Hello to you. Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am a 29 year old male who has made a serious decision to start my pursuit into becoming a nurse. Wnen I say serious, I'm trying to convey my desire and intent to study and work my heart out. I'm not intending to waste anyone's time, including my own, and I know that if I work hard enough I can truly reach those stars. I know how cheesy that sounds, but hey, I'm a cheesy kinda' guy.
Anyhow, I'm pretty much clueless when it comes to the right steps to take and the things to avoid when deciding to start my nursing studies. Things such as:
Should I be a CNA while studying?
Which schools should I avoid?
Is there some type of PACE program for working adults who wish to study? (BTW I am in the South Bay Area of Los Angeles County)
Are there any programs that I can apply to that will help someone like me? (clueless but determined and enthusiastic).
Etc....
I know I may be asking a lot and I appreciate anyone who is taking the time to read this. I can assure you that I am a very ambitious, determined, grateful, hard-working, enduring, and driven person. I'm ready to start my walk.
Thank you for your time.
Shalom
Izzy Alvarez
[email protected]
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May 8th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
NOOBIE: The only way to deflect problems with the Estrogen crowd, or any other nurse phenotype. is to have great nursing, medical, and global knowledge of your specialty. If you’re a master of knowledge, other nurses will be the slaves. AND vice-versa my friend….Be a master and you will have a great RN life….
SWAT Nurse
http://www.swatnurse.com
May 9th, 2008 at 12:15 am
SWAT Nurse,
Thanks for your time and insight. What you said makes total sense and I would imagine that it will come back to me once I start my career. I appreciate your time and consideration. Thanks again.
Izzy
May 12th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Hi Noobie,
It might be a good idea to start out as a CNA to get an idea if you will enjoy the nursing profession and if you do enjoy it you might be able to work as an aide and attend school.
As for finding a school – you could start out by writing your State Board of Education and or do web searches – examples:
http://www.petersons.com/ugchannel/code/searches/srchCrit1.asp
http://www.allnursingschools.com/find/California/nursing-schools.php/?src=trl_ans
Good luck to you.
Regards, DianeJ.wordpress.com
May 15th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Hey Diane,
Thanks for the advice. People, mostly my relatives, tell me that CNAs do not make much money and that I should not do it. They are so caught up in the money aspect of being a nurse. Being a CNA seems like it would be a great experience and perhaps it might even reveal to me that I would not like the profession. I appreciate your time and input.
Shalom
Izzy
May 15th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
the nursing field is seperating.cna’s do grunt work.when you are an RN you pass mds and call dr etc
May 17th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Noob,
Dont believe the HYPE, money is not as great as you would think, at least not for the work involved. nursing is a labor of love, being able to take care of someone when they need you most, is worth more than you can imagine. Being a CNA, as I have often said is the Hardest Job in the HOspital. underpaid and overworked. but, it is the basis of fundamental nursing care. try it and see what you think!
MurseCharles.blogspot.com
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Another avenue into the hospital world is to be an EMT. the training gives you a whole body overview that broadens your outlook, and provides a knowledge platform that i found helpful to the extent of helping me make up my mind on difficult questions for the board exam. take advantage of the nursing shortage early in your career and move around between specialties and facilities. the persona and atmosphere are dramatically different from place to place. being a CNA can really help you manage your RN practice by helping you detect a snow job about how long or difficult the tasks you assign will be, and you can see if stuff that should be automatic is getting done.
July 13th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I’m a male nursing student, and my advice is:
1. Avoid SFSU’s nursing school like the plague (or c-diff or whatever else) because it is terrible to the core
2. If your school fails you, hit the books at home (that’s where your base of knowledge comes from anyway)
3. Don’t get caught up in the gender politics unless somebody else makes it an issue…we’re all doing the same job.
4. The best way to avoid any issues related to your gender is to focus on your knowledge and skills. At times I’ve felt strong resentment that a young male SN is getting advantages that my female cohorts are not. At times this has been true, usually just in terms of people assuming I know something (esp clinical instructors), so they don’t quiz me. You can diffuse that advantage by asking questions and readily admitting you don’t understand something, whether or not you’re asked.
5. CNA = ech. Truly CNA is an awful job. It’s much of the worst work, but without the same rewards as being an RN (and that very much includes pay).
6. There are easier jobs to make the same amount of money, but they lack the satisfaction and feelings of professionalism that I feel nursing provides. Office job or a skilled career that provides so much opportunity it’s ridiculous?
7. Become oblivious to gender and it won’t be a problem. Professionalism first, ignore whatever ridiculous issues come up (if possible), and just do your job. You’ll be welcomed into the pack when you’ve proven yourself.
Good Luck.