Need some advice-

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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:confused: SO I need some advice. I've (as of today) finished applying to all of the schools (execept one which is online) So as i wait, I'm taking my last andfinal class needed to receive my AA. However, along with that class, I've also registered for a CNA course which seems like it will be pretty intensive in terms of the schedule. As a

starving student" I work any chance I get around my class schedule. My question is, since I'm already applying for the RN program ( at 5 different schools) is it really worth it to take the CNA course? If i get accepted into the RN program, I can't imagine my having a CNA license would make a huge difference. Maybe I should just take the mandatory class I need to receive my AA and volunteer until i get accepted into a RN program? Any advice is welcome and thank you in advance!

:up: --Andrew

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in my opinion, going to a state approved cna class (full labs, clinicals and class), getting ur cna cert and working as a cna is the way to go.

the class weeds a lot of wanna bees out, getting the cert weeds even more out, then actually working and doing the lowly cna task weeds even more out. those that remain obviously have what it takes and really want to be a nurse.

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Most schools in my area require CNA for RN enrollment

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Having a CNA certification might be beneficial in more ways than one. You can earn money while attending school, which is a plus. In addition, having that exposure to the basic nursing skills of a CNA might increase your comfort level with patients during your clinical rotations in an RN program.

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My sister-in-law who is a DON at a nursing home gave me a valuable peice of advise, that I wouldnt know what being a nurse was like till I was an aide. Plus you will have some medical experience and be able to take vitals and do basic tasks before your clinicals....Those care plans need a lot of focus, and I know I dont want to fall behind "getting familiar with normal operation "things"

P.S. I start my CNA classes in march. :D Good Luck!

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Specializes in LTC, rehab medicine & therapies.

There are several schools in my neck of the woods that require you to be a CNA before you can apply to nursing programs. This is actually why I became a CNA in the first place, and I don't regret that choice for a moment. Like others have said, you will be able to work while you're in school (and there are several nursing homes and hospitals that will help pay for your tuition if you're an employee...at least there are in WA state) and you get valuable hands-on experience. I've had experiences that, when I tell my mom (an RN) about, she comments about how lucky I am to have had that experience because she's never had it.

Think of how comfortable you'll be, going into nursing school with basics under your belt! :)

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Sakura and everyone else, Thank you so much for your advice. I've taken it all into consideration and even though I will be hurting financially for about 2 months, I'm taking this class and I'm going to make it happen. I also looked online for jobs as a CNA and I found a lot of openings so, I'm going for it. Thanks again all!

--Andrew

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Specializes in 6 yrs LTC, 1 yr MedSurg, Wound Care.

Good decision, Andrew! You'll be glad you did!

Good luck with your class and be sure to ask if you have any questions along the way!

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