Nursing newbie with some questions!

Hmarie12 · Feb 25, 2014

I will be starting my program in June. I currently work as a CNA in the hospital. While I don't think there is a nursing shortage (maybe there is somewhere!) we are often short-staffed on my unit and most of the newer grad nurses I work with had no problem landing a job because they were willing to work anywhere and take any shift. I plan to keep this in mind when I am looking for a job as a new nurse. I think you will be able to find a job if you are patient and are willing to take what you can get. I think you will be able to work as a nurse if you pursue it, you may just have to be patient and you might not get your first choice specialty starting out.

As for your second question-haha it is confusing where to begin! I have a bachelor's degree already, so I will be attending an entry-level masters in nursing program. I also considered accelerated bachelor's programs, regular bachelor's programs and associates programs. I say apply everywhere. If you don't have a degree already apply to both ADN and BSN programs and see where you are accepted. I personally would go the BSN route if you can, however there are a lot of ways to bridge RN-BSN once you are finished if you do go the associates route, so no worries there. I have heard that more hospitals are hiring BSN prepared nurses vs. ADN, but I haven't personally witnessed that.

I think being a CNA first is a really great idea because it gives you an idea of what nurses "really" do and whether this field is right for you. I have heard that it gives you a "leg up" once you start nursing school because you won't be new to patient interaction. Some schools even require CNA experience. I would still say go the RN (vs. LVN) route though.

Lastly, you do not have to be a math genius! Statistics is usually the highest math you will need, although there is some math involved in chemistry (not genius type math though ).

Good luck on your journey! It's a fun and exciting process :)

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Feb 25, 2014

Agree with PP ^^^. It's a very good idea to find out more about health care in general and the 'world' of nursing prior to making such a commitment.

Just wanted to add - by the time you complete your nursing education, it will be very difficult to find an acute care (hospital) job if you do not have a BSN. This is already the case in most larger cities and moving rapidly across the nation into most areas as everyone is trying to meet the IOM recommendations for nurse staffing. I'm sure that there will still be jobs in non-acute settings for ADN nurses - but you need to be aware of this ahead of time.

There are not enough jobs for new grads in most areas of the country. Just this week, the Healthcare Advisory Board announced that hospital admission rates are continuing to decline & this is not expected to slow down anytime soon. The result is fewer hospital jobs. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what is happening to nursing jobs as a result. Although there are supposed to be more nursing jobs as a result of the ACA (obamacare), this is also questionable because it isn't happening yet.

Jkadkins · Feb 26, 2014

Thank you both for the replies! They helped a lot. I apologize for the misunderstanding I DO mean to work on my BSN I just meant I would obtain my ASN first (obviously). I would love to get a job as a CNA first, but that just adds to the confusing process of where to start...do I take CNA classes first and then begin my nursing programs/schooling or will they provide that while in school? I've heard some different responses on that as well. I know these may be incredibly ignorant questions, but...we all started somewhere, right?

Thanks again for all of your support and help! It's really appreciated.

CDEWannaBe · Feb 26, 2014

While CNA training is helpful, it now requires a lot of schooling to get the certification and then you're in a fairly low paid job. For current CNAs it's smart to take the certification they have and look for a bridge program to nursing school.

But if you want to be a nurse, then apply to nursing school. Find out what the prerequisite classes are for both community college (ADN) and university (BSN) programs and start taking the classes at a community college, where it's cheaper. Contact advisors at both types of schools and get advice on how to be the best applicant possible. Then apply and see where you're accepted.

Getting a BSN right off is ideal, but it's still okay to go the ADN route if that's where you're accepted. Like others have said, you may not be able to get a hospital job with an ADN, but you can still find jobs in long term care. Some employers will then help you pay to bridge from your ADN to BSN.

You do need decent math skills to become a nurse, especially algebra, which will be used in Chemistry and also Statistics. But don't fear these classes. Take them and do your best. Ask the teacher for help and get books like "Algebra for Dummies" to help you get the skills. I believe ANYONE can pass classes like Algebra and Chemistry if they keep up with the work, do every assignment, and struggle through to master the tough concepts. Not only will this help you towards nursing school, but you'll feel like a rock star for overcoming a difficult challenge. Good luck.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Feb 26, 2014

Here is my 2 cents, I would research you local job market and what they require and need. In my area we are understaffed in all hospitals. I live in a suburb outside of a major city. I don't think the city itself in major need but they are building hospitals like crazy here. The north side of Indianapolis has really grown in the last 15 years and they just built 2 hospitals in the area in the last 2 years. I live a little north of that and the population here is aging rapidly. I live in a former GM town, and now everyone is pretty much retired and needing nurses. LTC facilities are popping up like crazy and they also need nurses. While down in Indianapolis some hospitals require a BSN, others don't and in my town you just need a ADN to get a job. I met with my nursing faculty advisor about a month ago and she was letting me know of opportunities to help me get a job when I graduate. The hospitals in this town work closely with my school, so I am going to take advantage of summer externships that they offer. Just really sit down and talk to people in the area and what is needed. It will help you on your path. Every state is different in what they want and need.

Jkadkins · Feb 27, 2014

I recently applied to Columbus State Community College (I heard their nursing program isn't too bad!) but the classes were already filled up so that's why I've been debating on taking the CNA course to get some experience (and hopefully some brownie points haha) for when I'm finally able to do my pre-reqs and enter the course. I'm only at the very beginning so I'm still sorting things out...I do know that after searching and researching and reading just about everything I can get my hands on about this...I MUST have at least SOME passion for it..Also it's something to consider than CNA courses are 600-800 bucks out of pocket.