several questions for the RN's

First of all let me start off by apologizing if this question has been asked before. I did a search and I didn't find an answer.

I am currently attending my local CC for my ADN and the program is very competitive, so to make a long story short , after all of my pre-reqs are done I may not even get in !!!!! so....

I have been looking around into other programs and I came across 2 programs that I can attend, one is a Surgical Technologist and the other is Nurse Assistant (diploma). I definitely want to go for my RN , but getting my feet wet now seems like a good idea. Which one is better to start of with, that will go hand in hand with Nursing? I know the obvious seems like Nursing Assistant but is there a difference with a certified nurse assistant and diploma?

Thanks in advance

I suggest becoming a nurse aid, unless you plan to become an RN and work exclusively in surgery. IMO.

Not sure if I understand exactly, but if you are talking about Nursing Assistant vs. Certified Nursing Assistant, I don't think there is much of a difference, at least where I work, they both pretty much do the same thing.

I think it is a good idea to get CNA experience before becoming a nurse, but plenty of people do just great without it. :)

A waiting list seems to be common place at many schools. A nursing assistant sure can open your eyes to what your future holds. However, how about LPN/LVN, is there a waiting list for that as well? With this route you will go to school 12-18 months and have a License and then can bridge to ADN in your time. Good Luck with you studies................

I am in my last year of nursing school at my local CC. I know it can be tough waiting to see if you even get in the program after getting all the pre-reqs done. But why do you want to back out now...you might just get in!!?? Don't stop your goal of becoming an RN. Over the summer, take a CNA class at your local Red Cross to get your feet wet. It will help you in your courses...believe me!

Here is another idea for you...it is one that I regret not doing. Why not try and go to a 4 year nursing degree program? Because by the time you are finished your pre-reqs at a CC and then the nursing program, you are looking at 4+years. If you go to a 4 year college, you will come out with a BSN in the same amount of time. Something to think about. Don't get discouraged...