Just got BA...is being a CNA "below" me?

Published

So...I just finished a B.A. in Psychology in June, but I have been thinking about doing nursing for almost a year now! After trying to figure out what route to take to become an RN and how to pay for it, I decided that maybe I would give my B.A. a chance (since my parents paid ALOT for it) and just get a job, then later after I have saved up money, I could go to nursing school. Well, 4 months of job searching and applying to 40 jobs, I have heard NOTHING, no calls, no interviews, nothing.

Time for a new plan. I have been thinking about become a CNA because there seems to be a guaranteed job, pay that is close to what I would be getting as an entry level employee anyway, plus it would give me great experience for being a nurse and I could be sure that this is what I want to do. Plus, I think I would like it.

My problem here is this...I ran this idea past my bf and he thinks it is below me!!! Since I have a B.A. and have never actually had a real job, he says I can do better! He says I shouldn't have to do a "dirty" job like that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:no:

I was shocked. I never even thought about it that way. I know I probably shouldn't listen to him, but it's bothering me. Maybe I should give my degree a chance and just get an "office" job? But if nursing is what I (think) I want to do, then isn't being a CNA a good starting place? Are there any CNA's out there who have Bachelor's degrees? How do you feel about this? Sorry if this is long!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I worked in corporate america for 14 years prior to going to nursing school. In fact, for the first 10 years, I didnt have a degree of any kind but made "degree type money".

Now, I'm 9 months away from graduating with my BSN and I work as a Nurse Intern (tech) on a Med/Tele floor.

I think getting your CNA is a great starting point if you want to go to nursing school. It will help you with patient interaction skills that you will find helpful during clinicals. It will also help you with your Assesment and Foundations/Fundamentals nursing classes as well.

I would say go for it! Ignore your "boyfriend" and do what makes you happy.

Good luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

I'm just going to let your BF in on something. When you go to nursing school and get your degree and get your license, doing the "dirty work" is going to be one of your many job responsibilities. Tell your BF that. Being a CNA is a wonderful way for you to learn how to care for patients. You'll learn so much by working as a CNA and will get to see what nurses really do. As RNs/LPNs, doing the dirty work isn't beneath us either.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Working as an NA will be a great way to see nursing up close. We have seen highly-educated people (undergrad and grad degrees) have great experiences in such positions as they prepare for nursing careers. It's all in the attitude that you take.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

boy, if i ever read a pretentious post...

i don't mean that in a vindictive way, but your boyfriend's views leave much to be desired.

if you want to be a nurse, then yes, being a cna will enable you a lot of learning experiences.

and while cna's do most of the 'dirty' work, a good nurse will never, ever think this is below them.

our tasks do not define us as a nurse.

it is our attitudes in acknowledging our patients losses and how that affects them, is what separates the chaff from the grain.

and so, for those nurses who think certain duties are beneath them, frankly, should not be nurses and you do not want to model yourself after them.

with nursing as with other professions, it is not the title or degree that counts when providing care.

ultimately, it's about upholding those who are debilitated...

in body, mind and spirit.

if some nurses think they are above caring for those at a disadvantage, then it's time to step aside.

there are plenty of candidates out there who would gladly help out and all that it entails.

and, regardless of the degrees they hold.

it's this little, nagging reminder called humility.

an endearing quality that some sorely lack.

best of everything to you.

leslie

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nothing is below you until you have related credentials above that. So, until you add a few letters behind your name that are above CNA, you have to accept the spot you're at.

CNA is a good starting point. If you feel comfortable (and like it isn't below you) then you may enjoy it. Perhaps you could take a position as a care tech or student nurse. You do a lot of the same duties.

So-off topic but- have you considered psych nursing?

Good luck with everything kix!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for all the replies. I didn't mean to sound pretentious. That's his view, not mine. As soon as he said it I was like "Um, hello, you know that nurses do the "dirty" work too." I went off on him for about 5 minutes about how if you go into nursing with the attitude like that, you won't be a good nurse. So he definitely got it from me. Boyfriends are so annoying sometimes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You can tell a lot about the character of a person by the way they view/treat the little person. That said the NA often knows more about the patient than the assigned nurse. Anybody who says "they are only an LPN or CNA or Janitor" s being disrespectful AND losing access to key information.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatrics.

if you are sure you want to be a nurse, then I don't see the value in becoming a CNA since it is not a starting point to becoming a nurse contrary to what you've been told. However that does not mean it would be a complete waste of time. If you need to earn a salary right away and you can't afford to wait until you get another degree then obviously it's a way to make a living. Also if you really want to get a real value out of it, look for a job that has tuition reimbursement-those are the only circumstances in which I recommend going for CNA in advance of nursing school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thanks for all the replies. I didn't mean to sound pretentious. That's his view, not mine. As soon as he said it I was like "Um, hello, you know that nurses do the "dirty" work too." I went off on him for about 5 minutes about how if you go into nursing with the attitude like that, you won't be a good nurse. So he definitely got it from me. Boyfriends are so annoying sometimes.

i know that this attitude wasn't coming from you.

just a sore spot of mine.

i'm glad you let him have it.:)

leslie

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, CVICU.

I have to tell you something- there are people out there that think NURSING will be below you. You will probably get tired of hearing people tell you that you are "too smart to be a nurse". Just think of this as an opportunity to educate your bf, family, and friends about what nurses ACTUALLY do and try not to take it personally when the time comes.

By the way, I know plenty of techs with bachelor's degrees that are all in the process of applying to medical school, nursing school, PA school, etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In 1991 I graduated with a BA in Psychology. It was hard then too finding a job that paid much more than minimun wage. Might as well be a liberal arts degree unless you plan on more schooling. So I took every county civil service test I could find (most require a 4 year degree and it does not matter what the degree is) and I became a CNA and enrolled in a nursing program. About 6 months later I was 2 months into the nursing program and I started getting interviews for the county positions. I went from mental health to social services (case worker) and finally to probation (I'm a Probation Officer). I have just re-enrolled in nursing school and am very sorry I didn't finish it years ago as I would be ahead of the game now in a job I would like better. A 2 year associate degreed RN here makes what I make now. The only good part is I have had great health insurance and have 15 years into the county retirement system.

My advice: Either go for your master's degree in psychology or get into nursing school now. There are definitely MANY more things you can do with a nursing degree.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion