SF student in need of friendly advice.

Miss Mab · Jul 15, 2008

Hi Pisces guy,

Congrats on finishing your pre-reqs! And with a rockin' GPA to boot. I also was an "under-performer" during my first bachelor's and so really had to ace those pre-reqs when i decided to go into nursing. I don't know about you but I was shocked this time around at how much easier it was to get an 'A' when you actually ATTEND the classes. LOL....

Anyway, local gal here with not a lot of specific advice except to say your basic plan sounds right. You may need to expand your school choices and if that means taking one or two more classes next semester(or online if possible) then I would just go ahead and do it if it will increase your options. We're lucky here that there are so many nursing programs to take a crack at. Have you ever considered PA school?

I guess I really wanted to reply because I definitely 'hear' your concerns about the status of the workplace these days and, without being presumptious, I would hope you've taken the opportunity to re-assess your desire to become a nurse after your health status changed recently. Please don't misunderstand, I'm not in any way implying that you can't or shouldn't be a nurse because of HIV+, I'm just agreeing that nursing these days CAN be unnecessarily brutal on the psyche and body and, having done the career switch myself, I wouldn't recommend this environment as it is now for a lot of folks with a variety of different special concerns because, frankly, though the $$ here is great and nursing can sometimes be personally rewarding and challenging, the body and sanity are much more valuable to me....Don't know if that makes much sense to you but FWIW..

Also why I wondered if PA was ever an interest. Slightly longer school, sometimes anyway depending where you go, but generally more control within the workplace afterward.

Despite the horror stories, I don't think an RN new grad who did clinicals around the city will have much trouble landing a gig provided they made a good impression. Their first choice unit/shift? Maybe not but I don't forsee NO new grad openings happening anytime soon. If you're actually IN the city then your net is wide as far as facilities are concerned. With a car/BART you literally have dozens of large facilities to pick from. Please choose carefully(ie., get the real scoop from the nurses) before accepting employment anywhere!

I am rambling this early AM. Myself, I wouldn't shell out a bunch of cash to be a CNA or phleb. at this time unless you wouldn't miss it and had the spare time. I do believe there are two charities in the city that do CNA training for minimal or free but I'll be darned if I could remember them. Do you have any resources through your volunteer places that might have public health connections that might know? I would choose phleb. over CNA in your position. Many others would disagree but as an ER nurse it would have been great to be able to start off being the 'go-to gal' on those tough sticks instead of just another 'good for nothing' new-grad!:)

Anyway, best of luck. I'll see if I can wrangle those CNA/SNF training names that I am currently blanking on...

Best,

Mab

crazyframes · Jul 15, 2008

After two years full time I have completed my pre-reqs and other classes to make up 60 units. I have a Bachelor's in Architecture from 2000 with a low GPA. My GPA this time around is about 3.75. I am going to apply to the San Francisco City College program and the SFSU program. I have volunteer experience with a crisis hotline and volunteering for a hospice.
I have been so excited about nursing and also scared to enter a profession with so much controversy regarding the workplace. Sometimes I think about staying in school to complete dental school pre-reqs.
After reading the postings here about the trials of finding a job as a new grad, I feel somewhat discouraged.
I am writing because I really need advice badly on how to proceed. Should I go to school and take more science courses as I apply to 3-4 programs? Would it be worth the time and possibly $2300.00 to go to CNA school at this point? Phlebotomy school? I would like to get some paid experience in the medical field as opposed to just volunteer experience.

I feel you on the fears for finding a job, and I don't even start my nursing program until the end of September! Sometimes it feels as though this site can be both a blessing and a curse.

Here is how I plan to approach my nursing program - like it's a business venture. I will be joining organizations, running for boards and applying for any and all intern/extern/whatevern positions I can find while I'm taking my classes. I will network my ass off when I am in my clinical settings. I will present myself professionally, with poise and grace. I think that one of the best things I will bring to school with me is my experience in the working world. I know that the majority of things happen because of who you know - period.

Sounds like you've got a great foundation for getting into a program. I hope you have some good CCSF lottery luck! My name was #625 & #814 in the last drawing - hee hee! I was disappointed in myself that I didn't get into the program at SFSU. But I am grateful to be starting at CSUEB this fall. It's one of the only places I've found that will let you do a second bachelor's program.

Good luck with whatever you do! I don't think you should be discouraged before you even begin. Be sure to capitalize on your talents and stand out in your program. I think that's one of the best ways to ensure a job after graduation.

As for taking an extra certification, I have no idea. If I were to do either, it would be the Phlebotomy route. But if you don't have the money to spend on it right now I don't think it's a deal breaker.

pupnurse · Jul 16, 2008

What I would suggest is becoming a CNA and working through nursing school. You'll definitely have an advantage while in school during clinicals as you're familiar with the hospital environment. Also when it comes to getting a job, you'll have a definite advantage because you can speak to the hiring manager directly. I didn't work through school, thinking that I needed to focus on school and maintain a good GPA but I'm not sure that makes a huge difference.

But nursing is very stressful and you are going to be exposed to so much, the diseases, germs etc. I'm sure you've taken this into consideration, but I was unprepared. Nursing, unlike any other field, has to be experienced to fully understand what it is.

Good luck with your future endeavours!