Is this a bad idea???

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I've been working as a cna for roughly 5 months. Do I love it? No but that doesn't mean I don't want to become a nurse. I have patients and nurses telling me that I'm the best aide they've ever worked with. That's a great feeling to have but the company I work for constantly messes up my payment and schedule.

I do work two jobs. I make more money and work less hours as a waitress. And waitressing honestly works better with my school schedule.

If everything goes as planned (fingers crossed!) I wouldn't start nursing school until fall of next year.

i was thinking about quitting my cna job and instead saving up for a healthcare organization in South Africa this summer. I'm not entirely happy with my cna job because of the constant calls I get to come in and work. I go to school 5 days a week (morning and night) and I'm trying to balance that job and my other without being let go.

Would that possibly hurt my chances of getting into nursing school? I would absolutely love to volunteer in South Africa or any country in need for that matter.

I want nothing more then to become a nurse. I love helping people in need. I just don't want to ruin my chances of getting into nursing school because of quitting my cna job to save up for volunteering in another country. Any thoughts or suggestions?

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Specializes in home health, developmental disabilities.

I know how u feel I waitress and that's where mos of my income comes from but I kept the cna job part time 16-20 hours a week to look good for apps

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Specializes in Home Care.

Live the life that makes you happy.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

If you're looking to boost your changes for nursing school admission, a great GPA will be much more important than CNA experience. The waitress job seems much more practical for you at this stage, particularly if you're having problems being paid & scheduled appropriately with the CNA gig. There will be plenty of time to grab another CNA job when you're in nursing school.

Best of luck on your educational journey

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I'm not sure if my comment will help, but just wanted to let you know I was in the same position as you, I made the decision between working more as a waitress while going to school and being a CNA and I completely understand what you're going through because its a . I am currently only a waitress and going to school, although I was worried about it would affect my application, I am now pleased with my choice because my GPA has rose, opening more doors for me, such as earning more scholarships and beening asked to join a Honor Society, along with that I am much happier and less stressed. Good Luck in your decision!

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I don't think it's a bad idea. You do what you need to do. The South Africa thing sounds cool. So if you can do it, go for it. Being a CNA is not the most important thing when it comes to nursing or nursing school. Plenty of nurses have never been a CNA and do just fine.

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Spending thousands to volunteer in a foreign country is a waste of money. Why? Because there are thousands of people in your general area who need just as much help.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

One idea- wait until you have your RN and volunteer with Doctors Without Borders.

I agree about your GPA- do what it takes to keep it high.

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