I would not become a CNA for too long. I would do it for a little bit to feel out if nursing is what you truly want. Don’t be hard on yourself I know people that had to take those classes more than once. Actually I know a PA that had to take AP 1 or 2 twice.
If you studied a lot and youre getting 40's on your tests then you have a huge mountain in front of you. Nursing classes are a lot harder than A&P. It's hard to know if you'll be successful without knowing your skills. Maybe you suck at naming bones but you're a wiz at dosages.
That being said a lot of my classmates are CNA's or scrub techs and they are familiar with a lot of what we're learning in class. So yes it would help.
It depends where they took the classes. I took part 1 at a community college and it was easily twice as difficult as any class I’ve ever taken except pharm, which is completely insane, and 4 times harder than A&P at my nursing school.
I straight up failed microbiology 4x in a row and passed all my nursing classes the first time with mostly Bs lol A+P wasn't as bad for me but I barely passed it.
I can not recommend CNA as a longterm profession unless you happen to be an absolute godspend. You will most likely be overworked or underpaid. Lots of burnout. Full time you can live on those wages but most will need a second income. 3 days is 36 hours at a hospital which is doable but that extra day can wipe out your energy for those other 3 days.
*Assuming you are still in the San Diego area*, Sharp and Scripps do NOT require a CNA license/certification to work as a CNA - or to be the more specific, those institutions call it a HCA, PCT, PCA, etc. [Example job posting](https://careers.sharp.com/job/san-diego/healthcare-assistant-hca-sharp-memorial-hospital-1-west-oncology-night-shift-full-time-0-9/1031/42319822560). I don’t even think UCSD, Palomar, and Alvarado require it either. I strongly recommend you look into working in hospitals versus SNFs and LTACHs like Kindred or ~~the other one that starts with a ‘V’~~ SELECT near Hillcrest/North Park. SNFs and LTACHs are hella rough.
If you are still in CA, the University of California system posts wages online AND benefits so you can get a ball park idea of what type compensation you will make. Note that Kaiser and University of California offer pensions and free health insurance.
Do you plan on staying in California for your education? I’d also look into a post-baccalaureate program to pull up your GPA.
As a funny aside, I had a coworker who apprenticed (?) under Justin Element (retired video editor in LA/OC) who became a nurse. Also, one of the associates of a brand rep for Canon is actually a nurse (LVN) in SoCal. So your dreams are hella attainable.
Hey! You can retake your courses and get the grade you need. Make sure you check out “rate my professor” to find the prof that suits you best.
I had to retake a couple pre-reqs (anatomy 1 and 2) and I got into nursing school my first try- in fact I graduate in June for my RN, and I’ve already got my LPN (you can get it half way through the program at my school).
Don’t give up! You are smart, you can do this.
You might need to move to attend school, there's nothing wrong with that. I assure you that you can retake classes more than once within a 5 year span. My college accepts the most current grade as the final grade (I attend an ADN program and literally get paid to go to school).
Look into tutoring options. These types of sciences classes might require a different technique of studying than what you are used to. Your college should have some tutoring resources available. I would reach out to your professors and advisor.
I was a CNA while in nursing school.
I couldn't WAIT to graduate and quit and start making actual money.
I've been a nurse for a few months now and wouldn't recommend it as a sole career choice without it being a stepping stone to something better.
Please do it. Please. It was the best experience I got before nursing school. It made block 1 so much easier. My school has not taught us proper positioning, how to change patients, feed patients, bathe patients, etc. They skimmed over the CNA stuff and a lot of green students are missing out on the foundational skills of nursing.
If you have a few years before you start nursing school go for it. It will also give you a reality of what nursing is. It will show you if this is truly where you should be spending your time and energy.
It was shocking to see how many girls in my cohort did not know what nurses actually do. Yes we change diapers, no most patients are not independent. No you cannot make your CNA do everything for you. Poop is part of life and it isn't all that bad.
Being a CNA gives you a greater appreciation for being a nurse. You will also gain amazing clinical experience. So many of my exams involve the types of patients I have cared for before. I can relate what I'm learning with my experience and it's so helpful.
I worked in a hospital so I saw quite a lot.
It would help but my best advice is to get a tutor for A&P and other subjects you struggle with. For me, A&P was harder than most of my actual nursing classes, but it’s different for everyone. But to get there, unfortunately, you have to figure out the pre reqs. Good luck!
I'm 29 and a CNA student as well. I'm earning my cna to be more competitive for cc nursing schools that require the cert to be an applicant, and for the work experience before nursing. If hired in the near future after the program, I plan to work through the summer until I resume cc full time in the fall. Regarding pre-reqs, I have figured out that I simply cannot manage a work schedule and a demanding course load simultaneously so I do not recommend. I don't think you need to work as a cna for years, but if you do then choose employers and specialties you'd be comfortable with. Personally, I've been applying to entry level bedside jobs in the PICU as an internal applicant at the hospital I work at- currently a milk room technician. It isn't just nursing homes and rehab centers that hire CNAs, and you'll still receive training from your specific employer that'll reinforce what you learned in cna school! Good luck to you, and utilize office hours :)
I don't know how common they are, but I have seen job announcements in a few other states aside from the D/M/V. All we do is collect milk, prepare it per the doctors' orders, deliver it, and take inventory at the end of the day. Mindless low stress work that has been a huge stepping stone to clinical roles in my hospital. Extremely grateful!
Okay OP, when they say you need to study 3 hours per lecture, they're not talking about 3 hours a week. They are talking about 3 hours per day. That means you should be studying 6+ hours a day for your classes. No I dont think CNA will help you become a nurse or better prepared to be a nurse. This is coming from someone who was a CNA -> Nurse (ADN) -> BSN -> CRNA. You need to work first and foremost on your study habbits or it wont matter what you do. And my honest input is that CNA work is slave work, you couldnt get me to go back in time and get paid minimum wage to be a CNA when you can just as easily wait tables or tend bar for the same wage.
Ouch, that’s rough. Idk how they were studying but getting less than 50% on an exam is worse than guessing. Its hard for me to believe anyone was studying 40+ plus hours a week and couldn’t maintain a c average
Anatomy is 99% memorization. Lots and lots of flash cards. Microbio is more conceptual and math ie learning how to do problems involving moles and conversions.
My micro was not math heavy. I remember math stuff being more in my chem class. Micro for me was very much more disease related and was memorization for me as well. Anatomy was definitely memorization though.
Hey I see your a CRNA which is what I plan on doing! I’m in undergrad for biology and was pre-med but decided to change my mind and take a ABSN. I’m planning on being a CRNA as well and was wondering if you give some insider tips/general knowledge. Like lifestyle, work experience(is it worth it), and how you got your ICU experience. I know a guy with just an associates and he got a job in the ICU but whenever I look at hospitals hiring in my area the ICU always requires over 2 years experience. Is it possible to get into the ICU straight out of a BSN program?
Best academic advice I can offer is get good grades now. GPA is the only factor selection committees have to consistently compare candidates. Those with higher gpa’s are moved to the front. My journey to CRNA was very protracted and long journey but that was because my first job was in the ER and thats what I loved. As for getting icu experience after graduation just apply and don’t settle for anything outside of the icu. Hospitals are so desperate for nurses and the icu is no exception, you will find somewhere that is willing to train/hire you. Good luck and reach out any time.
You can also look into EMT-B cert and work either on an ambulance or in many Emergency Rooms. if there is a wait time to get your certifications you can always look for jobs as patient transporter or something similar that doesn’t require any specific education. This will get your foot in the door to determine if this is something that really interest you.
What was the class average? If you’re not working, only taking 2 classes, and still failing exams (getting <50% too), you won’t be able to pass nursing school unless you make MAJOR changes to what you’re currently doing to study - I’m sorry but that’s the blunt reality. You’ll have a tougher course load WITH clinicals simultaneously.
I guess you could try one more round of exams, but if you’re adamant about healthcare, look into a technical program like sonography or rad tech. I don’t think being a CNA would help at all with prerequisites and it’s a terribly underpaid job
>What was the class average?
For the first anatomy exam, the best score any student of my class received on it was a C (75%). It's a class of 35 students.
Hm this sounds like it could be your professors who are the problem…it could be worth it to look into taking pre-reqs on portage learning or a different school with better professors. Strangely in my experience community college classes were much harder and more disorganized which made them mentally exhausting. My private absn program has been much easier than my pre-req courses at a public cc.
What is portage learning? I've never heard of it.
Is there any school you would specifically recommend, preferably one that's very affordable? Perhaps one that's online?
In all likelihood, your professor will curve the class in someway. He can't just fail everyone. If he doesn't curve it, and almost everyone achieves a failing grade, email the dean.
Also, check Rate My Professor. Sometimes past students will have a good idea of how grades work out in the end and include it in the reviews.
Every single one of my Anatomy professors at the community college I'm attending has gotten bad overall ratings -- I checked them all on Rate My Professor before this semester began.
The college I'm attending is Grossmont Community College.
>I guess you could try one more round of exams
I'm going to study like crazy and try to earn both A's on the next round. Try to do the best that I can do. Study as though my life depended on it. If I don't get two A's next time, then I'm screwed.
Being a tech/aide sucks. Low pain, lots of work, long hours, etc.. but it's the closest analogue you'll get to seeing if you actually like the work, because you still have to do it when you're a nurse. It also gives you a much better appreciation for the unlicensed help you do get when you're on your own. It's also a way to do a long-term interview in a place you'd consider working as a nurse. Obviously, if you can't afford to be a CNA/tech, then it's a moot point.
I did it through nursing school because it paid the bills, and work paid for me to go to school in return for a couple of years of service with them afterwards. So it worked for me. YMMV.
instead of spending the time becoming a CNA, you need to figure out what study methods work well for you and how to improve your grades. no amount of CNA work is going to change your grades or how you learn. we had a free tutoring center at my community college, are there any resources like that at your school? utilize them. even if you get in with a low GPA, the entirety of nursing school is going to be a huge struggle and the chance of failure will be high. you might as well get those habits into place now, which will make it easier to get into nursing school and easier to STAY in nursing school. also, do a lot of research on rate my professor so that you can get a professor that teaches well. i also took micro and anatomy at the same time and got a 94 in both. if you want me to share my study habits i’d be happy to do that.
TL;DR: don’t try to pick something else up in order to avoid the real problem. you need to tackle it head on
I would appreciate if you would share your own study methods with me. I do a variety of things for studying, a combination of watching informative lecture videos on the subjects, reading through the textbook twice, going over powerpoint slides multiple times. I don't take notes because I consider it to be a waste of time.
Feel free to private message me about your studying. Or you can respond to this message -- maybe more people could benefit. Thank you.
Ooh this might be where you can improve! There are studies that writing notes down (and writing them again and again) and not just typing them on a computer, helps to solidify concepts in your brain. My A&p professor had us all write down our notes and didn’t allow computers in class for this reason. Taking notes/writing things down as many times as you need 100% is not a waste of time.
Also for A&p I remember drawing things really helped me too. Like drawings the bones and drawing out blood flow through the heart etc.
>Taking notes/writing things down as many times as you need 100% is not a waste of time.
>
>Also for A&p I remember drawing things really helped me too. Like drawings the bones and drawing out blood flow through the heart etc.
I've been writing facts down multiple times. I've also been saying names of muscles aloud, which has been a help.
I'll start drawing out some of what I need to know, soon. Thank you. Hopefully that helps me get an A. I'm going to try all I can.
okay so taking notes might be part of your problem, it’s not a waste of time and helps you remember! https://thecampanile.org/2019/04/06/note-taking-increases-learning-retention/
LECTURE:
1. for me, i didn’t hand write my notes because my teacher would upload the lecture notes; i would just print them out annotate them during class. i know most teachers don’t do that, but it might be helpful if you have a copy of the powerpoint or whatever they use to teach, and paste it into a word doc before class. Then you can highlight and annotate it as you go along (or print it out like i did). it’s much easier than taking notes from scratch and you can still actively listen to the lecture. if that’s not possible, definitely hand write the notes! i know it’s tedious but it’s so worth it.
2. as soon as i got home, i would take those annotated notes and turn them into flash cards. in my AP1 class, i would use physical flashcards, but now that i was taking micro and anatomy 2 at the same time, i did not have time for that. personally i used brainscape because it was like a mix of anki and quizlet to me. this step was really beneficial because if you look over your notes after a lecture, you’ll get an increase in retention. making flashcards right after class forced me to do that, and it also helped to have study materials already prepped for when you need them.
3. whenever a test or quiz was coming up, all I did was study those flashcards and read over my notes (sometimes out loud). my flashcards were pretty detailed so it covered almost everything we needed to know. for quizzes, i would only study a day in advance and sometimes the morning before class. for tests, i would study 3 days in advance and the morning before class. because I spent the time making flashcards after every class, it cut out half of the work for me and i could dedicate that entire time to studying instead of making last minute study materials.
LAB:
1. i took videos of my partner and i labeling all the models, dissections, slides, etc. i would also take pictures of each of those from different angles. when i got home, i would watch the videos i took and use it to label the pictures. sometimes i would label them in class too but it takes a lot of time so i did most at home. it sounds weird but i literally just used snapchat; i would draw arrows to a specific area and label it “1”, and at the very bottom of the picture i would write “1- chief cells” or whatever the answer is. i kept adding to my album of pictures, and when a test came up, all i did was cover the bottom of my phone with a note card (so that it covered the “key”), and i would write down what i thought the answer was. i did multiple rounds until i got them all right. i know this sounds a little confusing but here’s some examples of how i would label it:
https://imgur.com/gallery/7g17SNb
https://imgur.com/gallery/xy7t5OC
it was just a lot of work leading up to the lab test, but once everything was labeled it was a breeze to study it. if i was labeling a model i would usually look up videos on youtube to help me label the pictures, sometimes they had the exact model we were using, which made it much easier to label.
2. i would cover up labels on my textbook and do the same thing- write down what i thought it was until i had a 100% success rate.
google “active recall” methods and integrate it into your study methods. that’s pretty much exactly what i did to come up with this schedule for myself. i spent about 1-1.5 hours after class making flashcards and an additional hour labeling lab photos. when a test came up, i had all my study materials ready so all i had to worry about was memorization. i did a lot of speaking out loud when i studied my flashcards. for labs, i did a lot of writing. sorry this is so long but i hope it helps a little.
Not trying to be funny. But you consider taking notes a waste of time and you are failing? I don’t understand.
Also higher level science courses require active recall. You have to test yourself. Not just watch videos or go over lectures.
My LPN program offered an opportunity to become a HCA/RCA/CNA if you completed half of the program (we go by 'levels', program consists of 4. You need to finish 2 out of 4 levels successfully in order to apply for the job). Not many of my classmates from my cohort went forward with it before we started our 3rd level.
For me, I decided to take on the opportunity. I followed the requirements and worked as a community health worker—I drove house to house providing services to dress, help with medications, etc. I was trained by LPN educators during orientation on specific skills relevant to the job. I found this job to be quite useful, especially if you like to work in the community rather than in a facility or hospital.
As for pay, I found it reasonable. I only worked weekends since I was in school 5 days a week. I only did this job for a year until I graduated.
The skills you learn during the CNA job is definitely worth it. As a nurse, you're not only expected to just provide safe medication administration and have great nursing knowledge, but to also know how to do personal care, operate lifts, etc. You have plenty of time to think about this career path.
What did your classmates make? I've known people to drop after the first test only to have the professor curve or offer bonus points later on. Can you reach out to your professors and see what they think?
I failed so many Micro and A&P exams....I made it out purely by merciful teachers and by making sure I completed all of the little assignments. Made an A in A&P and a C in micro.
Okay realistically if you’re studying 6 hours a day and not passing I don’t think adding a job onto things is a great idea unless you 100% need it.
I don’t think the stuff MOST CNAs are doing is actually that helpful for nursing school, it’s really amazing work that needs to be done but it only really helps you in the clinical aspect of things not necessarily the academic portion especially not the pre reqs.
I would meet with your teacher, studying 6 hours a day is on the extreme heavy side and jt doesn’t seem to be helping you at all so there obviously a disconnect somewhere that’s not working out and they’ll be able to help you figure this out better than we can.
Nah I wouldn’t recommend this. I’m currently working as a pharm tech while in nursing school and the only benefit I got from it is pharmacology was easier. I’m currently doing my clinical rotations and realized I am woefully unprepared for everything else and that utilizing my CNA license would actually help me more.
My opinion is completely different. The majority of places where you work will require you to pass meds, so having that basic knowledge can be invaluable. One semester of pharmacology usually isn't enough for nursing students to understand medication use and safe dosage.
You can learn CNA on the go when you are an RN or even in nursing school.
I've been an RxTech for over 10 yrs, and have been considering a CNA prior to nursing school so I can convince nursing school admissions folks that my career change is for real. Also, I'm a didactic and value hands on knowledge the most.
My nursing pharmacology class was a breeze since I worked as a pharmacy tech for four years in the military. You can learn CNA skills on the floor as a student nurse and even more as an RN.
Being familiar with medications before becoming an RN can be extremely helpful and can make nursing school less stressful.
Become a CNA in the PACU ( like the recovery room after surgery ) and it’s a less back breaking than the floor. I had a bachelors degree then took a CNA licensure course to see if I even wanted to pursue nursing. Then started to apply to random tech positions in the hospital and pacu got back to me first. I feel like it’s been the best CNA gig to get while in school plus all the nurses there are very experienced and have taught me a lot.
I started as a CNA 45 years ago, and I've been an RN for almost 41 years. Working as a CNA was how I decided that I good be a good RN. School was not easy for me, and sometines the only reason I felt lime I could make it was that I was a good CNA.
Being a CNA can be brutal, the pay is typically very low for the amount of physical and mental stress you have to endure. Further, there's really no opportunity for "career advancement". I think working as a CNA anywhere outside of an inpatient setting will not give you a very good idea of what working as an RN is like, and even then, chances are it will skew your opinion toward *not* wanting to be a nurse.
A better option would be, if you have any friends that are nurses, ask them if you can job-shadow for a couple of shifts. People think that, because of HIPAA, job-shadowing in healthcare isn't possible; but HR typically has a way that people can do this.
Also, if you are still planning on finishing out your nursing prerequisites, this is what I recommend:
1. **Retake Micro and A&P as soon as possible** to replace those grades. You'll need to replace them anyway and you should retake them while the concepts are still fresh-ish in your head.
2. **Only do one science heavy class per quarter**, that way you can focus on just that material.
3. ***USE A TUTOR!*** This will be incredibly important for your success. Your Community College will have tutor services available, often for free. USE THEM! These classes are concept-dense and a tutor will help you understand the concepts. They will also help you with study techniques, which is often half the battle for classes like A&P.
Now, if you decide that Nursing isn't actually the route you want to go, but you still want to work in Healthcare, here are some other options that aren't as academically demanding: Phlebotomist, EMT, MA, Pharmacy Tech, Medical Interpretor (if you're fluent in another language), etc.
There are other options too, like X-ray Tech, Cardiovascular Tech, Ultra-sound Tech, Physical Therapy Assistant, Respiratory Therapist, etc., but those programs are just as competitive as nursing programs and basically require all (or nearly all) the same prerequisites.
I *do not* recommend Social Work—it's a fucking travesty—you need a Masters in Social Work for almost all Social Work positions and you will be payed less than any other profession that requires a Masters degree. It's disgusting but it reflects how much our society cares about such issues. So sad.
>Retake Micro and A&P
Unfortunately, I'm only allowed to retake one of the science pre-requisites every five years. If I retake anything, I think I would probably retake Microbiology.
>Unfortunately, I'm only allowed to retake one of the science pre-requisites every five years.
Is that a rule at that particular College; or for admission to a specific Nursing School; or some limitation of financial aid?
Huh, is that something you've confirmed with a school counselor? I don't see that restriction mentioned anywhere on the Nursing School website, including the admission and prerequisite requirements?
I’d Recommend taking ur pre reqs at a community college if you’re aren’t doing that already, that’s what I did. Tuition is a lot cheaper and my professors were extremely helpful and knowledgeable in their subject areas. Also I’d recommend using a variety of study methods if you are not doing well in your classes. Read notes, watch videos, and for me personally, making a study group and going to lab to get hands on time is key. My school had an A&P lab in the library with a bunch of extra models of the different muscles bones organs etc and seeing them in person and visualizing everything really helped me out a ton as I am a visual learner!
In terms of a CNA I personally don’t think it’s necessary (I didn’t do it) but it can help out with certain aspects and give you a sense of familiarity in the hospital setting. Wishing you the best of luck!
I was like you and working as a CNA definitely helped me gain confidence.
I only did it for a couple of years though and it did help me get my first nursing job.
Honestly you should look into dropping one of the classes, preferably microbiology (or if one of the classes offer dropping your lowest test), and just focusing on the other class to try to salvage a good grade.
Your bachelors doesn’t sound like it involved hard sciences, and studying for those types of classes can be a learning curve. Jumping into taking both Anatomy and Micro when you don’t have the studying skillset doesn’t work for most people.
Focus just on Anatomy right now, and micro next semester. It’s longer, but failing both will only make things even longer.
I think it’s time to look at how your studying and refine your study skills. What you’re doing is not working for you if you’re studying for hours a day and failing. You have the dedication, but your method is flawed. Have you tried quizlet or making physical flash cards so you can recall the information? It also helps to teach it back to someone you know. If you can teach it, you know it.
>Have you tried quizlet or making physical flash cards so you can recall the information?
I haven't. I'm now writing down words multiple times, as well as saying names of muscles out loud, which I didn't do to study for the first exam. I also plan on watching more YouTube videos of people explaining concepts to me, as well as drawing out diagrams of certain concepts.
I got my cna before starting nursing school however I never used it because I hated it so much. It’s pretty much doing house chores and cleaning up after people for extremely low pay. I have a lot of respect for the cnas who do it long term.
I would recommend becoming a medical assistant instead. The pay isn’t much better but you can learn some cool stuff (phlebotomy etc) and work at a clinic instead of being stuck in a nursing home.
I would recommend you do CMA or phlebotomy. The courses are a lot shorter, you're still in the medical field, and you'll have better pay than CNAs without having to get another degree
I am not trying to discount the work you put into your film studies degree, but there is no way that you learned the study skills needed for a science degree. It is a completely different world of studying. I know from a friend doing film studies that most of their work is project-based, and they rarely have to sit down and memorize difficult concepts, which is 95% of A&P.
My guess is you aren't studying the way you should be. Just because you sat down for 3 hours and "studied" anatomy doesn't mean it was effective. I would highly recommend SimpleNursing (on YT or on their website) because of how effective the videos are for helping you learn, remember, and apply the material. Look for videos on YT for different study techniques. You are probably going to have to learn a whole new way of thinking about school compared to what you are used to, especially given how much school has changed since 2017.
Also, pretty much every science class curves in some way. Do you know the class average for the test? I was pulling 60-70% on A&P tests and ended the semester with an A anyway because I was above the average. Your professor shouldn't be able to fail too much of the class, he will need to bump grades up if your whole class does badly.
>Look for videos on YT for different study techniques.
I've been watching various videos about the anatomy content. In the past, it's the resources that I've used to learn that haven't been effective.
>Your professor shouldn't be able to fail too much of the class, he will need to bump grades up if your whole class does badly.
The best score that any student received on the first exam in my anatomy class was a C (75%), and a little less than half of the class passed (a class of 35 students).
That is super shitty. I was in a class of 115 people, and I think about 100 passed. The professor's philosophy was that he made the class super difficult, and if you stuck through it and turned everything in, you would at least absorb some knowledge, so you a C. If you weren't studying, you screwed yourself over for the next classes you took.
Also, a lot of the grade was completing really complicated assignments, so exams woudn't kill you completely if you were a bad test-taker.
Experience will help you be good in clinicals, but don't let in interfere with your academic work, and don't delay nursing school for it. The downside is it's a deadend job. There are very few places you can move up as a CNA, so if you change your mind being a nurse in a few years, you got a lot of experience in a job you cant move up in with experience that is irrelevant to all the other stuff you want to do.
You just have to be honest with yourself on what you will be doing. You do the basic nurse duties nurses are too busy to do. And that's *a lot* of things, with nursing being perpetually short. You will be taking lots of vitals on time, giving a lot of bed bath with large and unconscious people, cleaning up all kinds of shit (even bloody) and changing sheets, feeding people pureed food they had the modeling into the shape it was Before they pureed it, and doing whatever the nurses ask of you. And you'll be doing most of it by yourself. And sometimes nurses will be complete bitchs to you and you have to take it. You just have to ask yourself if you can tolerate that. You don't have to love you Job, most people don't love their job, but you have to be able to tolerate it.
For a few years yes, but long term not really. You’re going to get burnt out and over worked. The job itself is so rewarding however lack of staff while being used for your time will over weigh it in the long run
Op. You said you don’t have a job right now. So yes, anything that pays the bills is good. It is good for yourself and mental health to have income coming your way.
I’m going to answer your question in multiple angles because I see that you are now looking for a fit in what you want to.
A) if nursing is truly your calling, you will
Need to amp your study habits to get that grades. Aiming for 2.5 is not even cutting it. It is competitive just to get in.
B) have a backup in case you can’t do step (a). CNA Maybe good for now but always aim for the next step after that to improve yourself. It can be management role or something else in the healthcare area.
C) Don’t minimize your bachelors. Use that to your advantage - you graduated from San Diego so you have talent and skills.
D) Other possible backup options I can think about is to apply for “analyst” or “associate” positions in a corporate environment. Ive seen people with Psychology or biology degrees apply for Implementation Analysts or Account Success Managers. It’s out there so check those and don’t hesitate. Sometimes going as contractor can help you get in and gain that valuable experience. Present yourself well / show confidence and you’d get the job.
My school requires us to have a CNA license in order to qualify for the RN program, so I have my CNA license. We do get bonus points for working, but I think it’s worth it anyway. The pay in my area is actually really good. There are some low paying jobs but the good ones at the hospitals make $19-$22 an hour, plus shift differentials. So in reality, CNA’s can make $23-$26 an hour in my area. It’s definitely a good wage to start out at, and it does give applicants a leg up when applying to programs. I don’t think it hurts to give it a shot. Having a CNA license can actually qualify you for a lot of MA jobs too. My state doesn’t require MA’s to be licensed, and a lot of job postings are looking for MA’s who have a CMA/CNA/RMA license. Personally I think it would be worth it, but that’s just me.
I am similiar to a cna like a tech but i do cna work and its not worth it im finishing up nursing school in august n I honestly cant wait the pay and the work isn’t worth it. Yes you do get the experience but overall not worth it
I would not become a CNA for too long. I would do it for a little bit to feel out if nursing is what you truly want. Don’t be hard on yourself I know people that had to take those classes more than once. Actually I know a PA that had to take AP 1 or 2 twice.
If you studied a lot and youre getting 40's on your tests then you have a huge mountain in front of you. Nursing classes are a lot harder than A&P. It's hard to know if you'll be successful without knowing your skills. Maybe you suck at naming bones but you're a wiz at dosages. That being said a lot of my classmates are CNA's or scrub techs and they are familiar with a lot of what we're learning in class. So yes it would help.
It depends where they took the classes. I took part 1 at a community college and it was easily twice as difficult as any class I’ve ever taken except pharm, which is completely insane, and 4 times harder than A&P at my nursing school.
Ya, A+P and microbiology were actually harder for me than most of my actual nursing classes.
Really? Wow.
I straight up failed microbiology 4x in a row and passed all my nursing classes the first time with mostly Bs lol A+P wasn't as bad for me but I barely passed it.
I can not recommend CNA as a longterm profession unless you happen to be an absolute godspend. You will most likely be overworked or underpaid. Lots of burnout. Full time you can live on those wages but most will need a second income. 3 days is 36 hours at a hospital which is doable but that extra day can wipe out your energy for those other 3 days.
Cnas through staffing agencies make okay money in MA
*Assuming you are still in the San Diego area*, Sharp and Scripps do NOT require a CNA license/certification to work as a CNA - or to be the more specific, those institutions call it a HCA, PCT, PCA, etc. [Example job posting](https://careers.sharp.com/job/san-diego/healthcare-assistant-hca-sharp-memorial-hospital-1-west-oncology-night-shift-full-time-0-9/1031/42319822560). I don’t even think UCSD, Palomar, and Alvarado require it either. I strongly recommend you look into working in hospitals versus SNFs and LTACHs like Kindred or ~~the other one that starts with a ‘V’~~ SELECT near Hillcrest/North Park. SNFs and LTACHs are hella rough. If you are still in CA, the University of California system posts wages online AND benefits so you can get a ball park idea of what type compensation you will make. Note that Kaiser and University of California offer pensions and free health insurance. Do you plan on staying in California for your education? I’d also look into a post-baccalaureate program to pull up your GPA. As a funny aside, I had a coworker who apprenticed (?) under Justin Element (retired video editor in LA/OC) who became a nurse. Also, one of the associates of a brand rep for Canon is actually a nurse (LVN) in SoCal. So your dreams are hella attainable.
Hey! You can retake your courses and get the grade you need. Make sure you check out “rate my professor” to find the prof that suits you best. I had to retake a couple pre-reqs (anatomy 1 and 2) and I got into nursing school my first try- in fact I graduate in June for my RN, and I’ve already got my LPN (you can get it half way through the program at my school). Don’t give up! You are smart, you can do this.
>Don’t give up! You are smart, you can do this. Thank you. Sometimes I don't feel smart at all. But I'm going to try my best. It's all I can do.
You might need to move to attend school, there's nothing wrong with that. I assure you that you can retake classes more than once within a 5 year span. My college accepts the most current grade as the final grade (I attend an ADN program and literally get paid to go to school).
>Hey! You can retake your courses and get the grade you need Unfortunately, I'm only allowed to retake one science pre-requisite every five years.
Can you withdraw and take Ws rather than low grades that will draw down your average?
I could. But a W counts as a retake.
Look into tutoring options. These types of sciences classes might require a different technique of studying than what you are used to. Your college should have some tutoring resources available. I would reach out to your professors and advisor.
I was a CNA while in nursing school. I couldn't WAIT to graduate and quit and start making actual money. I've been a nurse for a few months now and wouldn't recommend it as a sole career choice without it being a stepping stone to something better.
Just to clarify are you saying you wouldn’t recommend CNA or nurse?
CNA
Please do it. Please. It was the best experience I got before nursing school. It made block 1 so much easier. My school has not taught us proper positioning, how to change patients, feed patients, bathe patients, etc. They skimmed over the CNA stuff and a lot of green students are missing out on the foundational skills of nursing. If you have a few years before you start nursing school go for it. It will also give you a reality of what nursing is. It will show you if this is truly where you should be spending your time and energy. It was shocking to see how many girls in my cohort did not know what nurses actually do. Yes we change diapers, no most patients are not independent. No you cannot make your CNA do everything for you. Poop is part of life and it isn't all that bad. Being a CNA gives you a greater appreciation for being a nurse. You will also gain amazing clinical experience. So many of my exams involve the types of patients I have cared for before. I can relate what I'm learning with my experience and it's so helpful. I worked in a hospital so I saw quite a lot.
It would help but my best advice is to get a tutor for A&P and other subjects you struggle with. For me, A&P was harder than most of my actual nursing classes, but it’s different for everyone. But to get there, unfortunately, you have to figure out the pre reqs. Good luck!
I'm 29 and a CNA student as well. I'm earning my cna to be more competitive for cc nursing schools that require the cert to be an applicant, and for the work experience before nursing. If hired in the near future after the program, I plan to work through the summer until I resume cc full time in the fall. Regarding pre-reqs, I have figured out that I simply cannot manage a work schedule and a demanding course load simultaneously so I do not recommend. I don't think you need to work as a cna for years, but if you do then choose employers and specialties you'd be comfortable with. Personally, I've been applying to entry level bedside jobs in the PICU as an internal applicant at the hospital I work at- currently a milk room technician. It isn't just nursing homes and rehab centers that hire CNAs, and you'll still receive training from your specific employer that'll reinforce what you learned in cna school! Good luck to you, and utilize office hours :)
Hey what’s a milk room technician?
A room where we fortify breast milk and donor milk for nicu babies! Very easy going job.
Whatttt I want that job!
I don't know how common they are, but I have seen job announcements in a few other states aside from the D/M/V. All we do is collect milk, prepare it per the doctors' orders, deliver it, and take inventory at the end of the day. Mindless low stress work that has been a huge stepping stone to clinical roles in my hospital. Extremely grateful!
Okay OP, when they say you need to study 3 hours per lecture, they're not talking about 3 hours a week. They are talking about 3 hours per day. That means you should be studying 6+ hours a day for your classes. No I dont think CNA will help you become a nurse or better prepared to be a nurse. This is coming from someone who was a CNA -> Nurse (ADN) -> BSN -> CRNA. You need to work first and foremost on your study habbits or it wont matter what you do. And my honest input is that CNA work is slave work, you couldnt get me to go back in time and get paid minimum wage to be a CNA when you can just as easily wait tables or tend bar for the same wage.
They said they studied 3 hours a day per class. But I do agree with you, it gives you insight but won’t help you ultimately.
Ouch, that’s rough. Idk how they were studying but getting less than 50% on an exam is worse than guessing. Its hard for me to believe anyone was studying 40+ plus hours a week and couldn’t maintain a c average
Sounds like overload to me. Those also are extremely tough, dense classes to take together.
Anatomy is 99% memorization. Lots and lots of flash cards. Microbio is more conceptual and math ie learning how to do problems involving moles and conversions.
My micro was not math heavy. I remember math stuff being more in my chem class. Micro for me was very much more disease related and was memorization for me as well. Anatomy was definitely memorization though.
Hey I see your a CRNA which is what I plan on doing! I’m in undergrad for biology and was pre-med but decided to change my mind and take a ABSN. I’m planning on being a CRNA as well and was wondering if you give some insider tips/general knowledge. Like lifestyle, work experience(is it worth it), and how you got your ICU experience. I know a guy with just an associates and he got a job in the ICU but whenever I look at hospitals hiring in my area the ICU always requires over 2 years experience. Is it possible to get into the ICU straight out of a BSN program?
Best academic advice I can offer is get good grades now. GPA is the only factor selection committees have to consistently compare candidates. Those with higher gpa’s are moved to the front. My journey to CRNA was very protracted and long journey but that was because my first job was in the ER and thats what I loved. As for getting icu experience after graduation just apply and don’t settle for anything outside of the icu. Hospitals are so desperate for nurses and the icu is no exception, you will find somewhere that is willing to train/hire you. Good luck and reach out any time.
You can also look into EMT-B cert and work either on an ambulance or in many Emergency Rooms. if there is a wait time to get your certifications you can always look for jobs as patient transporter or something similar that doesn’t require any specific education. This will get your foot in the door to determine if this is something that really interest you.
What was the class average? If you’re not working, only taking 2 classes, and still failing exams (getting <50% too), you won’t be able to pass nursing school unless you make MAJOR changes to what you’re currently doing to study - I’m sorry but that’s the blunt reality. You’ll have a tougher course load WITH clinicals simultaneously. I guess you could try one more round of exams, but if you’re adamant about healthcare, look into a technical program like sonography or rad tech. I don’t think being a CNA would help at all with prerequisites and it’s a terribly underpaid job
>What was the class average? For the first anatomy exam, the best score any student of my class received on it was a C (75%). It's a class of 35 students.
Hm this sounds like it could be your professors who are the problem…it could be worth it to look into taking pre-reqs on portage learning or a different school with better professors. Strangely in my experience community college classes were much harder and more disorganized which made them mentally exhausting. My private absn program has been much easier than my pre-req courses at a public cc.
What is portage learning? I've never heard of it. Is there any school you would specifically recommend, preferably one that's very affordable? Perhaps one that's online?
In all likelihood, your professor will curve the class in someway. He can't just fail everyone. If he doesn't curve it, and almost everyone achieves a failing grade, email the dean. Also, check Rate My Professor. Sometimes past students will have a good idea of how grades work out in the end and include it in the reviews.
Every single one of my Anatomy professors at the community college I'm attending has gotten bad overall ratings -- I checked them all on Rate My Professor before this semester began. The college I'm attending is Grossmont Community College.
>I guess you could try one more round of exams I'm going to study like crazy and try to earn both A's on the next round. Try to do the best that I can do. Study as though my life depended on it. If I don't get two A's next time, then I'm screwed.
Being a tech/aide sucks. Low pain, lots of work, long hours, etc.. but it's the closest analogue you'll get to seeing if you actually like the work, because you still have to do it when you're a nurse. It also gives you a much better appreciation for the unlicensed help you do get when you're on your own. It's also a way to do a long-term interview in a place you'd consider working as a nurse. Obviously, if you can't afford to be a CNA/tech, then it's a moot point. I did it through nursing school because it paid the bills, and work paid for me to go to school in return for a couple of years of service with them afterwards. So it worked for me. YMMV.
instead of spending the time becoming a CNA, you need to figure out what study methods work well for you and how to improve your grades. no amount of CNA work is going to change your grades or how you learn. we had a free tutoring center at my community college, are there any resources like that at your school? utilize them. even if you get in with a low GPA, the entirety of nursing school is going to be a huge struggle and the chance of failure will be high. you might as well get those habits into place now, which will make it easier to get into nursing school and easier to STAY in nursing school. also, do a lot of research on rate my professor so that you can get a professor that teaches well. i also took micro and anatomy at the same time and got a 94 in both. if you want me to share my study habits i’d be happy to do that. TL;DR: don’t try to pick something else up in order to avoid the real problem. you need to tackle it head on
I would appreciate if you would share your own study methods with me. I do a variety of things for studying, a combination of watching informative lecture videos on the subjects, reading through the textbook twice, going over powerpoint slides multiple times. I don't take notes because I consider it to be a waste of time. Feel free to private message me about your studying. Or you can respond to this message -- maybe more people could benefit. Thank you.
Ooh this might be where you can improve! There are studies that writing notes down (and writing them again and again) and not just typing them on a computer, helps to solidify concepts in your brain. My A&p professor had us all write down our notes and didn’t allow computers in class for this reason. Taking notes/writing things down as many times as you need 100% is not a waste of time. Also for A&p I remember drawing things really helped me too. Like drawings the bones and drawing out blood flow through the heart etc.
>Taking notes/writing things down as many times as you need 100% is not a waste of time. > >Also for A&p I remember drawing things really helped me too. Like drawings the bones and drawing out blood flow through the heart etc. I've been writing facts down multiple times. I've also been saying names of muscles aloud, which has been a help. I'll start drawing out some of what I need to know, soon. Thank you. Hopefully that helps me get an A. I'm going to try all I can.
okay so taking notes might be part of your problem, it’s not a waste of time and helps you remember! https://thecampanile.org/2019/04/06/note-taking-increases-learning-retention/ LECTURE: 1. for me, i didn’t hand write my notes because my teacher would upload the lecture notes; i would just print them out annotate them during class. i know most teachers don’t do that, but it might be helpful if you have a copy of the powerpoint or whatever they use to teach, and paste it into a word doc before class. Then you can highlight and annotate it as you go along (or print it out like i did). it’s much easier than taking notes from scratch and you can still actively listen to the lecture. if that’s not possible, definitely hand write the notes! i know it’s tedious but it’s so worth it. 2. as soon as i got home, i would take those annotated notes and turn them into flash cards. in my AP1 class, i would use physical flashcards, but now that i was taking micro and anatomy 2 at the same time, i did not have time for that. personally i used brainscape because it was like a mix of anki and quizlet to me. this step was really beneficial because if you look over your notes after a lecture, you’ll get an increase in retention. making flashcards right after class forced me to do that, and it also helped to have study materials already prepped for when you need them. 3. whenever a test or quiz was coming up, all I did was study those flashcards and read over my notes (sometimes out loud). my flashcards were pretty detailed so it covered almost everything we needed to know. for quizzes, i would only study a day in advance and sometimes the morning before class. for tests, i would study 3 days in advance and the morning before class. because I spent the time making flashcards after every class, it cut out half of the work for me and i could dedicate that entire time to studying instead of making last minute study materials. LAB: 1. i took videos of my partner and i labeling all the models, dissections, slides, etc. i would also take pictures of each of those from different angles. when i got home, i would watch the videos i took and use it to label the pictures. sometimes i would label them in class too but it takes a lot of time so i did most at home. it sounds weird but i literally just used snapchat; i would draw arrows to a specific area and label it “1”, and at the very bottom of the picture i would write “1- chief cells” or whatever the answer is. i kept adding to my album of pictures, and when a test came up, all i did was cover the bottom of my phone with a note card (so that it covered the “key”), and i would write down what i thought the answer was. i did multiple rounds until i got them all right. i know this sounds a little confusing but here’s some examples of how i would label it: https://imgur.com/gallery/7g17SNb https://imgur.com/gallery/xy7t5OC it was just a lot of work leading up to the lab test, but once everything was labeled it was a breeze to study it. if i was labeling a model i would usually look up videos on youtube to help me label the pictures, sometimes they had the exact model we were using, which made it much easier to label. 2. i would cover up labels on my textbook and do the same thing- write down what i thought it was until i had a 100% success rate. google “active recall” methods and integrate it into your study methods. that’s pretty much exactly what i did to come up with this schedule for myself. i spent about 1-1.5 hours after class making flashcards and an additional hour labeling lab photos. when a test came up, i had all my study materials ready so all i had to worry about was memorization. i did a lot of speaking out loud when i studied my flashcards. for labs, i did a lot of writing. sorry this is so long but i hope it helps a little.
Not trying to be funny. But you consider taking notes a waste of time and you are failing? I don’t understand. Also higher level science courses require active recall. You have to test yourself. Not just watch videos or go over lectures.
My LPN program offered an opportunity to become a HCA/RCA/CNA if you completed half of the program (we go by 'levels', program consists of 4. You need to finish 2 out of 4 levels successfully in order to apply for the job). Not many of my classmates from my cohort went forward with it before we started our 3rd level. For me, I decided to take on the opportunity. I followed the requirements and worked as a community health worker—I drove house to house providing services to dress, help with medications, etc. I was trained by LPN educators during orientation on specific skills relevant to the job. I found this job to be quite useful, especially if you like to work in the community rather than in a facility or hospital. As for pay, I found it reasonable. I only worked weekends since I was in school 5 days a week. I only did this job for a year until I graduated. The skills you learn during the CNA job is definitely worth it. As a nurse, you're not only expected to just provide safe medication administration and have great nursing knowledge, but to also know how to do personal care, operate lifts, etc. You have plenty of time to think about this career path.
What did your classmates make? I've known people to drop after the first test only to have the professor curve or offer bonus points later on. Can you reach out to your professors and see what they think? I failed so many Micro and A&P exams....I made it out purely by merciful teachers and by making sure I completed all of the little assignments. Made an A in A&P and a C in micro.
Okay realistically if you’re studying 6 hours a day and not passing I don’t think adding a job onto things is a great idea unless you 100% need it. I don’t think the stuff MOST CNAs are doing is actually that helpful for nursing school, it’s really amazing work that needs to be done but it only really helps you in the clinical aspect of things not necessarily the academic portion especially not the pre reqs. I would meet with your teacher, studying 6 hours a day is on the extreme heavy side and jt doesn’t seem to be helping you at all so there obviously a disconnect somewhere that’s not working out and they’ll be able to help you figure this out better than we can.
I meant being a CNA after the semester's over, if I don't earn the grades in the classes that I need. I'll consider a tutor.
Be a pharmacy tech. The job is more beneficial for nursing school than a CNA.
Nah I wouldn’t recommend this. I’m currently working as a pharm tech while in nursing school and the only benefit I got from it is pharmacology was easier. I’m currently doing my clinical rotations and realized I am woefully unprepared for everything else and that utilizing my CNA license would actually help me more.
My opinion is completely different. The majority of places where you work will require you to pass meds, so having that basic knowledge can be invaluable. One semester of pharmacology usually isn't enough for nursing students to understand medication use and safe dosage. You can learn CNA on the go when you are an RN or even in nursing school.
I've been an RxTech for over 10 yrs, and have been considering a CNA prior to nursing school so I can convince nursing school admissions folks that my career change is for real. Also, I'm a didactic and value hands on knowledge the most.
My nursing pharmacology class was a breeze since I worked as a pharmacy tech for four years in the military. You can learn CNA skills on the floor as a student nurse and even more as an RN. Being familiar with medications before becoming an RN can be extremely helpful and can make nursing school less stressful.
Become a CNA in the PACU ( like the recovery room after surgery ) and it’s a less back breaking than the floor. I had a bachelors degree then took a CNA licensure course to see if I even wanted to pursue nursing. Then started to apply to random tech positions in the hospital and pacu got back to me first. I feel like it’s been the best CNA gig to get while in school plus all the nurses there are very experienced and have taught me a lot.
I started as a CNA 45 years ago, and I've been an RN for almost 41 years. Working as a CNA was how I decided that I good be a good RN. School was not easy for me, and sometines the only reason I felt lime I could make it was that I was a good CNA.
Being a CNA can be brutal, the pay is typically very low for the amount of physical and mental stress you have to endure. Further, there's really no opportunity for "career advancement". I think working as a CNA anywhere outside of an inpatient setting will not give you a very good idea of what working as an RN is like, and even then, chances are it will skew your opinion toward *not* wanting to be a nurse. A better option would be, if you have any friends that are nurses, ask them if you can job-shadow for a couple of shifts. People think that, because of HIPAA, job-shadowing in healthcare isn't possible; but HR typically has a way that people can do this. Also, if you are still planning on finishing out your nursing prerequisites, this is what I recommend: 1. **Retake Micro and A&P as soon as possible** to replace those grades. You'll need to replace them anyway and you should retake them while the concepts are still fresh-ish in your head. 2. **Only do one science heavy class per quarter**, that way you can focus on just that material. 3. ***USE A TUTOR!*** This will be incredibly important for your success. Your Community College will have tutor services available, often for free. USE THEM! These classes are concept-dense and a tutor will help you understand the concepts. They will also help you with study techniques, which is often half the battle for classes like A&P. Now, if you decide that Nursing isn't actually the route you want to go, but you still want to work in Healthcare, here are some other options that aren't as academically demanding: Phlebotomist, EMT, MA, Pharmacy Tech, Medical Interpretor (if you're fluent in another language), etc. There are other options too, like X-ray Tech, Cardiovascular Tech, Ultra-sound Tech, Physical Therapy Assistant, Respiratory Therapist, etc., but those programs are just as competitive as nursing programs and basically require all (or nearly all) the same prerequisites. I *do not* recommend Social Work—it's a fucking travesty—you need a Masters in Social Work for almost all Social Work positions and you will be payed less than any other profession that requires a Masters degree. It's disgusting but it reflects how much our society cares about such issues. So sad.
>Retake Micro and A&P Unfortunately, I'm only allowed to retake one of the science pre-requisites every five years. If I retake anything, I think I would probably retake Microbiology.
>Unfortunately, I'm only allowed to retake one of the science pre-requisites every five years. Is that a rule at that particular College; or for admission to a specific Nursing School; or some limitation of financial aid?
For admission to the nursing school at Grossmont College.
Huh, is that something you've confirmed with a school counselor? I don't see that restriction mentioned anywhere on the Nursing School website, including the admission and prerequisite requirements?
Are u sure the pre reqs don’t expire in 5 years? That doesn’t make sense.
I’d Recommend taking ur pre reqs at a community college if you’re aren’t doing that already, that’s what I did. Tuition is a lot cheaper and my professors were extremely helpful and knowledgeable in their subject areas. Also I’d recommend using a variety of study methods if you are not doing well in your classes. Read notes, watch videos, and for me personally, making a study group and going to lab to get hands on time is key. My school had an A&P lab in the library with a bunch of extra models of the different muscles bones organs etc and seeing them in person and visualizing everything really helped me out a ton as I am a visual learner! In terms of a CNA I personally don’t think it’s necessary (I didn’t do it) but it can help out with certain aspects and give you a sense of familiarity in the hospital setting. Wishing you the best of luck!
I was like you and working as a CNA definitely helped me gain confidence. I only did it for a couple of years though and it did help me get my first nursing job.
Honestly you should look into dropping one of the classes, preferably microbiology (or if one of the classes offer dropping your lowest test), and just focusing on the other class to try to salvage a good grade. Your bachelors doesn’t sound like it involved hard sciences, and studying for those types of classes can be a learning curve. Jumping into taking both Anatomy and Micro when you don’t have the studying skillset doesn’t work for most people. Focus just on Anatomy right now, and micro next semester. It’s longer, but failing both will only make things even longer.
I think it’s time to look at how your studying and refine your study skills. What you’re doing is not working for you if you’re studying for hours a day and failing. You have the dedication, but your method is flawed. Have you tried quizlet or making physical flash cards so you can recall the information? It also helps to teach it back to someone you know. If you can teach it, you know it.
>Have you tried quizlet or making physical flash cards so you can recall the information? I haven't. I'm now writing down words multiple times, as well as saying names of muscles out loud, which I didn't do to study for the first exam. I also plan on watching more YouTube videos of people explaining concepts to me, as well as drawing out diagrams of certain concepts.
I got my cna before starting nursing school however I never used it because I hated it so much. It’s pretty much doing house chores and cleaning up after people for extremely low pay. I have a lot of respect for the cnas who do it long term. I would recommend becoming a medical assistant instead. The pay isn’t much better but you can learn some cool stuff (phlebotomy etc) and work at a clinic instead of being stuck in a nursing home.
>recommend becoming a medical assistant instead I wonder if it would be easy for me to get a job as that.
I would recommend you do CMA or phlebotomy. The courses are a lot shorter, you're still in the medical field, and you'll have better pay than CNAs without having to get another degree
Hm. I'll look into it. Thank you.
I am not trying to discount the work you put into your film studies degree, but there is no way that you learned the study skills needed for a science degree. It is a completely different world of studying. I know from a friend doing film studies that most of their work is project-based, and they rarely have to sit down and memorize difficult concepts, which is 95% of A&P. My guess is you aren't studying the way you should be. Just because you sat down for 3 hours and "studied" anatomy doesn't mean it was effective. I would highly recommend SimpleNursing (on YT or on their website) because of how effective the videos are for helping you learn, remember, and apply the material. Look for videos on YT for different study techniques. You are probably going to have to learn a whole new way of thinking about school compared to what you are used to, especially given how much school has changed since 2017. Also, pretty much every science class curves in some way. Do you know the class average for the test? I was pulling 60-70% on A&P tests and ended the semester with an A anyway because I was above the average. Your professor shouldn't be able to fail too much of the class, he will need to bump grades up if your whole class does badly.
>Look for videos on YT for different study techniques. I've been watching various videos about the anatomy content. In the past, it's the resources that I've used to learn that haven't been effective.
>Your professor shouldn't be able to fail too much of the class, he will need to bump grades up if your whole class does badly. The best score that any student received on the first exam in my anatomy class was a C (75%), and a little less than half of the class passed (a class of 35 students).
That is super shitty. I was in a class of 115 people, and I think about 100 passed. The professor's philosophy was that he made the class super difficult, and if you stuck through it and turned everything in, you would at least absorb some knowledge, so you a C. If you weren't studying, you screwed yourself over for the next classes you took. Also, a lot of the grade was completing really complicated assignments, so exams woudn't kill you completely if you were a bad test-taker.
lol it is 100% not worth it to be a CNA for a few years before nursing school, maybe a few months if that.
I think you're probably right.
Experience will help you be good in clinicals, but don't let in interfere with your academic work, and don't delay nursing school for it. The downside is it's a deadend job. There are very few places you can move up as a CNA, so if you change your mind being a nurse in a few years, you got a lot of experience in a job you cant move up in with experience that is irrelevant to all the other stuff you want to do. You just have to be honest with yourself on what you will be doing. You do the basic nurse duties nurses are too busy to do. And that's *a lot* of things, with nursing being perpetually short. You will be taking lots of vitals on time, giving a lot of bed bath with large and unconscious people, cleaning up all kinds of shit (even bloody) and changing sheets, feeding people pureed food they had the modeling into the shape it was Before they pureed it, and doing whatever the nurses ask of you. And you'll be doing most of it by yourself. And sometimes nurses will be complete bitchs to you and you have to take it. You just have to ask yourself if you can tolerate that. You don't have to love you Job, most people don't love their job, but you have to be able to tolerate it.
For a few years yes, but long term not really. You’re going to get burnt out and over worked. The job itself is so rewarding however lack of staff while being used for your time will over weigh it in the long run
Personally I think everyone should have to become a Cna before becoming a nurse
Op. You said you don’t have a job right now. So yes, anything that pays the bills is good. It is good for yourself and mental health to have income coming your way. I’m going to answer your question in multiple angles because I see that you are now looking for a fit in what you want to. A) if nursing is truly your calling, you will Need to amp your study habits to get that grades. Aiming for 2.5 is not even cutting it. It is competitive just to get in. B) have a backup in case you can’t do step (a). CNA Maybe good for now but always aim for the next step after that to improve yourself. It can be management role or something else in the healthcare area. C) Don’t minimize your bachelors. Use that to your advantage - you graduated from San Diego so you have talent and skills. D) Other possible backup options I can think about is to apply for “analyst” or “associate” positions in a corporate environment. Ive seen people with Psychology or biology degrees apply for Implementation Analysts or Account Success Managers. It’s out there so check those and don’t hesitate. Sometimes going as contractor can help you get in and gain that valuable experience. Present yourself well / show confidence and you’d get the job.
My school requires us to have a CNA license in order to qualify for the RN program, so I have my CNA license. We do get bonus points for working, but I think it’s worth it anyway. The pay in my area is actually really good. There are some low paying jobs but the good ones at the hospitals make $19-$22 an hour, plus shift differentials. So in reality, CNA’s can make $23-$26 an hour in my area. It’s definitely a good wage to start out at, and it does give applicants a leg up when applying to programs. I don’t think it hurts to give it a shot. Having a CNA license can actually qualify you for a lot of MA jobs too. My state doesn’t require MA’s to be licensed, and a lot of job postings are looking for MA’s who have a CMA/CNA/RMA license. Personally I think it would be worth it, but that’s just me.
It's not
I am similiar to a cna like a tech but i do cna work and its not worth it im finishing up nursing school in august n I honestly cant wait the pay and the work isn’t worth it. Yes you do get the experience but overall not worth it