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Discussion

Needing to vent here!

Hello all, I want to say its been a long time since I posted on AN, I have been reading different posts and need to express my opinions. I was previously enrolled in a ASN program at my community college. Due to situations I was facing I was unable to apply to the nursing program, but did complete all but 2 pre reqs which were Chemistry and Microbiology. I was told by my advisor due to a few withdraws and a D and F that I needed to pursue other options. I will say that I didn't slack in my classes or withdraw because I didn't like the classes or because they were hard I lacked study skills due to life circumstances. My GPA took a hard hit to the point I was on academic probation due to low GPA. That being said I thought about other options and I still wander if I am making the right choice because of the negativity I see on here and in the community regarding medical assisting.

I know I may be wasting my time as I still plan to pursue nursing, I am enrolled in a Associate of Applied Science degree for medical assisting at my community college. I start the clinical and lab courses this summer and plan to graduate May 2018.

I need advice as I see so much negative discussion here regarding MAs. I was planning to finish the last pre reqs this spring for my BSN and intend to apply to Western Governor's University Indiana right after graduating with my associates. I would like to know what others here think about any of this information and provide me with positive feedback. Is the MA route a waste of time or will I benefit on anyway from this?

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    I completed a medical assisting program in 2000 and was never able to secure employment, although I did have a few interviews.

    The vast majority of the medical assistants in the local healthcare community where I reside earn less than $14/hour. This is less than $30,000 annually.

    If you still plan to become a nurse, I think the LPN/LVN route would be a better idea. The LPN role is part of the nursing model, while medical assisting is part of the medical model of care provision. So if you want to be a nurse, stick to the nursing model.

    In addition, my LPN training only took 12 months. My highest-paying LPN position paid $27/hour back in 2010. There are many LPN-to-RN transition programs. I completed one and earned my ASN and RN license in 2010.

    Do not get me wrong. Medical assistants are valuable to the healthcare system in the US. However, spending two years to earn an associate degree in medical assisting is, in my opinion, not the wisest utilization of your time if you aspire to be a nurse.

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    • Experts

    The biggest objection to MA I see is the inability to get a job in many places, even those where you would think that the job market would be fine for this job classification. You would be maximizing your opportunities if you went the CNA to LPN route. An LPN license (or even a CNA certificate) is going to go further for you both in the job market and in your efforts to enter WGU.

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    I'm a CMA and didn't find it a problem finding employment and I really enjoy my job. That said if you want to be a nurse then go for it. MA's and nurses are two different things.

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    • Author

    Thank you ev everyone for your responses, I know where my heart is though I made it thus far I still have a shot at nursing in which I wish to pursue. If it means starting off as a CNA then moving up, but the thing I am mainly concerned with is that I am enrolled at my cc now. I can easily drop my courses as spring is not here because the classes starting in January are all my classes for the MA degree I have completed all general education and other course requirements. Now I like all these ideas for the simple fact I have no healthcare experience and with my previous academic record the LPN route may be best for now. I am highly considering working as a CNA and finishing my pre reqs for the BSN as all I need are mainly Sciences. I've been looking into WGU Indiana's prelicensure. Does anyone know about the process for WGU prelicensure? Do I have to have a previous degree to apply? Any thoughts would be great. I really want to attend WGU due to the low cost and flexibility.

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    Hi everyone, I am a CNA/home health aide and was looking for online support for just cnas, home health aides and was directed here. Is this just for nurses because I need to VENT to others who understand. Being a home health aide in particular is VERY isolating. No one to support you, on your own with sick people in their homes. I finished a phlebotomy course and my clinicals start in January. I know this career isn't for me long term because I already feel the burnout after five years. Have done nursing homes, rehab as well. Very stressful! Any feedback is appreciated!!

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    • Author

    I'm ssorry to hear your dealing with stress related to your career OP. I can't offer much advice about CNA/ HHA because I am not one, however I myself am trying to seek out this opportunity prior to earning my BSN. I have several options I'm considering. The first option is to go through a local home health agency and be trained as a home health aide. The company is great it offers, PTO, paid holidays, life insurance, shift differentials as well as full time differentials. They offer overtime all of that, or I am considering the CNA route doing a nurse aide training through a local SNF. Now since you have been in the field, may I ask out of being a home health aide and certified nurse's aide which do you prefer or are they pretty much similar? I'm having such a hard time deciding between the two because they both offer great benefits and flexible scheduling. Any advice will be appreciated.

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    Hi. So to answer your question Home Health Aides ARE CNAs. We just work in the home rather than a facility. I know some agencies were hiring home companions/mom CNAs but are faxing that out bc they need people to help bathe, feed etc patients. That's great you are pursuing an RN. Some argue it makes you a better nurse to be a CNA first. I'm not sure but it's backbreaking work particularly in a nursing home and you will appreciate the CNAs when you become a nurse hopefully. Work in a facility tho if you want to become a nurse. I think it better prepared you and you get an idea if you can handle body fluids!! I also just finished a phlebotomy program and my clinicals are coming up. I can't do just this forever. I hope that helps answer your question. Good luck.

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    • Author

    Hello, thanks for your response. I know it may be back breaking work but I figure working in LTC will give me the opportunity to really work with patients/residents as I will be doing vitals, bathing, feeding, I&O , charting, plus ambulating the residents so yeah I might be underpaid and extremely tired at the end of a shift, however it will reassure me knowing I was able to go to work and work with other cna's and nurses in providing quality care to each and every resident. The benefits are a huge plus, I am gonna look into getting certified in phlebotomy once I pass my cna exam as well. Thank you again for your reply.

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