I'm confused what to do, CNA or BSN-Nurse(Generic)?

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Hello,

For past week or so, I have been reading many threads here. I am so confused, which track to go with, can you help me with advise.

Here is my background story; 7 years ago, I completed Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art at City University of NY. My work experience was retail, commercial visual displays and created decorative arts/craft . The latest, I opened and managed art gallery/boutique for 2 years.

I took Biology(Human Anatomy) class in High School, earned A on final exam.

Now I made decision to change careers, move on with my life and to enroll in the Nursing program (same college I graduated from). I don't know anything about Nursing, except I have ability and desire to be a good nurse. I would like to work as a nurse in the hospital ( intensive care unit).

In college, I was told once I pass all pre-requisites with A to B and pass HESI Exam, then I will be admitted to Accelerated BSN-Nurse (Generic).

With all that being said, should I do Certified Nurse Assistant, work for one year to gain hospital experience and then to enroll in BSN - Nurse (Generic) Program or just enroll in BSN now?

Thank you for all your feedback.

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Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.

For me personally, I'd be reluctant to put money into something I wasn't sure I would like. Can you shadow a nurse? Maybe working as a CNA would be a good idea to see if you'd like the medical field at all. Consider the economic situation also. In many areas it's very hard to get a job after graduating nursing school.

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Specializes in Pedi.

If you don't know anything about nursing, how do you know you have the ability to be a good nurse?

I don't see how delaying school to work as a CNA for a year (for minimal pay) is going to serve any purpose. You can work as a per diem CNA while you're in school.

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For me personally, I'd be reluctant to put money into something I wasn't sure I would like. Can you shadow a nurse? Maybe working as a CNA would be a good idea to see if you'd like the medical field at all. Consider the economic situation also. In many areas it's very hard to get a job after graduating nursing school.

I am considering CNA, in order to get acquainted with hospital environment, to see RN/or LNP patient interaction and to see different departments in the hospital. I also value work experience more then book theories and hypothetical case studies.

On the other hand, I am considering BSN - Nursing, is to cut time in study /+work and higher pay then CNA. Also I read from many threads, that CNA are mistreated and disrespected by some nurses; in my opinion it is terrible and creates difficult work environment. Personally, I am currently 31 yr.old, I am not sure if I would be able to handle such mistreatment from RN nurses, it would either make me or break me.

It might look strange , when I compared time in study/+work. I meant CNA right now, 1 yr study and 1 yr.work = 2 years, BSN (with execration) right now for me would be 2 yrs study.

Would I shadow a nurse? Yes, is this what my job would require of me to do and to learn.

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If you don't know anything about nursing, how do you know you have the ability to be a good nurse?

I don't see how delaying school to work as a CNA for a year (for minimal pay) is going to serve any purpose. You can work as a per diem CNA while you're in school.

I think :) I have ability to be a good nurse, because I have empathy and care for ill people. When I took that HS Bio(Human Anatomy), at least I found it to be interesting. Also I think I’m good listener and patient with my most difficult family members (at least that what my therapist one said that I have tremendous patience ). Also I think, I like to take care of wounds or scars or nasty pores, because I am not grossed out and actually like doing it. Although, I read that RN are pill pushers, one thing for sure I can tell, I am not the biggest believer that “pills is the cure for everything”. On the other hand, if doctor prescribed to a patient 3 times a day of Vicodin, as RN Nurse, if I have to make sure Vicodin is delivered then I must to do what doctor orders.

One of the reason, why I’m considering CNA, because I was thinking about to get acquainted with hospital environment, get to know different departments and to see RN and LPN patient relation.

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Go BSN after you take nursing fundamental (usually the first semester) most hospitals will hire you as a student nurse or nursing aid (which is give or take CNA work). I would not delay.

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