So after using yahoo answers along with others sources to obtain advise about the best medical career for me (sonography, nursing, etc.) I have decided to go with nursing. I already have a B.S. in Psychology and I am not making the money that I want to make. My plan is to go to a community college to get my Associates in Nursing, then after working for a year or two hopefully in an administrative type position since my Psych GPA was 3.4, go with an on-line program to get my Masters. I am thinking about taking a CNA class in order to work part-time while in nursing school and in order to be a little ahead of the pack when school starts. I graduated only a year ago and I have been in my field for only about seven months. Is this wise? Would I be better off waiting another year (2008) and trying to get into a direct entry program for nursing which will give me a MSN. It is too late to apply for this program for 2007. The problem with this would also be that I would have to move. Advice?
2007-01-25 07:27:52 · 2 answers · asked by V 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Definitely work as a CNA first, you will be a better nurse for it, IMO and since you will be doing the most basic nursing care you will see if you are able to do the kind of intimate nursing care that will be required of you.
It only takes six weeks or so to get through the course and you will certainly get through it fine. You may decide nursing isn't for you - or at least bedside nursing isn't for you and change your mind. Or you may decide it's exactly what you want to do. Nearly everyone in my nursing class worked when they were in school, at least one day a week or part time, many of them in health care. Good luck!
2007-01-27 01:59:32 · answer #1 · answered by BabyRN 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Congrats on gettting ur BS in psy. Associates in nursing can very seldom be in administrative positions.. those are reserved for BSN and MSN.If u have a BS already, going to a 2 year program would kind of be backtracking because u will be able to get a BSN in about 2 years. U would need to take the chem classes, A & P and a few other getn ed that u didn't need for BS in psychology. U must have a BSN in nursing before u can get a MSN so one year won't give u a MSN.. Each school has different deadlines for admission to RN programs.. To be a CNA u have to go through a class..usually 6 weeks and as a CNA myself I can tell u, it's the worst job there is.. the pay stinks and u are treated like dirt.. If u choose to go to RN school, I would try to find a job pt in psych.. With ur background u would make a good mental health nurse.. (we need some that actually know something). U have to decide what u really want.. It's probably too late for 2007 but each school is different.. with ur GPA, u should not have a problem getting into the BSN program... At community colleges, u get an LPN and in 18 more months or so u could have a BSN..and a LOT more money. I would skip the CNA class and take the classes that are pre reqs for BSN (A & P, microbiology).. and go to work either in ur psych field or some other place that is not so difficult..CNA's are tough and it will be hard to do that and go to college..Most nursing programs encourage u NOT to work.. by the time u do ur 9 hours a day rotation..u won't be able to work as a CNA or another job FT.. U can't get anymore pells but there are several grants. scholarships for people going into health care. and if u work in an area that is condiered SHORTAGE..the govt will hlep pay ur loans.. Most online degrees are useless and nobody accept them..
U have to decide which is better but if u are wanting to be in admin position skip right to BSN program and then get masters while working as a nurse (most hospitals will pay for masters).. don't waste time doing CNA (which will pay u minimum wage) or LPN... Just my opinion
2007-01-26 00:11:26 · answer #2 · answered by chilover 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋