Slipperman

If you do decide to go ADN, check out other colleges as some do offer a RN to BSN track. I know the University of Toledo is only an extra 7 classes (on top of other BS core classes, but you can do those during the ADN years). That is the way I'm going since I plan on going for a master's degree. As others have mentioned, there are ADN to MSN programs. I'm looking at those as well. Pay at my mom's hospital is around $0.50 extra for BSN over ADN.

Hello, I am currently a CNA but am waiting to take my state test to be a STNA. I've decided to begin my job search now rather than after so I can have a bunch of numbers and such already lined up. The problem is, I can't find any openings listed on websites or the newspaper. Does anyone have any tips to finding jobs that may not be listed? Not sure if places just don't want to waste the money on advertising or what. Who should I contact at hospitals? Is it human resources? Is it wrong to just call and ask if they are hiring? This is the first time I've ever had to actively search for a job. All my past jobs I've been approached about them. Thank you very much! Edit: Guess while we're on the topic of jobs, how often are new CNA/STNA's hired at hospitals? That is where I would like to work versus a LTC facility. Just a personal preference after being at a LTC facility (the *better* one in my area still wasn't that great...).

I just completed my CNA course (no work yet, I'll be posting about that soon), and I am waiting to take my state test. You might have guessed it but I'm a male as well. It was sort of....odd around the female patients during my clinical. Most were ok with a male dressing them, bathing them, etc but some were very, very objective toward me. One was just outright rude but you have to consider the time they grew up in (she was 94 years old!). Don't take it personal. I almost lost it a couple times helping patients use the restroom, clean up a colostomy bag, etc. Sort of got used to it but I don't think I ever will. I do feel bad about that since it can be degrading toward the patient. But for the most part I'm fine with it. My friends pick on me for going to school to "wipe butts and get crap pay" (nice pun there eh?) but it doesn't bother me. If I have to do that for two years until I get my R.N. degree, ok! I'll be the one laughing then. Males are in demand from what I'm told (my mom has been a RN for....years). You wouldn't believe how many times I was asked to come in and help with a transfer and such. I was only there for three days and had a blast doing it though, feeling needed as a lowly student with STNA's that have been doing this for decades (I worked with one woman who had done that job for 20+ years). Really I think ALL nursing schools should require someone to be a CNA/STNA before entering the main program. It gets you a hands on idea of what you will be doing and watching over. RN's are not exempt from the butt wiping either! You should be proud to be a CNA/STNA. You might be the only family your patients have and you will be there to help them. In three days I got attached to this very young woman who was bedridden with a stroke. She wasn't much older than I am. Her family lived a distance away so I was her family for three days. Apparently she rarely spoke to anyone in the facility but to me she was very vocal and smiled a lot. Is there shame in that? I don't see it. As I said, it was only three days but the patients were crying when we left. My friends crack on me for it but you know what, patients are much more important. Good luck in your studies. I've been through three different majors before settling on nursing. I finally feel like I "belong" in career field I chose.