Waiting to get into nursing school- advice please!

joe a. · Apr 1, 2016

I've been a CNA for 7 years. I've worked in a skilled nursing home, rehab center, hospice house, home health and now I work on a med/surg/tele unit in a hospital. I have my associates in science along with straight A's in my nursing pre requisites. I have applied to all of the local nursing schools (3 of them) and have been denied by every one. It is a lottery system so it in no way reflects on me negatively. I have the grades to get into nursing school so now I just have to wait.
The problem is, I am very bored with my current career. I love my job and I have been told that when I graduate I will have an RN job waiting for me on my unit but I just can't imagine being a CNA for another 3+ years when I am so ready to move on.
My ultimate goal is to become a nurse practitioner so I am still taking classes towards my BA while I wait but that isn't enough.
Any ideas of certifications I can get relatively quickly or different jobs that I might be qualified for in the medical field?
Any advice is appreciated! :)

I feel your frustration. I have been there. My answer might surprise you, but it may help you. From the first time I applied to nursing school to actual graduation, ten years went by. Lottery sucks, but I was chosen, eventually. What helped me was pursuing a lesser degree. In California, I entered civil service with the state hospital system. Government work. It has its pros and cons. As a Licensed Psychiatric Technician, I worked as a psych nurse. Group leader, pass meds, general nursing care. The experience was invaluable. It's like a LVN, only it's psych and developmental disability oriented. Pays better than CNA, and it opens many doors. Do something with what you have accomplished, don't sit around and let your prerequisites you've taken go to waste. Most programs require a retake if more than four years pass.

One final message, and it's the best hope for your dilemma. It's known as "The Secret". Google it, you won't be sorry. The secret will help you manifest your dream, I guarentee it. Good luck.

Taylor1432 · Apr 2, 2016

That is a great reply, thank you! I need to find out the requirements for psych tech. I am in California also. I would love to have more responsibility in my job. I talked to my boss today and she suggested that I create a "lead CNA" role and help organize our unit. That could be cool. I am just ready for some more responsibility, like I said.

I have been been passing that up on Netflix for too long!! I will watch that tonight :)

thanks again.

joe a. · Apr 2, 2016

Super! I hope you don't mind me tagging along. Watching your career come to fruition is exciting for me. I guess retired nurses find ways to keep being excited about a profession that has given them so much to be grateful for. I've sent a friend request. Please consider. I promise to always protect and respect your wishes.