Looking for some advice on my path...

[kwriley22]

Well im new here obviously...I'm 22 years old... and I'm a guy =X but I've become very interested in nursing and I think its something I definatley want to pursue... I have a couple of friends that are doing the same thing but I'm wanting some advice on what path I should take.

My pre reqs and a nursing program are obvious but even with that it seems many hospitals want alot of experience on top of it...so my question is which path should i take while im in school knocking my pre reqs out and in nursing school? I've read that a CNA is the way to go...on the other hand, some other people say getting an EMT-1 cert and becoming an ER tech is another good route..I'm just curious as to other peoples inputs on what path I should take considering I have plenty of bills and my own apartment and such to pay for while I'm in school...

Basically im looking for the best route that will gain me as much experience as possible to help me through school and at the same time make enough money to pay the bills..

thanks for all the replies :)

Kenny

[JStyles1]

either of them will work but a lot of places don't take your tech experience when looking for a job post-graduation. if you have the capabilities to work while in school i highly suggest it b/c you will learn so much by being in the real world.

for me, i did a free cna class through a nursing home the summer before i started nursing school then started working in an ER that same semester. it is a lot less involved to get your cna than it is to get your EMT. I think a lot of places it takes a semester, or up to a year to get your EMT

[shoedude]

I've known nurses that have joined the reserves in order to get experience. However you want to at least have your ADN before going this route. They were able to get an extra $1500 a month which wasn't bad. From what I understand they were not deployed anywhere as long as they were in nursing school under the program.

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

honestly, I worked as a CNA while I went to school. It was alright, I saw a lot of hospital care done, assisted with a few procedures, and did quite a bit with the nurses. REally was able to put it all together with school and work. Worked 3 nights a week, and found that it worked well, some nites I could do homework(after I got all my side work done and did my first two patient rounds), always stopped to answer lights and do work that needed to be done.

I would advise the CNA route, but that's just me.