The title of this says it all but there is still nothing wrong with a little of advice. I've been working my current job as a customer service representative for a little over 2 years now. I work the type of job that gives no personal satisfaction it's just a job that pay bills. I hate working this job but according to family and friends and everyone else that see it this way, it's a job that pays decent and have great benefits. It's a full time job, very no extremely stressful. I actually hate what I do. Since 13 years old I've been waiting to be a nurse. Due to my own personal situations and set backs ( I can't lie) also my own laziness I am now 30 years old still waiting to make my dream a reality.
The difference now is I've gotten off my lazy horse and put the work into making my dream a successful reality. I've applied and will be receiving my financial aid which pretty much has rent, utilities covered. I am planning on getting myself a car soon to make traveling to school easier than riding public transportation as I'm doing now. Either way my budgeting I've been working on for the past few months now to work all together.
The only thing is now I am kind of afraid to ask my job to go part time because they may say it's unavailable. So that leads me to quitting the job which I would be fine with just wouldn't have the extras in life I'm use to. In away so what I would be sacrificing 2 years of my life to struggle a little bit for a lifestyle that will be worth while. I guess I'm scared and looking for that support system. I'm not talking about quitting school to start the actual nursing program, but I'm talking about quitting to go into a CNA course at my community college. After I take the test for CNA that will leave me struggling to find a job as a CNA and which won't be anything close to what I'm getting paid now. The good side is it will get my foot in the door if I find a CNA job in my area while I'm continuing school and working on my Associates degree if I'm accepted into the Associates course for nursing in my school. There's a lot of hopes to find a job and hopes of acceptance into the nursing program and willing to leave a guaranteed job. What are you guys opinion on this? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thank you all for your comments and recommendations. As an update. I left my job this past friday for, let's just say somethings are actually meant to be. Either way. My HR told me to file unemployement which I did. Once that is rolling in I should be ok :). Also I have enrolled in classes which was a weird first experience. What first experience isn't weird right? One class is a pre-req and the other two are just fillins because everything and I mean everything was taken. I think it's time to do school full time after this semester.
CNA is a pre-req in it's own term around here so yes I do have to take CNA and I do feel it will be a hard, but great experience for me. I do believe strongly that is my next J.O.B I'll have while I'm continuing school to be a RN.
I've had a rough few days to the adjustment but I feel everything will actually be ok as long as I keep my goals in front of me and keep focused. I'm nervous, excited all at once. Will keep you guys posted will all changes, and I hope to see some of you follow along with my crazy stories lol!
Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.
Keep your job and start saving every cent you can. At the same time take an evening CNA course and see what you think once you have done some clinical time.
Then you will have some savings to help you if you do decide to quit your job.
Seriously, do NOT quit your well paying job until you have actually done some time in a facility helping patients with their care.
Thank you for your feedback CrunchRN. I didn't quit I was let go just recently. I'm still adjusting and I have some classes to take before CNA. I'm looking for work now but we'll see how things go. I will make the best of this I can.
I have to get my CNA prior to entrance into the Nursing Program for which I have already applied. I have to have it completed before classes start in August in order to start the Nursing classes. But, if i get in to the nursing program, I'm planning to take the CNA courses on weekends in June so that I can work during the week. It costs $575 but includes materials. I currently work in a hospital and make decent money, more than most CNAs so I won't be leaving my job once i get the CNA liscense nor until I get a job as a RN. If i left, I would not only be giving up my paycheck, i would be giving up insurance, tuition reimbursement, and $300 a month that goes into my 401K. Really weigh what you're giving up besides the paycheck. I have two kids who have just gotten to ages where they can be more understanding and helpful in a way. I just keep telling myself that people do it every day and that I am going to do it too.
Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.
CNA 8-week class was required for my ADN as well. I think at 30 you know what you want and if nursing is still in your heart I say go, gO, GO!! I waitressed two days a week while I was in nursing school, managed rent with roommates, and still got a to part a bit
Anything is doable if you have the heart and patience to just take it all one day at a time!
Sorry for the essay. Funny, because I am in the exact same boat. I’m 26. I got my nutrition degree in 2010. Then decided I wanted to teach and did my teaching internship. Lol don’t ask. Now after several years of working around and doing odds and ends I decided to do something with my life. I have a full time job that pays decent, has benefits, etc. People have always told me I am so caring and friendly that I would be a great nurse. I have a vested interested in the well being of others. I’ve pondered it throughout my college career but never actually did anything. My problem is I think but not act. Which I am trying to balance out. Sometimes you just have to go with it and let go and let god. Life is short, do what you want to do. One day while me and my best friend were in my room I meantioned “bro, *** am I doing with my life reall? It has no meaning right now..” My best friend who is a nursing student was like you should apply to nursing school. I thought about it for a minute and I stood up and I was like “lets do this sh*t!” I search for schools that I still had time for. All have passed or I did not meet requirements. I eventually found one. My deadline for that school was the end of Jan 2013. I decided to apply in mid December 2012 haha. It was the most grueling process ever. Probably one of the most difficult tasks I have ever under took. In a month and few weeks I got letters of recommendations, transcripts from 2 colleges and 2 highschools, took a CNA course, got my CRP cert, studied and passed the TEAs test, passed CNA written and skills test, and submitted my application. All while under the radar of my full time job. It was a clusterf*ck. I guess I underestimate myself because I totally did not think I would get in. Somehow I did when I got my acceptance letter a few weeks ago. My jaw dropped and I ran around my neighborhood hollering and yelling. People thought I was crazy. I did it! I plan on telling my job this soon, but I have been hesitant because I didn’t want the word out and I could loose my job if they know I’m leaving soon. However I thought about it more. Im in good standing, and I am going to go back to school and better myself. If they let me go early because of that then they aren’t the people I thought they were. Anyway, I’ll just find a CNa job if it happens. Do what you gotta do man and make no regrets. You’re either in this or your out. Full throttle. If this is what you really want, do everything in your power to achieve it. Nursing school in the fall will be tough. I still have over 50k in student loans to pay, still have to work and support myself while in school, and have time to love of my dog. Juggling friends family, sleep, school, work etc will be a b*tch. But I’m ready. I have put so much effort in this I can’t go back. Just have to go forward. Surround yourself with people who will support you , budget like no tomorrow, and prioritize school, work, and sleep. You can do this! I have always doubted myself and my abilities. However a few days ago, my faithful and loyal coworker said to me “I knew you could do it. You are young. You are smart. Do something with your life. Don’t ever doubt your abilities.” I now believe her. Courage and conviction my friend. Best of luck. We're in this together.
Sorry if my post is long and irrelevant. Just had to share my story. :)
Thank you for your feedback CrunchRN. I didn't quit I was let go just recently. I'm still adjusting and I have some classes to take before CNA. I'm looking for work now but we'll see how things go. I will make the best of this I can.
I took the leap after I was laid off of my job at the age of 31...best decision I ever made. I utilized my occupational shortcomings and applied for unemployment, which helped pay the bills while I got the ball rolling with pre-reqs and the first few semesters of nursing school.
I was fortunate to have a previous degree, which made it easier to transition to a BSN track. However, I was prepared to work my way up from the bottom, if needed by getting my LPN degree, since the market was so competitive.
You have to do what you need to get in, and it means not putting all your eggs in one basket. Focus on several schools and have back-up plans in place.
As far as working in a hospital from the get go, coming from someone who has been in your shoes at your age, I would wait and focus school and staying a float. The first few semesters are tough, and your grade and comprehension of the material should be top priority. Learning a new job might hender that. My school even deterred employment for the first 3 semesters. I eventually got a job as a PCA/Secretary the summer before my last two semesters on MICU. Best thing ever, because I was able to utilize the knowledge I gained from school and see and UNDERSTAND it face to face. Without that knowledge base, entering orders and doing procedures at work would have been meaningless and at times confusing.
Regardless of your path, take assurance that life has a funny way of unfolding its path for you. GOOD LUCK!
I think becoming a CNA would trap you. Its best to just go and get the actual degree. Or at least your LPN/LVN that way you can earn a bit more part time while you continue your studies for your RN.
My family said everything under the sun to get me to not quit my job and go into Nursing school. Thing is I actually listened initially. Two years passed now and I'm begining the ADN in Fall. Sometimes the people who hold you back are your nearest and most trusted. You may just have to leave them behind for now. Leaving a Full time Job is a huge sacrifice nowadays but nothing is more valuable than your own peace of mind and loving what you do is icing on a great cake. Good luck to you and remeber No Risk No Reward.
I think becoming a CNA would trap you. Its best to just go and get the actual degree. Or at least your LPN/LVN that way you can earn a bit more part time while you continue your studies for your RN..
I don't really get why you think becoming a CNA"traps" you. In this economy it has been harder and harder for new RN grads to get jobs, they need something to set them apart. This something could be working as a tech or CNA. Working as a PCT not only gave me valuable skills, but it helped me with job placement. If you are tight on money and can't afford a CNA class, I completely understand that. Fortunately many nursing homes will train for free, and many hospitals do not require certification
some people here are missing your point about cna i see where you are comming from cause that is what i did
i became a cna ppeople giving you advice here may not need to work but if you have to work you may as well be somewhere in the health care field where the experiance willl do you good
rportee0
9 Posts
Thank you all for your comments and recommendations. As an update. I left my job this past friday for, let's just say somethings are actually meant to be. Either way. My HR told me to file unemployement which I did. Once that is rolling in I should be ok :). Also I have enrolled in classes which was a weird first experience. What first experience isn't weird right? One class is a pre-req and the other two are just fillins because everything and I mean everything was taken. I think it's time to do school full time after this semester.
CNA is a pre-req in it's own term around here so yes I do have to take CNA and I do feel it will be a hard, but great experience for me. I do believe strongly that is my next J.O.B I'll have while I'm continuing school to be a RN.
I've had a rough few days to the adjustment but I feel everything will actually be ok as long as I keep my goals in front of me and keep focused. I'm nervous, excited all at once. Will keep you guys posted will all changes, and I hope to see some of you follow along with my crazy stories lol!