Medical Assistant or Straight to BSN?

[FlowerAD]

Hello all!

(Please excuse any typos I may look over while the typing from my phone. I'm very new to posting here.)

So, this may seem like a very obvious question, I know, but I'll give you a little insight.

I have been pursuing an associates degree for nursing (on and off) for about 6 years now. It's taken so long due to serious life issues getting in the way, however, things are better, now.

Now, I originally planned to take a path of ASN>BSN>MSN, but people always tell me to just go for my bsn, so I'm thinking that's what I'll do. The issue that I'm having is choosing whether to spend a couple more years working retail and going to school to finish my BSN, or becoming a medical assistant (the program I'm considering is a certificate program for 8-9 months) and finishing the BSN later on. Becoming a CNA has been considered before, but I'm more interested in MA. I also know a couple MA's who say they can get me a job once I'm done with school.

I'm currently going into my mid-twenties, living with family. I'm not being forced out in anyway, and I definitely contribute, but (at the risk of sounding naive) everyone wants to feel completely independent, you know? I know having family help you with a place to stay while going to school is amazing, I just feel like I'm getting too old for it, but my current job definitely doesn't cut it.

Keep in mind, I've taken a lot of my prerequisites. I've actually taken anatomy twice (which is the cut off for my university's BSN degree). Most of my general courses are done. I'd have mostly science and math courses left for prerequisites. In the University I'm considering, when all prerequisites are completed, the actual nursing program they offer will range from Full time, Part time, or 16 months (fast track).

I feel like I'm just rambling so I'll stop there, but if any of you could answer my question and offer advice, that would be greatly appreciated!

[Possum_RN]

Just to echo what others are saying....I'd go with CNA, if I was looking to continue working though school. I worked weekend nights at a LTC facility, then on a med/surg floor though school. The most practical part of it was that I was able to familiarize myself with interacting with patients, taking vitals, etc etc. Working in LTC was slower, and it was acceptable at my facility to bring flashcards to flip though during downtime. Working on med/surge was much busier, but I was able to get some excellent studying in (and improve my patient care) by browsing though my patient's records - reviewing medications, care plans, diagnosis... all while making a pretty respectable paycheck!

The company that I worked for offered a $3/hr raise for nursing students, and offered a really generous student loan program (I did not partake because you signed a contract to work for them for one year upon graduation, but options are good). If you get your CNA license and are interviewing for jobs, I'd ask potential employers if they have any programs for student nurses.

There are numerous ways to get that RN next to your name. I know nurses who did it every way possible: working up from CNA>LPN>ADN>BSN>MSN, ye olde nursing diplomas, and those that jumped straight into BSN or higher. You can be a fantastic nurse by any track!