place? You want to become a RN but are wanting to know how much they make? And should you work while in school?

Please don't listen to what other people "think" they know. They are often times mistaken. I know some people work while in nursing school. As for pay rates, it varies from area to area. In my area, RNs usually make $7-10 more an hour than a LPN.

[feeneishia]

To me it depends on what you ultimately want to do. If you want to be an RN, just go for it. No reason to wait. BSN is always good, if you can do it. I'm a bit older and don't want to wait, so I'm going to a 2 year college, and doing a bridge after I'm done. I believe in education, but be logical about it. If you have no desire to be a CNA or CMA then why waste time and money on it? If you can work and maintain good grades then do it. I work full time, so I know it can be done. Also, if you're going to work and want to be an RN definitely work in the medical field. That can only add to your resume. I've seen jobs that will hire you while in nursing school as long as you've taken a certain class and have your CPR card. So there are endless possibilities. I always tell people think about where you want to be and the most sensible route to get there. Your route may be totally different from anyone else's but it will work for you. Good luck.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Some nursing programs will require you to have completed a CNA course prior to consideration for admission, some do not. Check with the school you would like to attend to see what their requirement may be. Additionally, most (if not all) will require you to have completed a BLS (CPR) course prior to admission, or certainly prior to any clinical rotations. Again, ask the school.

Other certifications (specialty certifications) cannot be earned until you have met the requirements of the certifying agency, and that varies greatly. Most of them, though, require a specified time in the field and without the necessary experience on the job, you won't qualify. That isn't expected of anyone at "entry level", but may be expected later on.

Taking medical assistant coursework is a waste of time for you at this stage, there is nothing there that you haven't already taken, or is not included in the nursing program. Skip that.

What kind of job should you get? Well, I certainly can't answer that for you.....working as a UPS driver will earn you $ but will be utterly useless in your quest for new grad employment, and in most areas of the country the market is TIGHT. The idea that there is a national nursing shortage is a myth, not reality. If you want to stand out and hope to have a chance at a job as a nurse once you graduate, you will be in a better position to do so with experience working in the hospital and/or LTC settings as an aide. If you are already employed by a facility and are found to be a good worker (as a CNA) then you are more in line to get considered for a job than someone who is not.

[liane90]

No matter what the industry, it is always good to network. If you have a specific hospital you want to work in, you can apply and find jobs that do not need certification, or even volunteer. CNA courses aren't usually over a few months in duration, and you can often find places to work around your schedule if that is what you want to do. The above poster made a good point about 2 year degrees. That is what I am going to do. I also have a degree in health sciences. After you get your RN you can do an accelerated RN-BSN due to having a prior degree.

My personal plan of action is to apply for student nursing positions after I complete nursing fundamentals, and network as much as I can. If I do not get hired on, I will volunteer there. Nepotism is real, make it work for you.