SPinOR

I am pretty well-rounded when it comes to work experience, especially for my age (20.) I have wanted to be a nurse since I was five. Currently, I work in an assisted living home (not skilled nursing) as a caregiver, but I am being trained to be a Med Aide. I just finished my first term of prereqs and it was really easy. I am going to a HUGE CC in Portland, OR and I am just shocked with how easy it was to get all A's. Obviously classes will get more difficult, but I just wanted to see if anyone was in a similar boat. The programs I plan to apply to are all points based. If I maintain my grades, I will apply with 55/60 points. I lose points for not being a CNA, EMT, MA, ect. and for not having a prior degree. I feel extremely intimidated because I am the youngest in my workplace, youngest in my classes, I could go on and on... I feel like the program is set up for more mature folks to get it and weed out the "youngins." I am 20. It is near impossible for me to have a prior degree. Another debate is whether or not to get my CNA. Yes, I'll have to shell out $1200 for classes but I will get 4 more points on my application. As a Med Aide, I do a lot of CNA-esque work already. Is it worth is to take CNA classes? Stephanie P.S. I am hoping to get RN at CC then transfer to OHSU for BSN.... and possibly MSN (I'm young--let me dream a little LOL)

Thank you all for your help! I am meeting with a health advisor from the school this week so hopefully that will help me decide as well! :)

I was hoping for PCC just because I am right down the road. I was told that Financial aid would not cover CNA classes (at PCC anyways.) Would you say that RNs who were once CNA's are more competitive for job positions than RN's who were not? Of course right now my focus is getting into nursing school, but I also need to consider getting a job in the field post graduation. I plan on getting RN at PCC and BSN at OHSU. Thank you for your help! I'll look into Clackamas for CNA classes!

Definitely. The programs here don't require CNA but I'm sure CNAs are favored. Also, What is the difference between a CNA and a caregiver in the field? Obviously CNA's require State certification and caregivers just need to pass a background check but what is the difference in the actual work itself?

Thank you! The position I am being considered for is a caregiver. I have entertained the idea of going through CNA training and applying around for CNA jobs. What prevents me is that CNA school isn't too cheap here (about $1500) and they get paid $1 more an hour than the Caregiver position. I do not want to waste time or money (mostly time) going to CNA school when being a caregiver gives me experience in the field. I understand that CNA's are more qualified than caregivers but when applying to nursing school, how much of a difference does it make? Thanks!

Its based on a points system. There are 100 possible points and if you work in healthcare with patients directly you can get up to 6 points. I volunteer with the Red Cross and that gets me 1 point. They don't look at the resume but if you are invited to the essay portion they say that people with previous healthcare experience do much better on that essay because they have more experience to talk about. There isn't an entrance exam. I am just very conflicted on whether its worth it to quit a job that pays very well and has good benefits for a job that I will love but pays much less with little benefits. Thank you for your input!

Hello All! So I have been doing everything in my power to make myself the ideal nursing school applicant. I live in Portland, OR and the nursing program I will be applying to is competitive (as they all are) they get about 1000 applicants and accept 80. So that alone scares me. I am 20 years old and have taken some time off from school since graduating HS. I have been working full time in customer service just to pay the bills and gain some life experience. I am now starting to really buckle down on getting my prereqs done so I can apply for the 2016-18 RN program. I get good grades and I have good recommendations but 88% of the accepted RN student had worked previously in healthcare and 50% of had prior degrees. That really scares me. I love my current job but I am willing to resign so I can gain healthcare experience. I am interviewing for a caregiver position next week at a local nursing home. I will be making less than I do now if I take the job but I can live with that as long as the experience is worth it in the long run. What do you guys think? Anyone do anything similar? Any advice? Thanks!! - SP