Im so New to This

[frencheeek]

I am waiting to get into the Nursing Program at my community college. I have been waiting for about 2 years and am hoping to find out this coming July if I have made it.

Currently I have been working as a full time waitress (I do not like the job, but the money is great). While waiting to get into the program, I have been curious about getting into the medical field because I have absolutely NO experience. I've thought about getting a CNA certificate and working part time, or even volunteering...just to put myself out into the field. Not many places in my area offer CNA training and classes alone. Red Cross for example offers a program where you can receive CNA certificate as well as a another certificate (Home Health Nurses Aid). I am hesitant about taking the training because I feel like I am paying double the price for another certificate that I don't even think I might need.

I don't know if it is worth spending the $1,200 for the training and certificate because what if I get accepted in July and I enroll in classes in September? I wont even be able to use my certificate because I wont have enough time to work. But I also don't know if it would be to my advantage to use to opportunity to get myself out there. But then again, I don't even know if I will even be able to find a job. And even if I do, I wont be able to be there for long because I might be in school soon. (But then again, I might not be accepted this year, I might have to wait a whole year).

Any help, tips or advice would be really appreciate. Sorry this is so long!

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

Why don't you try volunteering, it's a goood way to get your feet wet. If you want to become a CNA, some facilities will pay for your training, or train you in house. :)

[MomRN0913]

I would go with the volunteering.

I went into nursing with absolutely no experience in the field. Not even a family member had any medical field experience.

I made it.

[frencheeek]

Thanks, volunteering isn't such a bad idea. The only reason why I would lean away from it is bc there is only so much I can do, ie like touching patients. I'm afraid they'll make me change beds and not even go near people bc I don't have a certificate. I just don't feel like I will learn anything from that.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Actually, I think it would really benefit you to get your CNA certificate and try to get a job in a hospital as soon as possible. Just apply for a per diem position so you can continue to work one shift per week during school.

Not only will working as a CNA teach you a lot of nursing skills (basic patient care, communication, prioritization, time management, comfort with another's body, vital signs, etc) but it will help you get your foot in the door when you want to apply for positions are an RN. It will also make you more likely to get accepted into a nursing program next time you apply if you don't get accepted in July.

It may seem like a lot of cost upfront, but it will benefit you much more in the long run than just volunteering. If you volunteer, it's unlikely you will be able to participate in any patient care due to liability. Which means you will primarily just be sitting with patients, talking, playing games, escorting them to other units, etc. Being a CNA will teach you much more and the experience will really help you get a job in the future. It's only April now, so even if you start school in September, that gives you 6 months that you would work, earn some money, and be gaining valuable experience.

[QueenMangin, BSN, RN]

I agree with Ashley... it's such a tough market right now, anything you can do to make yourself familiar to an employer would be great. As an employee, you may be able to get a coveted New Grad spot - anything you can do to make yourself more marketable, I say go for it!