New CNA/Pre-nursing student- Additional certs??

[VagusX]

This sounds crazy, but I have time to spare! I just passed my state CNA exam and I'm taking a CPR course in August so that I can start applying to some part-time CNA jobs to gain some practical experience.

I'll be applying to a nursing program for next fall, and I've spent the last year engrossed in a heavy course load of pre-reqs. I'm addicted to the education and I'm bummed out that, after finishing all my A&P, micro, etc, I now just have a couple of general courses left. I would love to sign up for an advanced math course or a third level A&P course, but I can't justify the cost of doing that when it's not required.

My question is, beyond the CPR certification, are there any other certification programs that will scratch the itch I have for more practical education while I wait out the nursing application process? Anything that would make me more marketable in the future?

Side note - I do plan to occupy some of this time working as a CNA, however, positions are few and far between in my area and I'm not counting on finding something quickly.

Thanks!

[Fumanchuesday]

My hospital offered a few practical courses/ certifications that I did while I was a nursing assistant. We had what was called the CNA II course, which taught a few additional skills including: using a bladder scanner, foley catheters, and ostomy care. Also we had a "unit clerk course" which basically taught unit secretary roles such as order entry. Another course was the EKG/Telemetry course which taught all of the heart rhythms, as well as how to hook up EKGs. Lastly, we had a preceptor course which taught how to effectively precept new hires for your same position. I dont know how your facility is set up, but taking each of these courses resulted in an additional $1 per hour on my hourly rate.

[Reese2012]

What the person stated above is helpful. But, on the otherhand if you can get into a hospital setting I learned this while working in the hospital: using a bladder scanner, foley catheters, and ostomy care.

The one thing I would recommend is getting your phlebotomy cert. I never did, but I heard you can earn more money if you can draw blood

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I would not bother with ACLS or any advanced course like it. I personally would not hire someone based on whether or not they had those advanced certs as I know they do not have the experience to back them up. The others mentioned above are good but experience will count a lot more. If you cannot work full time then volunteer at a nursing home or hospital or even daycare for adults or kids. Any experience on any level is better than no experience.

P.S. I WOULD look at your total resume and be impressed that you are trying to absorb as much info as possible. You should make a great nurse.

[VagusX]

P.S. I WOULD look at your total resume and be impressed that you are trying to absorb as much info as possible. You should make a great nurse.

Thanks for the advice! Since I don't have practical experience beyond course clinicals, would you suggest that I include some of the relevent pre-req courses (i.e; A&P, chem, microbiology, nutrition, developmental psych) on my resume?