Thinking about becoming a nurse? Would you recommend they work as a CNA or volunteer in a hospital?
I have an interest in nursing, but not 100 percent sure I want to jump into school right now.
2006-06-22 05:58:09 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
You might want to volunteer first; my wife is a nurse and I will say the pay is pretty good and you are absolutley going to get a job, but burnout occurs and the job is physically/emotionally draining.
2006-06-22 07:25:30 · answer #1 · answered by bioguy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most schools will require a CNA before you can start a nursing program. They also require so many hours of either working as a CNA or volunteer work as one.
Nursing is a great career and it has a lot of potential. I started out getting my CNA, then MA, then my RN, then BRN, then PA (physician assistant) then decided that I wanted more flexibility in my ability to see my own patients and write prescriptions without having anothe doctor sign them, so I got my CNP (certified nurse pracitioner).
It was the best thing I ever did! I've had so many opprotunities to help people and to learn new things. The medical field is always changing and evolving and you learn new things almost every day. If you are thinking about this career, I would say go for it!!
Most definantly get your CNA and work for a while as you do your prerequisites to get into nursing school. You can also take additional classes such as EMT, or MA and get some experience that way. Then you can volunteer and be helping people before you get into nursing school, which always looks good on an application.
Feel free to contact me if you would like more info..
2006-06-22 17:18:39 · answer #2 · answered by odd duck 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try the volunteer work first. I have been a pediatric R.N. for almost 20 years and I love my job. But in those 20 years I have seen a lot of nurses come and go. The stress can really get to you and it can be emotionally draining as well. The pay is good but the hours are long. Also the only way to really make any money is to work in a hospital. This means working nights, weekends, and holidays as they never close. One thing is for certain though, things are staring to change with the nursing shortage. Pay is increasing, benefits are improving, and there seems to be increased respect to boot! Once upon a time we were nothing more than the doctors handmaiden. Not true now. Physicians have come to realize our true value as bedside caregivers. I work in an ICU and their patients well being is dependent on the nurses assessment skills.( WE are the ones with direct patient contact 24/7. They come in for about 10 minutes max to round.) Let me conclude by saying that if you are looking for a good paying, rewarding, well-respected, sought after profession--GO FOR IT!!! The nursing shortage is going to get worse before it gets better so there has never been a better time to enter. I think soon we will be in a position to make even more demands concerning pay, benefits, and working conditions. Best of luck to you!
2006-06-27 16:38:06 · answer #3 · answered by felinefanatic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
am an LPN and have to agree with bioguy,,, please volunteer or take the cna and work for a while,, the burn out is getting more wide spread as life in general becomes more chaotic and stressful,,good luck to you,,,Jan
2006-06-22 15:15:00 · answer #4 · answered by ncgirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would just volenteer rihgt now.. that way you're 100% sure this is the career you REALLY want!!!
2006-06-22 13:02:22 · answer #5 · answered by standinbhindourtroops 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋