General Forums >> Ask A Nurse >> I need help
I need help
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Posted about 5 years ago Hi, Im Christina and im a lost puppy!! I have some questions and if anyone would answer them i would really appreciate that. Im a sophomore in high school and have just recently decided to go into the field of nursing. Im just not sure what field. Ive been thinking about being a medical assistant. is that nursing?? What does it take to get your RN license? And if there are any Medical assistans out there, umm how much do you make a year? |
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| Posted about 5 years ago Well, medical assistants are not nurses. They are trained in the front office work, like receptionist and medical billing as well as back office, like working up patients, taking temps and patient histories. A nursing assistant is your firdt step in nursing. They probably have the most patient care at the bedside. You can receive a certification in this through a few week course at a local community college, high school, or on the job training. Then you have LPN/LVN (Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse). This, in most places, is a 1 year diploma from a college. Then RN which is at least 2 year degree or more depending on your goals. The nursing assistant requires a state certification through the state board of nursing. The LPN/LVN and RN require states licensure through the state board of nursing. This is a little simplified, but I hope this helps. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago You are asking the right people Chula-time. I wished I would of known about websites, that give advice about nursing questions, before I became a CNA. I know it is good to start your nursing career from the bottom, but if you can, go straight to the RN, and if you want the bedside experience, try working as a Hospital Technician when you are in nursing school. Don't be like me, I did it the hard way, and I am struggling to keep my head above water. You are so young, I am telling my highschool daughter, which will be graduating this year, get your education out the way, while you are young, and have the help from me, I don't want my daughters to end up struggling like me. Good luck sweetiee!! I am a proud mother of three beautyful daughter. I currently live in Los Angeles California. I've worked as a heathecare provider for almost 10 years. I am curently in school to pursue my MSN in nursing, and wants to work as a pediactric nurse, in public health. |
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| Posted about 5 years ago What you might want to do, is get a "taste" of what nursing can be like by either volunteering, or getting a CNA certification and working part-time while you're still in high school. I got my certification through a local tech at the age of 15, and many long term care/assisted living facilities will pay for your certification, or reimburse you the expense. The certification at the time I went through it was a 72 hour course, with a 1 week skills/clinical rotation at the end. It's well worht it, and I think it's excellent experience for anyone considering nursing. Although there are many different directions you can go in the nursing field, starting as a CNA gives you "roots". Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, worn out and screaming "Woo-hoo"!!! |
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| Posted about 5 years ago Chula_time, I don't know what the requirements are in your state, but here in Iowa our local community college offers CNA courses while still in high school. Ask your guidance counselor what is offered at your school. If they don't offer one then I would suggest doing what DaMomb says. You can get some great advice and support from this website. Glad to have you on board and good luck with whatever path you choose! Stacie |
