[student_amy]

Hey all!

I was really bummed not to get into nursing school this year (applied to 3 programs), but I am still determined to keep applying.

I've decided to go ahead and get my CNA. Here in CA it's an 8-week program and I'll be done by October.

Question is - has anyone else gone this route; and has it helped your application? I've had 2 years of hospital experience but I guess it hasn't been enough.

Any advice would be appreciated! I looked into an LVN program, but the cost was just too much ($20K) and wouldn't really pay itself off, IMHO.

Thanks so much!

[♪♫ in my ♥]

I did my CNA as a requirement prior to starting my program. I did a 4-week program. My opinion is that it was of very limited benefit prior to starting nursing school. From what I've read on the sites of the various programs that I looked at, CNA isn't of much help - especially if you've already got some other experience.

If you're hoping to get a job as a CNA, recognize that it's likely to be in an LTC... acute care CNA jobs are tough to come by, at least in this area. Perhaps it's different in your area.

I'd probably spend some time taking a hard look at my application and consider taking additional classes to become a stronger candidate.

I'd contact your schools of interest and see what they think about CNA.

[Nurse2B2011]

I think it depends on the area because my school told me to get my cna. She said the last few semesters they didn't even look at the applications of people without direct patient experience. Also all of the hospitals around here are hiring cna's. I would call your schools and see what they say.