What can I take while I wait?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

Published

Hello everyone.

I have all my prerequisites done except for the CNA course. The classes are very small with the next in september. Before I can apply to the CNA course, I need immunizations, cpr, and fingerprint card. The card is a problem because by the time I get it the CNA class will probably be full. I do not work because after paying childcare, it ends up a waste of time. Therefore, I hope I can get the money for the shots. So, I am thinking that if I can't get in the CNA course in time, I will get in it in spring. I was then going to take the four corequisites I can during this fall so I can get the financial aid. Come spring, other than the CNA course, I have nothing to take. Is there anything that would be beneficial for me to take. (like another psychology or something). I need more classes to get the financial aid just so I can survive but don't want to take worthless classes either. Also, if I can't take the CNA until spring, it may take two semesters after that before I can get in the RN program. I am just losing my mind. No matter what route I try to take, something happens and it won't work. I guess after I get the CNA maybe I can work nights somewhere while I wait to get into the RN program. Anyway, I was just hoping maybe someone has been down this road in some way and has an idea. Everything always comes down to childcare and money with me but I guess that's the price I pay for having little ones and all family across the country. Thanks and sorry for venting. Any ideas on beneficial extra classes would be greatly appreciated.

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Everything always comes down to childcare and money with me but I guess that's the price I pay for having little ones and all family across the country. Thanks and sorry for venting. Any ideas on beneficial extra classes would be greatly appreciated.

Well, not sure what classes you should take in the meantime because I will probably end up in the same boat as you once I get a little further into my studies... however, I definitely know how you feel about kids, and daycare... My husband works fulltime, and he has more than once asked me to go to work to help.. But like you said, it is hard because once you pay for daycare and everything, it is more like you are working just to pay for the daycare, so you aren't actually contributing much.... We get so frustrated with this.. and you can't just hire a babysitter... they aren't reliable, I personally don't trust hardly anyone with my kids, PLUS, finding someone to watch 3 kids ages 6, 4, and 2 is hard anyways... So I know how you feel..

I know it must be frustrating about what to take in the meantime.. I know that I will have to go through that... all I can say is good luck and I'm sure it will work out for you... :uhoh21:

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

Don't know what part of the country you live, but in many areas, Spanish is a valuable skill. Child developement, if you haven't already had it, is also good, it will help you @ home as well. Humanities, like philosophy, art, music, are all part of a good education. Flip through the class schedule, pick something that looks interesting.

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Thanks scoley. It is definitely frustrating. A few years back I was in training to be a correctional officer. One week into the training, I lost my babysitter. I would have had to live in a dorm for 7 weeks to finish the training. Needless to say, that was not an option. This was not my career goal but the point is, sometimes you don't feel like you even have control over your own life. The worst part about it is, the babysitter was my fiance's sister (nice but unreliable). I know things will eventually work, even if it takes 5 years. I just don't want to rack up the loans just because I need living money. I suppose a third shift job and no sleep are calling huh? Thanks again and good luck to you and your family. I guess we just need to remember, it will all be worth it someday.

Jess

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Those were some really good ideas prmenrs! I actually live in the southwest and spanish would probably help me greatly. It is not something I have ever really been interested in, but I can imagine what it must be like for spanish speaking patients. It would really help them. I do know some sign language and love it but my school doesn't offer that. :rolleyes: I looked at my schedule and found a beginner spanish course that could work. The child development is also a great idea. Pretty interesting.

I had asked my advisor about classes I could take that could go toward the BS degree if I decided to do that in the future and she told me the community college didn't offer those upper level classes. So that is why I wasn't sure what to do. I do believe whether they can be applied to a BS degree or not, they will still benefit me. Thanks!

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Specializes in NICU.

Spanish, Spanish, Spanish

by my second day of clinicals I was ready to tear my hair out because I don't speak it. Seriously, do it. It's a horrid feeling to be unable to communicate w/your pts and you can't give them what they need...

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

Depending on the area you live in...a foreign language, any humanities, and medical terminology are a great start. :)

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Same boat as you, I'm waiting to start the program in Spring... I went ahead and registered for some stuff I need for my BSN. If you are considering doing it ever you'll need some classes in addition to nursing classes. I'm doing Spanish (a must in California), Statistics, Medical Term (hoping it will help), a second Sociology, and Poly Sci.

Good luck to you!

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Thanks ftr_bb_catchr and JessicaGmz . I will do the spanish. There is one offerred specifically for the healthcare setting. Not sure how much I'll learn in one semester but better than nothing. If I like it, maybe I'll continue to more advanced classes. I've had terminology about two years ago. I think I need to refresh a bit but I have the book. I am curious, how do you know what is needed for a BSN degree. I have looked on some university sites but they don't list what classes are involved in the program. My advisor also told me they aren't offerred at my cc. It sure would be nice to work toward that because it is more than likely gonna be my goal. Eventually.

Jess

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elizabells,

I can imagine the frustration especially if it is emergency care. How scary that would be.

Thanks

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