In need of career advice

[noiseordinance]

Hi there folks. I'm looking for someone to possibly give some advice on career planning.

To start, I was a vet tech assistant and then a vet tech for a a couple years. I was also a caretaker for a quadriplegic for a year. My duties involved literally everything you can imagine, though it was for a best friend (not an occupation, though it was very full-time).

I met my girlfriend about 2.5 years ago. She was (and still is) in college to get her BSN. I started thinking about it, and realized this would likely be an excellent career for me as well, as I know I can handle stress well, have an excellent attention to detail, am caring, and could likely buddy up with my girlfriend for some of the prerequisite classes.

I've now completed only 35 credits of math and writing and a couple others and am at a point where I need to start choosing medical-specific classes - such as anatomy, chemistry, biology, etc. etc - if I plan on continuing this career track.

This has led me to search very seriously within myself, as I want to be certain I'm making the correct choice. My goal is to become a CNA to get the experience necessary to get accepted in nursing school, become a nurse and get a couple years under my belt, and [hopefully] have the drive to later become a Nurse Practitioner after I've met all the necessary nursing experience requirements and continuing education and whatnot.

My question(s) is this:

1. I don't have a ton of experience with kids, or elderly. I'm a nice guy but I'm not exactly bubbly if that makes sense. Is this a skill that people commonly develop after a bit of experience? In a sense, I fear becoming a CNA just because of my lack of experience with elderly, but I'm hoping people get comfortable after a while. Did anyone out there feel this way and learn to overcome it and become comfortable with all ages?

2. Is the BSN / Nurse Practitioner degrees likely to hold value over the next several decades? I fear hearing about the nursing crisis in California, and the shift of responsibility to CNAs to make health care more affordable and [insert scary rumors here]. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm not one of those selfless angels out there who don't care about pay or longevity. I do care about people and would get a huge sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that I can help people, but I'm also interested in stability and money as well. I hope that doesn't sound selfish.

Anyways, can anyone comment or reflect on what I've said? I guess I just need a little assurance (or dissuasion if necessary) since I'm supposed to start some career-specific classes here in Fall.

Thanks a ton for hearing my rant, and any comments, negative or positive, are more than welcome!

[aphi~gn]

My question(s) is this:

1. I don't have a ton of experience with kids, or elderly. I'm a nice guy but I'm not exactly bubbly if that makes sense. Is this a skill that people commonly develop after a bit of experience? In a sense, I fear becoming a CNA just because of my lack of experience with elderly, but I'm hoping people get comfortable after a while. Did anyone out there feel this way and learn to overcome it and become comfortable with all ages?

:heartbeat:heartbeat:heartbeatI don't think you necessarily need to be a bubbly person to be a good CNA or nurse. I think as long as you are a caring person, that wants to give the best care to these people that need your help. . . you will be an amazing asset to the healthcare profession. Elderly people grow on you. . or atleast they did for me. Most are soo kind:saint:, and appreciative, and FUNNY:chuckle. . . and they love to talk and share their thougts and experiences with you. . . Kids can be a little tricky depending on the age,but just like everything in healthcare. .you will learn how to relate to and provide care for these children and their families. Hope this help. . good luck and I hope you find a place in healthcare you enjoy. . because it can be sooo rewarding:heartbeat:heartbeat:heartbeat

[tiggerdagibit]

I had no healthcare experience at all when I started on my nursing school journey. We were required to have our CNA to be accepted, so I got that and worked in a LTC facility for a few months between finishing my pre-reqs and starting NS. I have to say that geriatrics is NOT my calling, but I did learn how to relate and even enjoy the elderly. Many of my patients in clinicals have been elderly. So to answer your question, yes I think you can become comfortable with experience. I have kids and have worked with them in other areas, so that wasn't a problem for me. I think it would be the same thing though.

Sorry.. can't help out with #2 except to say that I think the degrees will hold their value, imo. And btw.. I went into nursing for several reasons, 2 of them being stability and money as well. I'm very interested in patient care, but I need a paycheck too.

[mpccrn, BSN, RN]

humans are adaptable and can learn to like or accept most anything. if you do pick nursing as your career, you'll find you like some things over others, though you will learn it all. i personally hate the heart and love neuro. where do i work? a cardiac unit.....lol. your caring and concern for your patients will over-ride everything else including your personal preferences. you'll always be able to get a job, so you will always eat. as far as nurse practioner goes? not a chance......their hours are longer than the nurse, they get to do all the prelim work and the MD's get the bucks and are essentially at the mercy of their docs despite the hours you're scheduled to work that day. no thanks!