I need opinions please!!!!!

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I got out of the marines in july, and have been working a full time job. My goal is to become an RN, but I am independent and have to support myself while i go to school. I have contemplated becoming a medical assistant or nursing assistant and working the evening shift while going to schoool to become an RN full time during the day. I could also join a first aid squad and become a certified EMT and get a job doing that in the evenings. I don't know what would be the best thing to do. I am so torn. I want to start school for one of these soon. Does anyone have an opinion on what would be the best direction to go Medical assistant, nursing assistant or EMT. Please help.

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Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.

Just from a scheduling point of view, CNA might be better than EMT. Most EMT's/paramedics I know work schedues that would make school difficult.

Maybe others who know more or who have done it will give opinions, too.

Good luck in whatever you do! And, thank you for serving.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Why do you have to support your wife? Can't she take care of herself? Can't she at least get a part time job and help out?

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Why do you have to support your wife? Can't she take care of herself? Can't she at least get a part time job and help out?

????????????????????????????????????:uhoh3::uhoh21:

Get some sleep, LOL.

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Specializes in Med/Surg; Psych; Tele.

In my opinion, MA should be out right away if you already know that you want to be an RN - why waste time learning about things like insurance filing, paperwork, and how to run the front office at an MD office? Yes they do learn other things like how to give injections, etc., but you will learn that in nursing school and from what I understand, this field is pretty much tailored to the MD office environment.

As far as choosing between CNA or EMT...I think that would depend on what you want to do as an RN. While I haVe never worked ER, I have talked to enough people to know that if you are one of those who already knows that ER would be your thing, perhaps EMT would be the best fit. It seems like there is definitely an "ER prototype" out there from what I've seen. However, keep in mind that CNAs also work in ER - I think you can work in this capacity as a CNA or as an EMT (check on that).

Now if you are unsure of what area you are going to be interested in, I think that CNA would be the way to go, as they can work the floors or as I said before, work in the ER. I have worked with some very astute CNAs who I wish would have gone on to the RN. And they learned this stuff from working with nurses. So, actually, I think, there's your answer - CNA.

Just my opinion.

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I don't have a wife. I have just been out on my own since i was 18, so i need to have a full time job to support myself. (rent, food, gas, etc..)

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As far as choosing between CNA or EMT...I think that would depend on what you want to do as an RN. While I haVe never worked ER, I have talked to enough people to know that if you are one of those who already knows that ER would be your thing, perhaps EMT would be the best fit. It seems like there is definitely an "ER prototype" out there from what I've seen. However, keep in mind that CNAs also work in ER - I think you can work in this capacity as a CNA or as an EMT (check on that).

I know, just from my life experiences ( in the marines and iraq) that I want to be doing something like working in the ER or ICU. What about going the LPN path and working the night shift as an LPN and going to school to become an RN, is that a good option? Sorry for all the questions i am just very torn.

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Specializes in B.S. Psychology.
I know, just from my life experiences ( in the marines and iraq) that I want to be doing something like working in the ER or ICU. What about going the LPN path and working the night shift as an LPN and going to school to become an RN, is that a good option? Sorry for all the questions i am just very torn.

So when would you sleep? :)

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So when would you sleep? :)

Well I mean working 2nd shift like 3-11 or something like that.

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Specializes in B.S. Psychology.
Well I mean working 2nd shift like 3-11 or something like that.

I think it would difficult to do this. Sometimes clinicals are scheduled days or evenings and would end later than 3pm. Then you'd have to get in your car and rush to work, only to sleep a few hours and do it all over again. Unless you decide to do a LPN-RN online program. That is more feasible.

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Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.
I think it would difficult to do this. Sometimes clinicals are scheduled days or evenings and would end later than 3pm. Then you'd have to get in your car and rush to work, only to sleep a few hours and do it all over again. Unless you decide to do a LPN-RN online program. That is more feasible.

Online LPN-RN programs will still have in-person clinicals.

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Have you considered a phlebotomy course? I worked in a hospital lab Friday evenings 6-12 and Sat and Sun 12-12. 30 hours a week and still had Monday-Friday(till 5 or so) for school. It is a course usually offered at a vo-tech. The experience you gain will help out in nursing school as well. Just something to think about.:idea:

:idea:

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