What to do while waiting?!?

Published

Specializes in RN-BC, CCRN, TCRN, CEN.

Well, I just found out that the Nursing Schoool I planned to attend has a 4-5 Semester waiting list. I was planning on 2-3, in which time I could get my gen eds done.

I'd still like to do that, however, I'd also like to start working in the Med field somehow. I was thinking CNA/Tech in the ER or getting an EMT-basic or whatever.

Questions:

Can I still take Nursing classes w/out being in the program? And what happens once I finally get in and have taken those classes?

Regarding CNA vs Paramedic:

Which one would you recommend and why? How are the classes for each with regards to difficulty/cost?

Any other suggestions appreciated!

Jeremy

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Most schools won't let you register for the core nursing classes if you haven't been admitted to their program yet. But you're thinking smart about the general ed: you could definitely take any other classes such as Ethics, Writing, etc. that you'd need to in order to get your degree (diploma?).

That's what I've been doing while I'm finishing my pre-reqs and waiting on admission: I'm taking Ethics this summer, so whenever I FINALLY do get in (hopefully for this fall!), all I'll have left to take for my ADN is just the nursing courses.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What type of program is it? If it's not BSN, you could get all those prereqs out of the way so you can bridge later on if you so desire. Also, at my school they will let you take a couple of courses early - pathophys, nursing research, an HIV/AIDS course, and a substance abuse course (you pick one of those two). You are the last priority to register, but if you're lucky there will be a slot or two open in one or two of the classes. It spreads the first semester out over two if you do it that way, so you can ease into the whole nursing school thing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in RN-BC, CCRN, TCRN, CEN.

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. Yes, its an Associates Program, so I might try to take some of the mentioned courses early.

Thanks again!

Jeremy

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'd try to get a job as a tech in the area of nursing you want to get into. If you want to be an ER nurse, try to get a tech job in the ER. If you want to work ICU, try to get a tech job in the ICU, ect..

You might get to see a lot as EMT, and a lot of people who've worked EMT get into nursing, but it's good to get the feel for a hospital working as a tech, and you don't get as much of that working as an EMT.

Other than that, just relax as far as school's concerned. If you have more gen ed, try to get some of that taken care of if you want, and don't worry about nursing classes until they start.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion