Work as CNA before school in AUG08?

Button2006 · Mar 29, 2008

i think it would be a great idea. just to get an idea of what you might be in for. a lot of cnas end up in ltc at first which is very unique from hospital care. i noticed that every different department and nursing specialty is remarkably different. ltc is excellent for getting used to short staffing, bodily fluids, and time management. i will be working as a cna for a year or two before i start nursing school and i am really greatful to be getting this experience. now, when i go in for clinicals i shouldn't be too terribly nervous or frightened about patient care. especially when it comes to bm, urine, emesis, blood...got that all in the bag. :wink2:

good luck!

collegegirl972, CNA · Mar 30, 2008

I'm starting nursing school in august also and just got hired by a hospital as a PCT. I love it! I get to work with nurses and see what they do all day. Plus, my hopsital will pay for my nursing school once I've worked there 6 months. And, they'll hire me when i hit my second year of nursing school as a nurse extern. After that i have first preference for what area of the hospital i want to be a nurse in. Amazing! :yeah:

yeomanCNA · Mar 31, 2008

Tks for reply. Question, do you have prior experience working as a CNA before you started at the hospital?

Now that you work in the hospital, have you seen any CNA's with licensure but no experience. I do have patient experience- work as Ophthalmic tech and have some dental background. Just want to know if the PCTs they hire all have experience or not..... Thanks again for quick reply, it is helpful.

bethin · Mar 31, 2008

Tks for reply. Question, do you have prior experience working as a CNA before you started at the hospital?
Now that you work in the hospital, have you seen any CNA's with licensure but no experience. I do have patient experience- work as Ophthalmic tech and have some dental background. Just want to know if the PCTs they hire all have experience or not..... Thanks again for quick reply, it is helpful.

I know this wasn't directed to me but I'll answer anyway.

I worked LTC for a few months and then was hired at a hospital. Still there 5 years later.

I think getting your certification will help you feel more comfortable around pt's. I know that it gave me a boost of confidence.

If you let them know you're planning on going to nursing school I'm sure most places would be thrilled to have you. They see you as a potential RN or LPN upon graduation.

I have seen CNA's with no experience. We are patient and they catch on quickly.

DreamyEyes · Mar 31, 2008

I would definitely work as a CNA before nursing school. The reason I say this is because it's a good idea to get into the nursing field and see if nursing is actually right for you before you go through nursing school. I quickly changed my mind after working as a CNA, and now I'm going into a completely different field altogether- however, most CNA's end up loving it and it's a good way to get your foot in the door.

Good luck with whatever you decide and good luck in nursing school! :heartbeat

collegegirl972, CNA · Mar 31, 2008

I worked at a nursing home for a month but everyone i work with has been a cna for years. I have a bachelors in biology, so that may be why i got past HR with no experience.

love_being_an_aide · Apr 5, 2008

I agree with Dreamyeyes. I started working in a hospital as an aide to make the final decision of whether to become a nurse or not. After working for awhile, I decided that I wasn't ready to be a nurse right away, and am actually looking more into Occupational Therapy Assistant as a possible career. I feel it defines me more. Being a CNA will really let you see the nursing field from different eyes.