Published Apr 24, 2015
euisme, BSN
47 Posts
As I wrap up my prerequisites, I am looking for some input on what to do while I wait to be accepted into a program. Currently, my possibilities are Fall 15 for a BSN (not likely, I think I missed this by just a few points that I can improve for the Fall 16 application), Fall 16 BSN or Fall 16 ADN (Lottery).
I'm going to continue my BSN cognates online in the Fall, but I was considering these options:
1. Pursue a CNA in the Fall
-- my brother, an RN, advises against this. He thinks as a CNA I may get the wrong impression of a healthcare career than what the RN experience will offer.
2. Become ACLS certified and get a job as a Monitor Tech
-- My brother's suggestion, as I'll learn valuable information and I will be exposed to the hospital floor environment
3. Nursing Unit Secretary
-- His other suggestion
4. Any medical office job, including front desk.
5. Keep on with current career till something pops up.
6. Continue schooling in a different major, like Psychology, as a back-up career plan.
Given #5, taking jobs 1-4 will be a drastic pay cut from what I currently make self-employed... however I'm not currently concerned about income but rather experience in the field (plus the application points on the Fall 16 BSN application if needed).
Thanks for any input!
jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B
9 Articles; 4,800 Posts
You could take an EMT course over the summer, and get some experience that way. Then if time allows, go on to paramedic, which would give you ACLS. There are many ambulance companies that give tremendous tuition reimbursements. And even some that give reimbursement for Medic to RN.
If the likelihood is that you will not be able to continue in a nursing program until fall of 2016, this is a LOT of time, and you may have to start paying on school loans until then.
You could also take a medical assisting course this summer, and work at an MD's office, urgent care, that type of thing.
You could get your degree in something else. You could then go onto a Masters, and some schools allow a bachelor's degree to go to an RN and then an NP.....lots of things.
You do need to know where the jobs are to help you to decide.
Best wishes!