Should I work as a CNA before becoming an RN?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hello All! I'm fairly new to this and i need some advice. I've always had a love for healthcare & helping people and I originally was in school for Nursing 3yrs ago but didn't finish due to financial reasons :( but recently I've been thinking about going back to College. As of right now I work as a SkinCare Specialist in the City and I love my job but the pay isn't that great. So I've been thinking about taking a one month CNA class this fall just to get my feet wet in the healthcare field. I definitely don't plan on being a CNA long term I just think it might be a good stepping stone. I plan on keeping my original job & also work as a CNA while saving for school. Is it better to work in a Hospital setting rather than a nursing home ? Has anyone ever worked as a CNA while pursuing their Nursing Degree? Was the experience as a CNA rewarding?

Thanks! BTW.. I'm 23

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Specializes in CNA, EKG, CMAA.

Yes the hospital setting is better than Nursing home by pay, the environment and sometimes the amount of work you will be doing. I think you should do your CNA because it'll give you a step up as experience for the future which is also what I'm planning to do btw. So if you can do it, try.

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It isn't necessary. Many of us didn't do it and we turned out fine. I'd go with whatever works well for your life.

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I say yes go for it. It will only make you a better nurse and also help you appreciate all the hard work CNA's do for us nurses. After all, the CNA's work is the Nurses work. I think it would give you a lot of hands on experience with patients regardless of the setting. The hospital setting would most likely have better pay than a nursing home. I would say choose the setting you think you would most like with the population of people you would like to work with. Nothing is worse than working with a population of people you absolutely don't want to work with. I love the nursing home/geriatrics setting but that is my personal choice. You may like the hospital environment better. Which ever you choose I wish you lots of luck :)

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Thanks everyone. I really appreciate your comments! :) :)

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Specializes in Heme Onc.

Look at what the job market in your area is like. Where I live... you can get the same pay in a hospital as a PCT without the CNA certification.... Might save you some time and moolah if you don't have to get the CNA at all.

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Specializes in Long term care.

Depends on where you live. In some states, a LTC facility pays MORE than a hospital..and the work load is the same. It really depends on the state, the facilities etc. Generally tho, hospitals do pay more and the work load is more do-able however, you will also need 6 months long term care experience.

and YES! I think it will only benefit you to be a CNA before being an RN for lots of reasons. Experience, $ while going to school are just 2 examples. :yes:

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Doing the grunt work will give you a better perspective when you eventually become an RN because you'll know what it was like to be a CNA.

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