brianna1

I am still a cna, and like the work I do. I never said I did not. For my BSN program, it was not a requirement for me to be a cna, or even have the certification. I did it for the experience, and to have a job upon graduation. I do not want to work in a nursing home. I have heard horrible and sad stories about them. I don't know if you are a nurse, but the scope of practice for a doctor and registered nurse are different. The same "job description" you speak of, falls within a registered nurses duties. No it is not a nurses primary duty to clean patients. However, no nurse should be above taking care the needs of their patients. Some units, there are no cna's. So tell me who cleans up the patient that soiled themselves. I'll wait while you go figure out the "title" and "job description", of that person who should help the patient.

I agree

Hmm. Well, my answer - as an ED nurse for 3+ years - is "usually... and sometimes there's even a pharmacist around for that purpose." That's my point. He did not know there would be a doctor around to ask questions. An aide (such as myself), would have known that there are doctors in the ER. It amazes me in class some of the questions that are asked by students who have never been aides. I get so tired of hearing comments about, "I have always had a passion for nursing", "I've wanted to be a nurse since I was a little girl", blah, blah, blah, and so on. Yet, these are some of the same students, who don't want to clean a patient who soiled themselves, their faces twisted and looks as though they are going to puke at the sight of blood, smell/sight of wounds in clinicals. I strongly believe that it should be a requirement for ALL nursing students to have worked as a cna for one year before applying to nursing school. I personally think it would give the person a realistic idea of what "nursing at the bedside" consist of. Nursing is so much more than "passing meds", and whats on Grey's Anatomy, and Nurse Jackie. I can tell a nurse who has been a cna vs one who has not. Not all the time, but most of the time.

YES! YES! YES! I agree with EVERYTHING you said. To the OP, I too had a rough first semester. I had a problem with time management. I was a procrastinator, and worked two jobs. However, I was able to get an A+, A-, B, and C. Will I do what I did this semester, next semester? HELL NO. To come that close, 4 points of not passing a class is terrifying. I don't know what your home/personal life is like, but you will be okay next semester. Do just as WaitingonMyMoment has said. I will, lol.

REALLY? Being a nurse tech has helped me sooooo much in my BSN program. Funny how you say that, yet other aides, cna's, pca's (titles differ), laugh to ourselves at the other nursing students who were "never aides", when we listen to some of the questions that are asked in class. I will NEVER forget an older classmate of mine in his early 50's asked our pharm instructor, "Would there be a doctor in the ER to ask questions about a medication?" And, no this was not a joke. He was serious. Seriously??? Yeah, a future nurse. Now, ask an aide the same question...... To the OP, do not take a job as a CNA. Focus on finishing up your last semester of school. Spend as much time as you can with your father and your family. Wishing you and your family the best. It's almost over. Sending you an early "Congratulations!!!!"

What is your job title (CNA, medical assistant, medication aide, HHA, PCT, PCA)? Nursing Support Assistant, NSA Where are you located? Chicago What is your hourly wage? $16.70 (New Hire) Are you paid shift differentials? $2.50 pm & $3.50 weekends What shift(s) do you usually work? 7a-7p What is your current specialty (rehab, med/surg, ortho, doctors' office, clinic, long term care, psych, home health, hospice, etc.)? Hospital, Telemetry How many years of experience do you have? 3yrs of hospital experience What is your status (full-time, part-time, or casual / per diem / PRN)? Part time Are you a pursuing a career as a nurse (RN or LPN)? Current BSN student. Class of 2016!

I'm with the other posters: It's too much. What are you in a rush for? Maybe this will help. 1. Make a list of schools you would like to apply to. 2. Look at the requirements/classes needed to apply to the programs. 3. Make a list of the programs that have the same prerequisites. 4. Now look at the application deadlines for the programs. 5. See how many semesters you would have to complete these classes. 6. Now, figure out how many classes you think you can take & successfully pass each semester. I hope this helps. Things happen in life that we have no control over. I don't know if you work, have a family, sick parents, etc. I know a few people who have had to drop classes, or received poor grades due to issues outside of school. I'm not saying it can't be done. It can. Just be careful. Take the cna class over the summer. Wishing you the best!!!

Update: Sooooooo yesterday I was able to speak with the coordinator for the hospital orientation. She was not as "professional", in her delivery of my issue. However, she did offer an alternative date, that would not work. Anyway, I emailed my instructor, and she said that it was okay. I was so HAPPY last night. I was scared that I would not be able to work this new job. I'm looking forward to taking her class. She seems like a nice & understanding professor. Thank you all for the great advice, tips & sharing your stories.

Should have said the person I'm suppose to speak with

I tried today to contact the department that handles the nursing orientation. I called every hour. No answer. I figured maybe the person I spoke with was out the office since today is a Friday. Monday morning I'm going to call every hour like I'm trying to win free tickets from a radio station, lol. I'll give an update hopefully Monday morning.

Oh yes definitely!

Yes, I did struggle. I had to work 5 8hr shifts for a total of 40 hrs every two weeks. In addition, I had just got the registry position at the hospital 2 weeks before school started. I had to complete 16 orientation shifts before the end of October. Soooooo factor all of this in, with 4 nursing classes, I was a mess. It was HORRIBLE. Now, I have a new position working 2 12hr shifts per wk. I'm so happy, but I still need to make a decision on the registry position.

It's so hard for other people to understand the intensity of a nursing program. My boyfriend thinks I should also keep my registry position that's 4 days a month. While I think it MIGHT be possible to do it since one of my classes is 8wks. That's 32 hrs I could be studying more a month if I quit. I would like to say that I worked at this place for at least 1 year to put on my resume. Unfortunately that 1 year is not until the beginning of August next year for the registry position. Uggggh

You know, I never looked at it like that. I didn't realize how much material I would miss.

I just don't think that's fair to lose your spot in the program. I was use to instructors going over the syllabus, student expectations, course objectives, class introductions, hear the instructor speak on what he/she has accomplished, etc. It's scary