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Discussion

Newbie needs advice

Hi everyone! I am brand new to this site and very excited to have found it. I have a few questions. I was going to school for a degree in business and decided to go after my dream, nursing. I'm 27, divorced and raising a 3 year old. I had a long talk with my family who are behing me in my decision. I wanted to transfer to the local communicty college that offeres an RN program and they were not helpful at all. In fact I kept having to have schedule meetings on how to transfer and get enrolled for this summers class. I saw three different people and heard three different things. I heard about Dorsey Schools from a couple co-workers enrolled there and called and met with them and they were so great. They only offer a Patient Care Tech program which I was told would be a great way to get my foot in the door to help me reach my goal (tuition reimbursement, experience and so on). I start classes in a few weeks. What is the next step up from a PCT or what would be the best route for me to take?

Thanks:)

Dana

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Before you take a job be sure to find out if they offer tuition reimbursement or scholarships for employees going to school. Those facilities are more likely to work with you on schedules as well as providing income and other benefits. You really don't need any other education except nursing, although it would not be wasted. I see taking other non-nursing as slowing you down. Everyone's situation is different. Remember, the school is trying to sell their programs. Talk to nursing schools to find out what is required and how long it would take to finish. Then you have more to evaluate.

If I had it to do over, I would get a job as a tech and after a year or so, let the hospital pick up the tab for my RN degree. Then do a bridge program RN-to-BSN (which the hosptial would probably pay for also). There are alot of hospitals that will do this, and some pay for it 100%. Just do your research and when you start out, make sure you start at a hospital that offers this type of tuition reimbursement. You might even be able to get on at a hospital as a unit secretary without any special training, just to get your foot in the door. Good luck to you!

My thoughts are to research hospitals that have PCT/PCA positions. These are positions that they usually hire people into that have no experience and then it is all on the job training. Then, you let the hospital pick up your tab for your RN. I think the whole PCT training program is a waste of money when you can get that all on the job training. Just my two cents worth. Best of luck in whatever you decide.

Check out the hospital websites in your area and see what benefits the employees get such as tuition reimbursement and also check for jobs! I knew someone who with no experience got hired to help out in L&D as a tech. Even some of the nurses commented on how unusual it was that they hired someone with no experience but she worked out great. She just had the courage to apply.

I went thru CNA training before I entered school because it was required for my program and I thought it was invaluable training. But every person is different and not everyone needs it. The area where I live prefers to have techs with nurse assistant training too.

Good luck in whatever road you take;) Welcome to this website! :welcome: So glad you decided to become a nurse! :)

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