CNA/NAC Because it's a prereq?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Specializes in None yet.

Who is taking a NAC or CNA course just because it's a prerequisite for a nursing program that they are applying for?

I feel a bit like I'm being forced to take a step backwards because I completed all my pre reqs with a 4.0 and an overal 3.85 but the school changed their admission to require a CNA course for applicants!

I know a CNAs job is not the same as an RN so why do schools requrie the class?

Has anyone changed their mind about becoming an RN or LPN/LVN because of the CNA course they took?

I hope to become a CNM and work as a Midwife at a free standing birth center and don't plan on working with the elderly at any point, except for when it is required for my education like doing a clinical at a LTC to get a CNA cert to apply for a RN program...Thanks for reaing my vent I appreciate any support!

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Our school also requires the CNA class before applying to the LPN/RN class. I believe that the reasoning behind it is built on the idea that you are taught the proper way to do vital signs, some basic charting techniques, bathing, changing briefs, turning techniques, etc. At least these are the reasons that our instructors give us. Oh, and by the way, since we got this out of the way with the CNA class, we just jumped into the skills of a nurse.

:)

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It's so that when you go into your clinicals, you have some idea what you're doing and they can spend less time going over those things. You might want to consider using it and putting it to work. Being a "lowly" CNA might sound like it's beneath you, but the experience is invaluable when you are in your clinicals. Also, some programs require so many hours of experience before you're admitted anyway.

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The school that i will be applying to also requires an NA certification for admission.

I guess i just look at it as a stepping stone along the way. IMHO every bit of knowledge from anywhere can help me be a better person and a better nurse. I'm an older non traditional student and for me, this journey is about getting everything i can out of it.

I applied for our local class (which is highly competitive) a couple of months back and didn't even get in! I sat outside from 4 am until 8 am and missed out by one seat. So now, back to the drawing board.

The tough part is slipping the class in during a time that won't interfere w/your pre-reqs. Our class runs 8-330 5 days a week for two weeks and then clinicals are rotating 645-245 and 245-1045 for two weeks.

Anyway, i went a little off topic :) Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

I've read a lot of threads on here about nursing students who had high GPA's in their pre-reqs but as soon as they were alone with a patient they totally freaked b/c they were not comfortable doing peri-care or giving a bed bath. Being a CNA isn't a glamorous or high paying job, but if you want to be a nurse you have to know the basics. And performing the skills I have mentioned are part of the basics.

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Specializes in None yet.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I agree that the skills are going to be important later on in my education. I appreciate the encouragement. I had thought I was done with my prereqs but then found out I have to complete this course so I was a little frustraited. But as others have said any experience is to be appreciated!

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.
Thanks for the replies everyone. I agree that the skills are going to be important later on in my education. I appreciate the encouragement. I had thought I was done with my prereqs but then found out I have to complete this course so I was a little frustraited. But as others have said any experience is to be appreciated!

I get your frustration. I am mad @ the moment too b/c the college I transferred to does not want to take some of my credits (math, speech class)..ugh I'm too mad. Guess I'll have to take them again :(

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Just as an FYI, there is a new girl training at my job, and she's in an RN program, and the LPN students are running rings around her. Why? Because she has NO patient experience. I know she cried today, but the thing is she needs to get over it and get used to it, otherwise her clinicals are going to be one big nasty nasty shock.

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I am quitting my current job (non nursing related) and I am starting CNA classes November 1st. I start nursing school June 20 2011. I have heard the RN's that were CNA'a make the best nurses and I can use the experience not only to help with clinical, but that experience will help out my non-medical field resume.

I am EXCITED to start, yes I am going to make a little less money that what I am now, but I can't get the experience that my future is going to require while sitting at a desk all day.

The CNA is not required by my school of nursing, I chose to do it on my own.

Good luck, I hope you come to find when you are done with the CNA training that it will do nothing but benefit you! :nurse:

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Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.

I'm nearing the end of my pre-req CNA class, so I understand where you are coming from. I was not very happy that I had to take the class, I thought it was a waste of time and money. I was wrong; this class has been very helpful and interesting. I totally changed my attitude and I am now approaching it as a foundation for my nursing skills.

When I start my program, I will know the proper way to wash my hands, use the personal protection, know what HIPAA entails, how to properly use a bedpan, measure Intake & Output, help with Activities of Daily Living, not to mention I am competent now in vitals (we practice EVERY day)..plus SO MUCH MORE.

I was so focussed on my BSN that I realize now, I looked down at this class and those who work in LTC. However, I have come to realize these are people who do a much needed service and don't get paid enough for what they do.

I don't plan on working in a LTC facility when I get my RN, I'm more of a trauma type girl, but I can't wait to start my CNA clinicals in a couple of weeks. Yes, the clinicals are in an LTC, but it doesn't matter to me, I can't wait to put my new skills to the test. I'm going to be a nurse, and these people need care, so let me jump in with both feet!

Give it a chance mamayogibear, you might find you actually like it.

Oh, BTW... I have a 4.0 as well, graduated with my A.S. Summa Cum Laude. I didn't get into my first choice school, so I'm now on plan B. To apply to school B I have to take the CNA class PLUS 4 additional pre-reqs. I have my eye on the goal and will do what is required to get there. I am not going to waste my energy being upset at an extra class, or 5!

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Being the analytical sort, and having a lot of life experience, my guess is that when most nursing schools were 3-year diploma programs, you got to do a lot of the scut work as part of the nursing program--cleaning and changing pts. who had "soiled themselves", cleaning up blood and gore and emesis, and other similar messy tasks.

Now that most nursing schools are 2-year assoc. degree programs, I suspect one gets a lot less of such exposure in clinicals--and that, therefore, the CNA course gives you some of this.

It is also of interest to me that 75% of the (young!) folks in my CNA course seem to have very little grounding in medical terminology--which would be of considerable benefit. So maybe the CNA course is meant to give us that intro to bedside health care.

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Personally, the best RN's and LPN's that I have worked with are those that work alongside us doing patient care and stocking rooms. When I'm done my schooling, I want to continue doing patient care which is why I'm taking the LPN diploma versus the 4 yr bachelor degree Nursing.

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