Corpsman514

Sigh, I hope I'm in the right place. I am posting in the nurses forum in hopes of advice so I don't cost myself anymore grief or more importantly, pay for student loans in a degree I'm not happy in. A little insight: -Wanted to be a nurse since I was six. (Obsessed with Rescue 911 & ER in the 90's, cute but irrelevant). -Enlisted into the Navy my senior year in High school and served as a Hospital Corpsman- LOVED IT! -Enlistment ended in 2008, so since then I've been an ER tech in a SMALL hospital in Salem, AR. *6 bed ER - SIX (2 trauma beds, 2 cardiac, 1 specialty - suture or worse case - delivery **they also had an inpatient unit of 22 beds and THAT'S IT. Loved it, worked nights and really had a solid experience. -I had to relocate and at that time I was a PCT in a MICU unit at a large teaching hospital. LOVED IT! -Decided to go ahead and be a MA to see what that was like and it's nothing like being a Corpsman in the Navy. I just hate working in doctor's offices and in outpatient in general because it's boring, routine, and that's not what I wanted to do after all. I honestly hate being a MA and I'm actually a Registered MA. Being a RMA, it has not been easy for me to get a PCT or CCP, PSA gig in a hospital. SO, I quit my most recent gig in urgent care and enrolled into the summer minimester and upcoming fall semester at Kennesaw State in Georgia. I just know that nursing is a big difference from MA and I loved working in MICU as a PCT and always had my mind set in working at a hospital, and I enjoy nights. I want to get my CCRN post BSN. That's what I want, but I am afraid that the MA stuff put a bad taste in my mouth. I'm comparing apples to oranges, right?? Any RN,ADN,BSN's go through something similar?? Thanks ahead of time for your advice and time. It's truly appreciated!

I think you've made a great choice, and thanks for serving! I'm a Navy Vet (Hospital Corpsman type), and I have been fortunate enough to work a couple jobs based on my Corpsman training alone (I've worked as an ER Tech and as a Patient Care Tech). Now when I was a PCT, I worked at a large university hospital and they taught me though various classes how to be a PCT within their hospital. My military experience opened that door. However, when I moved (my husband was also enlisted after I had wrapped up my enlistment) I had difficulty getting a job because the civilian workforce did not recognize my military training. They didn't even know what a "Corpse-Man" was, mispronounced of course. SO, I used up a year of my GI Bill benefits to get a diploma in Medical Assisting. Come to find out although I currently work in urgent care, being a MA or even a Registered MA does not make it any easier to get a job in the hospital because a MA primarily works in outpatient medical practices. They are not trained so much on bedside care. However, you made the right choice by going CNA since you desire to go to nursing school in the long run. That will make it all the more easier for you because hospitals hire CNA's. Plus, there are a few schools that require nursing school applicants to obtain their CNA and work as a CNA to even be considered for their nursing program. I'm even considering getting a CNA so I can get more hospital experience before I apply for nursing school. Thumbs up to you! Be safe out there!

Hey everyone! So I was talking to my near and dear aunt about my plans to pursue a BSN. I'm currently a RMA and planning to start general ed courses this fall. However, I just don't know if I'll make it as far as after graduation on the employment end. Yes, I have medical experience from being a Corpsman in the Navy and as a RMA. I'm 31 and won't be able to do it in 4 years because.. I don't know, I've been out of school since high school. I'll be well into my mid 30's and I know that there will be much younger candidates in the field than myself and feel that they will be given priority because they are younger despite the whole "no age descrimination". It is what it is and business is business. Case in point, my cousin is in her 40's. She is a nurse and has been for maybe over ten years but her only experience is in mother and baby, L&D. She wants to change but has for whatever reason not had any other experience. she applied for an outpatient nursing position in oncology and got passed up. I guess it was because she has limited experience which includes zero experience in oncology + age. What are your thoughts and experiences?

I'm 31 and have been in the medical field off and on for over nine years. First, I wanted to be a nurse since I was six. I joined the Navy and became a Hospital Corpsman. In 2008 I wrapped up my enlistment and worked as an ER Tech, PCT, and an uncertified MA. I obtained a diploma in Medical Assisting in 11/2011 and past my RMA exam in 3/2012. Since then I've maintained my RMA and I am going back to school to START my pre reqs for BSN at Kennesaw State. I've been out of school for over ten years, but I'm going for it no matter how long it takes. Luckily I currently have a great part time gig in urgent care and I've recently applied to volunteer at a local hospital. Hats off to all my fellow 30,40, and perhaps 50+'s for not being discouraged and for making the sacrifices.

Yeah, seen and heard it.

On my first or second day in urgent care a patient asked me after I obtained their vitals and histories if I was a "nurse". I said "No, I'm actually a Medical Assistant. I'll be assisting the physician in your care today." The pt didn't freak out by any means. They deserve the right to be informed. It bothers me that in my previous position as a MA that the staff would refer to me as a "nurse" to the patient. I'm NOT a nurse!!! I have a diploma, not an associates or a BSN. Believe it or not, those are not something you find at the bottom of a Lucky Charms cereal box. I strongly feel that those who are witnessed as passing themselves off as a nurse should be counseled and in that they should sign a document clearly stating the legal ramifications if they continue to pass themselves of as a "nurse". That is all.

I see a blender purchase in my very near future ;-) Thanks for all the ideas!! I love apples and peanut butter, def going to check out the cliff bar (I'm a chocoholic myself), trail mix and absolutely trying the smoothie recipe this afternoon!

Nice! I've yet to find a cliff bar I actually enjoyed, which one(s) are your go-to?

Awesome! Thanks a lot :) You're absolutely right about "don't bring anything that requires reheating or utensils". Ain't no body got time for that!! I especially don't want any of the nasties patients come with having any opportunity of making it some way into what I eat. The lead I worked with yesterday ate her cereal at her desk between patients. Being that I've been in the military, it's been about six years and the days of nearly ingesting anything with no consequence are non existent.

Hello! I recently just started a position as a "medic" (I'm a RMA operating in my scope of practice, but the position is termed "medic"). Well although I've worked as an ER tech and did a PCT stint in an ICU unit for over a year, there is no such thing as a lunch break when it's you, the doc, and a receptionist. SO, I maybe had 4 bites of my salad and learned real fast to just go with a meal replacement shake or a meal bar, baby carrots or whatever is easily accessible between patients. There is a break room and I can just run in and out of between patients, but do any of you in hospital and urgent care have any ideas for health food that is easy to grab and quick in between patients??? I'm also over weight, so this may be of great help in my weightloss :) Thoughts and ideas appreciated :) Thanks ahead of time!

As a RMA with a diploma, and military background, I can tell you that LVN/LPN is different from MA. I feel that and know very well that LVN/PN's have more in depth training. I mean there is no such program for MA to RN, so that should be a good clue that obviously LVN/PN is of higher scope of practice and I respect the LVN/PN.

I have doubts about your issue. You need to drop the "I'm the victim" mentality. Obviously there is some sort of a problem as the reasons you were "let go" are similar. Body language says a lot. Professionalism is lacking. Accept responsibility for your actions and perhaps you need to do some research on customer service and professionalism. Also, your attitude needs work as well. Good luck and be well.

So as a RMA that has been out of practice for a year, I decided to get my feet damp by applying to volunteer at a local hospital while working on my long list of pre reqs. I was ready to hand deliver my app until I read that I had to turn the app in with a $35.00 app fee. That is insane! I suppose that is for the criminal check, etc.? Not to mention that I'd have to purchase their smock, and pay an annual due of $10.00 (that is perfectly fine). However, an app fee?? Come on. Is this the new thing?

In other words, politely decline and carry on smartly.

There is nothing "difficult" about this "situation". It's sweet of you to care, but as far as professionalism and facts are concerned, this is a no brainer.

Hello, and happy Labor Day I was fortunate to land a position as a Patient Care Technician in a large university hospital based on my military training and experience (Hospital Corpsman - Navy) shortly after I completed my service in 2008. I was hired as a PCT in the Neuro/Medicine ICU and I loved it so much. I love critical care and the experience further solidified my desire to obtain my bsn. Here's the issue at hand. A year after I was hired I had to discontinue my employment , because my husband was injured overseas, medically retired due to his injuries which required surgery, several medical appointments (including physical therapy), moving back to his home town and traveling back and fourth due to medical. I've managed to attend an accredited medical assistant program, graduate, and pass my certification exam. Hospitals don't seem to hire MA's I haven't been employed in 4 or 5 years and no matter how many years of experience, training, and accomplishments I had leading up to my ordeal... I don't get the offer I'm intensely lucky to get the interview, but that is as far as I go. I feel defeated. I truly want to work in the hospital setting, and I especially want to go back into critical care. I don't want to shell out more money for a PCT certification, but I feel that is the only way? I'd rather use my GI Bill for my degree, not a certification as I previously have. Any advice is appreciated, and thanks ahead of time.

After playing phone tag with a head hunter this afternoon, I might FINALLY get in to a prominent healthcare provider of metro Atlanta. I've tried so many times to get on board as a RMA with this company, I've had two interviews including three call backs with no offer. Apparently there is a need to fill 40 MA (RMA or CMA) positions for their clinics among Cobb county. I've submitted my updated resume and pray for an interview. I want this opportunity SO BAD! It's a contract deal, but SO WORTH IT. I'm currently in retail and if this does not work out, I'll remain in retail and continue to work on my prereqs for BSN through Kennesaw State.

*weight watchers

I'm going to check out weight watches myself. Also, if you have an iPhone, there is a FREE app that is wonderful - LoseIt.

You know, I'll admit that I am currently overweight. I knew there was an issue when I was a PCT when I was worn out within a minute of providing compressions in a code. The patient should not have to suffer the consequences of my bad habits, lack of initiative in the gym, etc. I am currently beginning my prereqs for BSN. I am also shopping for running shoes, my goal is to lose 70 pound before graduation. I've lost four pounds since April, I am proud :)

I'm 30, married, and just getting into my pre reqs for the BSN. I currently work part time and support my husband whom is also in college as well. Empty nester in metro Atlanta.

Very good point!!!! I didn't even think of that - I agree.

Never mind. I think I am going to pass on the idea considering I only have so much left of my GI Bill education benefits... I'm just going to volunteer, perhaps take up a PRN position and do my best in Nursing school when the time comes. However, please feel free to comment. I don't mind advice as this may or may not be the best thing for me to do (bypassing the CNA).

Hello! I am beginning my prereqs for nursing and although I am certified as a RMA through AMT, I feel that it is best (although Kennesaw State does not currently require it at this time) to get my CNA. I am curious if there is an online course that I could take? I have a feeling that even though I'm a veteran Navy Corpsman, and a RMA, I will need to participate in an accredited course in order to be able to take the exam.