Time for a change

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Greetings! Happly new year! I decided to join thicommunity it so, that I may get some advice on my decision to embark on a new career as a CNA first, and eventually a R.N. and ultimately a DNP. My question is, once become an R.N. and earn my BSN, how many specialties may I practice? I'm currently interested in CRNA, and Holistic/Family practice. I initially, was looking at a career in Naturopathic medicine. I've since decided to pursue a BSN degree. Once I spoke with my girlfriend and explained to her that while I was on active duty in the U.S. Navy I was pursuing a BSN with the intention of becoming an officer. I'm now retired and she asked me if there was anything stopping me from pursuing that dream. I've always been passionate about helping others and I enjoy studying about nutrition and the human body.

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The BSN is a generalist degree, so theoretically you could use it to practice in any nursing specialty as long as some hiring manager is willing to take a chance on you.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

You can practice in any specialty you want to--like 817nurse said, the education is general nursing education--as long as you can get hired into it...within reason. You don't want to develop a pattern of looking for a new job every year, since that doesn't look good on your resume.

If you want to be a CRNA, you will need adult ICU experience (at least the schools in my area specify adult. One very specifically said "NICU, PACU, OR do not count." Some years ago I was looking into it myself, but decided I am happy at the bedside.) So if this is your goal, you should focus on getting an ICU position asap. Try to get into one for your senior internship, apply everywhere, consider relocating if your own market is tough. But word to the wise--do not tell a manager in the interview room that your goal is to be a CRNA!! Read: "We're going to spend tens of thousands of dollars training this guy, and he's going to leave when he's at his minimum for anesthesia school."

If you're interested in learning about holistic nursing, this is a good place to start-- The American Holistic Nurses Association - the voice of holistic nursing On their FAQs page, they actually have a provider directory, if you want to try to contact a holistic RN in your area for questions about her/his practice.

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Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

Why put in the time pursing a position as a CNA when you should be doing your prereqs for the BSN? Call me curious :geek:

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Why put in the time pursing a position as a CNA when you should be doing your prereqs for the BSN? Call me curious :geek:
Maybe some people want to work as a CNA while they finish prereqs because they need the money? Just a thought. We all didn't come into this world with a rich uncle or a trust fund to bankroll our educational costs.
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Maybe some people want to work as a CNA while they finish prereqs because they need the money? Just a thought. We all didn't come into this world with a rich uncle or a trust fund to bankroll our educational costs.

Or so they have a Better chance at landing a job after they finish school. A lot of people could use that advice.

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Thanks, great insight and advice. I'm very happy for you, regarding your decision to stay by the bedside. I was once told that "if you love what you do and you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life". HAPPY NEW YEAR! ☺

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I've been doing my research. I found that some nurses while still in their clinicals, upon visiting hospitals noticed that I in some cases the cna was more in tune and comfortable with their surroundings and the patient. Also, my lack of experience and I want to show that I am willing and able to pay "my dues". As I am retired military I find that the best leaders I served with were the ones who came up the ranks. At least that was my experience.

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Greetings, happy Monday! I'm wondering if there are any former massage therapist on here that made the transition into nursing? I'd like to know if school was "easier"as a result?

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Greetings all! I know it's been a while since you've heard from me, a lot has happened. Well, for starters I have moved from NV to TX. I've been here since April 14th. My dad decided to move here from MA. As far as my career aspirtions. I've applied to and been accepted into a medical assistant program at Hallmark University. It's a 14 month program and they also offer an Associates of Nursing degree. However, I want to play it safe and go the MA route first. The good thing is, that once I earn the MA degree if I choose too I will have already fulfilled all my prerequisites for the Nursing degree. Take care and God bless.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

OMG - if you are a military vet, and live in San Antonio, PLEASE investigate UTHSC BSN program.... they are extremely military friendly (as is the entire city). It would be a shame to waste time, energy and resources going step-by-step when you could just move on for your BSN.

Just an observation - "Holistic" is just about as opposite from CRNA as you can get! Keep in mind that the US health care insurance/reimbursement system is not geared toward any type of alternative therapy. So unless you have alternative sources of income, focusing on holistic practice may not pay enough to keep up with your cable bill - :(

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