What have you guys taken while waiting for your acceptance letter?

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I applied to a program and between now and January will have a whole semester of doing nothing. Is it worthwhile taking some certificates that will be useful while searching for jobs? What have you guys done?

Specializes in PCT, RN.

Have you completed all your co-reqs already as well?

Otherwise you can look into getting your CNA license and perhaps getting some experience in that area for a while. Will come in handy later when looking for jobs!

What is co-reqs? How long is CNA license takes?

Specializes in PCT, RN.
What is co-reqs? How long is CNA license takes?

Co-reqs are required courses that are not nursing courses and aren't required as a pre-requisite but you have to complete them before you graduate nursing school.

Biology, chemistry, microbiology, advanced physiology, etc. are all examples of co-reqs. At my school, we are encouraged to complete every non-nursing course prior to starting the program so you can focus strictly on those classes.

A CNA certification length varies on where you go. For me it was a month.

Getting your CNA certification is a great idea. Some programs are as short as 3 weeks. I worked as a CNA for 8 years and loved every minute of it!

Specializes in Med/Surg, Oncology.

During the couple of months that I waited for my acceptance letter, I worked (ER scribe job, so getting that hospital experience), and besides that I relaxed. I know I won't have too much time for hanging out and Netflix when nursing school starts this August.

Yes. Going for your CNA is a good idea. You could work as a CNA while in nursing school to get your foot in the door. It will help you get familiar with how hospitals operate and get familiar with equipment they use. While I was waiting on my acceptance letter I took an EKG course so I know all about it when we learned it in nursing school and I took a nursing dosage calculation course which REALLY helped me prepare for nursing calculations since math was a weak point. If you school offers it I would highly recommend that course.

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