ADN without CNA

U.S.A. Arizona

Published

Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.

I know CNA is no longer required to start the MCCCD nursing program. Here's my concern, though. Do most students have this anyway? I'm concerned that I may be fumbling and stumbling with taking vitals, etc. when everyone else knows how to do these types of things. I'm wondering if I'd have a hard time in my first semester, or do they really teach you what you need to know anyway?

It would really mess up my schedule of classes to add a CNA class before starting nursing school. But I'd do it if it is really important. Opinions?

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Specializes in ICU, Oncology.
I know CNA is no longer required to start the MCCCD nursing program. Here's my concern, though. Do most students have this anyway? I'm concerned that I may be fumbling and stumbling with taking vitals, etc. when everyone else knows how to do these types of things. I'm wondering if I'd have a hard time in my first semester, or do they really teach you what you need to know anyway?

It would really mess up my schedule of classes to add a CNA class before starting nursing school. But I'd do it if it is really important. Opinions?

I'm in Block 1 and I wasn't a CNA prior to starting. I'd say about half of my class has the CNA. Your first block involves learning all of the CNA duties. Would I feel more comfortable if I was a CNA before? Probably --but I don't think it's detrimental. I feel a little awkward (just started clinicals last week) --but I think it's normal. I have confidence that it will pass with time and experience.

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Specializes in ICU, Oncology.
I know CNA is no longer required to start the MCCCD nursing program. Here's my concern, though. Do most students have this anyway? I'm concerned that I may be fumbling and stumbling with taking vitals, etc. when everyone else knows how to do these types of things. I'm wondering if I'd have a hard time in my first semester, or do they really teach you what you need to know anyway?

It would really mess up my schedule of classes to add a CNA class before starting nursing school. But I'd do it if it is really important. Opinions?

...and to answer your question...I say don't do it if it messes up your schedule that much. Plus, you have to pay for it twice!

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Specializes in Cardiac.

They do teach you everything you need to know. No worries...

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Specializes in Telemetry, ICU, Psych.

If it pushes you back a semester or if you have to do while in block I, I say don't.

Otherwise, I recommend it. They say that you'll be taught everything, but you don't get good at it. Most of the people in my class who weren't CNA's/PCT's are still struggling with the basic skills, and we finish clinicals next week! The class not only helps with basic skills, but serves as an introdution to the profession of nursing. Good luck.

CrazyPremed

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Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.

Ok, thank you for the replies. I'm going to table the CNA cert for now. I'll probably buy a steth. early and annoy my relatives w/it though, LOL.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Try ebay or amazon. I got my very lovely littmann on amazon.com for only $100! It rocks~!

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Ok, thank you for the replies. I'm going to table the CNA cert for now. I'll probably buy a steth. early and annoy my relatives w/it though, LOL.

Very smart move. It will really be an introduction into the nuts (no pun intended) and bolts of the profession so to speak. I think it was a big mistake getting rid of it - many of the people who quit my program so far don't have it...

Get a lightweight Littman stethoscope. You can get one for $50.00 at the Scrubs store at Arizona Mills.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Can you take a CNA class in the summer? Or are you taking like 24 credits this summer.....:uhoh21:

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Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.
Can you take a CNA class in the summer? Or are you taking like 24 credits this summer.....:uhoh21:

Actually, they aren't offering it this summer. I was planning on 12 credits this summer - but then I slapped myself across the face and came to.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I noticed that they weren't offering if after I posted. Too bad.

So, how many credits are you taking this summer?

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You really don't need it - I had no nursing background and didn't take a CNA class and did fine.

Practice on your family - I did that a lot. ;)

You will be fine. Really.

steph

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