vleigh

I too am looking into both of these programs! I recently got my CNA certification and am going to apply to work as one at some SNF's to gain experience/more exposure to the field to ensure it is really what I want to pursue, rather than teaching Special Education. I see that your post is almost 2 years old...which program did you end up choosing to attend, if any? Do you like your program? CSUF does not have the best NCLEX pass rate which makes me a little nervous; not sure if that's a huge deal though. If anyone has any feedback about the quality of the ABSN program at CSUF, I would love to hear it!! I prefer it's location over CSUSM because it would allow me to save a lot of money on housing expenses and/or commute, but quality is more important to me.

Thank you all for your responses! Everyone's input has really given me some perspective. I am still incredibly indecisive between the two...one day teaching and the next nursing. I am applying to jobs to work as a CNA, so hopefully after working as one for a little bit, I'll have a better idea about which one I would rather pursue. Nursing schedules are more attractive to me; however, I have not completely experienced working a nursing schedule first-hand. I like that with nursing, you go and give it 110% at work and then you go home and leave work at work (albeit some residual emotions from the shift). Obviously with teaching, I always gave 110% at work too; however, the shift was shorter, but I always took work home with me, even as just an assistant. I like with nursing, again hypothetically speaking since I don't have the actual experience yet (correct me if I'm wrong), you can work your 12 hr., 3-day shift, or less hours within a 5-day shift in a different setting, and pick up more hours if you so choose. It seems as though there is more flexibility in choosing how many hours you want to work in a week. I just think nursing might offer me a more ideal work-life balance. Thanks again for all your input!

Thank you for taking the time to respond w/ your insight & perspective! I am having a hard time figuring out which one I'm more passionate about; education/teaching is familiar to me and I have yrs. of experience under my belt, so it seems I can relate to it & gravitate toward it more, but I'm not sure that translates it to being a passion...it's comfortable to me I guess. I have been told I'm great at it & it's what I should pursue, but I have experienced burn out in the past from it. I also don't want to take work home w/ me (physically)...I did all the time just as a junior kindergarten teacher. When actually at work, I like to be busy! I thrived on checking blood sugar and administering Diastat (under nurse authorization, training, & liability) for students in our class. I volunteered for it because I like to be busy & help where I can. I have dealt with disrespectful parents, students, & colleagues, but I imagine I'd have more of it in nursing given the stressful/critical/dire times patients & their families are experiencing. I am seeking work as a CNA and hoping to gain more experience in the field to help my decision. Have you, yourself, been able to change specialties? Is it time-consuming or difficult to transition to a new specialty; are there additional educ. & experience requirements?

Thank you for taking the time to respond w/ such thoughtful insight. Congratulations on getting accepted into your top schools! You must be elated! I completely agree; I do like how nursing would allow me to work w/ such a diverse population, rather than specifically w/ those who have special needs. Although you won't be working specifically w/ those who have special needs, I imagine your experience with your brother has made you a compassionate, empathetic, and patient advocate for those experiencing challenges whatever they may be. You'll be an excellent nurse! I agree I should go w/ my gut; however, I notice I gravitate toward special education, but I'm not sure if it's just because it is what I know & am very familiar w/, having worked in the field for more than 6 yrs. At one point, I did experience burn out as an Instructional Assistant. I have taken most of the pre-req.'s (still need chemistry) for nursing & I liked & did well in them. I have been seeking employment as a CNA to get more familiar w/ nursing & see if it'd be a good fit. Good luck with your BSN program. If you have time, or remember, let me know how you like your program. What school will you be attending?

Thank you for taking the time to write thoughtful & insightful advice! It's very helpful to have another perspective. You reminded me that as a Special Education Teacher I won't be able to work w/ the elderly. I also love working w/ cancer pts. & those w/ mental illness. I love how diverse the nursing field is in that respect. It's funny you brought up Occupational Therapy; I actually began a Master's program for Occupational Therapy @ a private univ. near me. At the time, I had aspired to be an OT and eventually incorporate service dogs into my therapy (as I'm also passionate about animals). My MSOT program began w/ an intensive (6 wks.), 9-unit Gross anatomy course. It was INSANE. I was there M-F, 7 a.m.-10 p.m., including tutoring. At the same time, I was living in a new env., broke up w/ a boyfriend, & helping my Mom & best friend, who both had cancer diagnoses. It was a rough time. I actually completed the course w/ an 79%, but an 81% was required to continue on. During my time caring for my Mom & best friend, I realized I love caring for sick people. I have also helped my Mom w/ a subsequent drug addiction which I also enjoyed, despite my personal pain. Sorry for TMI, but all of these issues required me to care for my family & friend & I feel as though I have done so w/ out personalizing too much of it; something I thought might be a good characteristic as a nurse. Thanks again for your input...much appreciated!

Hi, I have been so indecisive, for years, as to which path I want to pursue whole-heartedly for a career. I am 38 years old and need to make that decision as I'm not getting any younger. I love working with individuals, young and mature, with disabilities, impairments, or health issues. I love caring for, and advocating for these individuals. Naturally, I have the personality of a caretaker. For years, I worked as an assistant in a classroom with students of various ages, who had moderate-severe disabilities. I also provided respite care for one of the students, in her home, and loved it! I am not grossed out by bodily fluids, blood, vomit, diarrhea, smells, etc. . I love working with the elderly as well and enjoy their company! I have spoken to many special education teachers and nurses about their positions. Many of the teachers I've spoken to seem burnt out or dissatisfied with their career, which I don't fault them for at all and understand their perspective. I recently became a CNA and loved my experience during clinicals. My greatest struggles during clinicals were talking to the residents too much (I wanted them to feel comfortable) & feeling like I didn't have enough time, and shaking when I was nervous performing various skills because I'm new to the field and don't want to mess up. The differing schedules of nursing vs. teaching is not important to me. I can do both and realize that both put in serious work and time. The path to pursue nursing will take me longer than special education teaching. I have a bachelors already and am interested in ADN or BSN. I guess I'm just asking for some insight into my decision and your experiences as nurses.