Looking into nursing

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Sep 19, 2015

Go straight for your ASN or BSN (RN is a license, not a degree). In some states, you can become a CNA after taking Fundamentals by taking the written/skills portion of the test without having to take CNA classes (again, this process depends on your location). It would, however, be pointless to become a CNA or MA when you are an RN. Do you live in an area that is difficult to find jobs? You may need to relocate to where the jobs are, if that's the case.

andrew4507 · Sep 19, 2015

There are TONS of registered nursing jobs where I live (and where I may be possibly moving to) However they almost all require at least 1 year of experience.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Sep 19, 2015

You are looking at several different jobs, they do not all fall under the scope of practice of a RN. A medical assistant learns under the medical model while a CNA and RN are taught under the nursing model. In many states once licensed as a RN you cannot have a job as a tech or CNA as the scopes of practice are very different. And while a RN does all of the jobs as a PCT or CNA, their scope of practice is much bigger and they are much more responsible for patient care than a PCT or CNA. That's why it's tricky. Often if a hospital is short on PCTs, RNs will jump in and work a couple of shifts, but they are paid as RNs. It all comes back to what your state allows and what each hospital policy is. But, most often, once a RN, you need to have a job as a RN.

If I were you, I would research these different jobs. Understand what a nurse does, a CNA does, and a medical assistant. Research the different roles in nursing. Research the job market. The job market can change frequently. When was the last time you looked at what the hospitals in your area are posting? What kind of education are they requiring? Do you need a BSN in your area or can you find a job with an ASN?

I advise people to not make impulsive decisions regarding this. Often people wake up one day and say, I think I will be a nurse. There are tons of jobs and the pay is great. My life will be set. They pick an expensive, for profit school, and make tons of mistakes along the way. They waste their money because they did not research and know what to do. Understand first of all, nursing school is competitive. It's hard to get in to. Make an informed choice on your school and stay away from for profit commercial schools. Make sure your school is accredited. Once in the program, you will be taking on a whole other animal from your prereqs. Prereqs are the easy part. You will have to learn to critically think and understand how to choose the "best" answer. You may have four correct answers for a multiple choice test, but you have to learn to see the big picture and pick the best one.

I failed my first OB/Peds test last Monday. I failed it terribly. It's the first test I have ever failed and it devastated me. I went in yesterday to do a test audit with my instructor so I could get the rationales for the ones I missed. I would explain my rationale and my instructor would say you are exactly right, that is what this is about, but my answer was not the best one. I was not thinking globally about certain issues. I knew the material, I was having a hard time applying it. Hopefully, that makes sense to you.

Nursing is a physically and mentally demanding job. Be prepared for that. It's not about passing meds.

Do research, make informed decisions. This is your future. Good Luck!

andrew4507 · Sep 19, 2015

I've done some research and it appears to me that RN is the best bet for me, a medical assistant looks like nothing more than a glorified secretary and that is not my cup of tea, I want to work one on one. If I do go to school for this I plan on attending my community college which has a very good nursing program. I know the for profit schools are a joke and are really just out to get you.

Out of every other major available, I feel like I would fit well into the nursing field, I want to be able to help others on a daily basis, that would give me great gratification.

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Sep 19, 2015

I've done some research and it appears to me that RN is the best bet for me, a medical assistant looks like nothing more than a glorified secretary and that is not my cup of tea, I want to work one on one. If I do go to school for this I plan on attending my community college which has a very good nursing program. I know the for profit schools are a joke and are really just out to get you.
Out of every other major available, I feel like I would fit well into the nursing field, I want to be able to help others on a daily basis, that would give me great gratification.

Why do you think you'd fit well into nursing? Is it just because you want to help others? CNAs help others, and they spend more 1-on-1 time with patients than nurses do. If that's your reasoning it's just one class and clearly a lot cheaper than getting a whole degree.

If anything, being a CNA will help you decide whether or not you really want to be a nurse.

andrew4507 · Sep 19, 2015

Well, i really wanted to major in psychology and work in a related field but in all honesty thay is pretty unobtainable for me. I think nursing is a good fit for me becsuse I like a fast paced work environment, i like to help others, and be there in their time of need, to try to make everything easier for them in a rough period. Most of all I coukd see myself working in a nursing position, it just feels like what woukd be right and gratifying for me. I thought about obtaining my cna first and give that a go maybe part time to see what it's like.

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Sep 19, 2015

I've done some research and it appears to me that RN is the best bet for me, a medical assistant looks like nothing more than a glorified secretary and that is not my cup of tea, I want to work one on one.

Mmm, yeah you should probably not refer to MAs as glorified secretaries. They don't just do clerical work.

And working one on one rarely happens, unless you have high acuity patients. I recommend doing some thorough research and perhaps working as a CNA beforehand, as you said.

SlickSouthpaw · Sep 20, 2015

I thought about obtaining my cna first and give that a go maybe part time to see what it's like.

Working as CNA really tested my limits, and despite my personal hardships trying to get into nursing school, definitely solidified my desire to continuing pursing an RN license. I have learned a lot with handling all types of patients and learning how to be more of an effective caregiver as well as communicator.

I think that it would be really good for you to use the CNA license as a decision maker. I know too many people who enter the medical field because they knew it was "solid" choice compared to other careers.

....too many patients have suffered with coworkers like that. Let this be an experience to help you find your path. Good luck on making your decision.

doherty0 · Sep 20, 2015

I agree with some of the others. You need to do your research. I have been a CNA for 3 years now and I enjoy the 1-on-1 time with my patients. It has also made me realize what all nurses do and see it first hand. It wasn't exactly what I thought it would be. I highly recommend being a CNA before or while your in nursing school. The experience will look great on your resume and it will be a great insight on if you really want become a nurse!

TMColeman, CMA, LPN · Sep 20, 2015

Just to clarify, MA's are NOT "glorified secretaries". We work our butts off just like RNs, LPN's, CNA's whomever. It's unfortunate that people have such a misconception about what we do. I've never worked in the front office even though I wouldn't mind if I did. I've only worked back office doing some pretty amazing things including but not limited to Surgery. But any who carry on. Good luck in determining what your life's calling will be.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Sep 20, 2015

Andrew....in the "research" you have done into what each career/job/profession entails....have you met with any people holding these positions? Or just read online info?

Much of what you are describing as the reason you find nursing appealing is, quite honestly, the kind of things that schools say in order to enroll students. They describe a work environment that sounds glamorous, exciting, important...and they focus on things like "setting your own hours" and "independence". Reality for a new RN is typically a VERY different story.

Before deciding nursing is the thing you simply must do....call a hospital, speak to someone in HR or Nursing Education, and ask if there are some nurses and/or CNAs who would be willing to meet you over a cup of coffee and give you the "inside" viewpoint. Call a medical practice and ask for an MA for the same deal.

Then see what you think. Maybe it's exactly what you want...and maybe not. But you need to go to the source, not the source of advertising revenue, IMHO.