[Carmen29]

I want to go into nursing. But inorder to get into the 2-year programs I need to A & P, and microbiology first. Those are classes I don't want to attempt in summer school. I can however get my CNA this summer. Do you think that getting a CNA will help me with my nursing classes? Does being a CNA help you to get a higher paying job after you get your RN (as opposed to not having your CNA and going right into RN work)?

Any word of wisdom would be great.

[Cameron67]

Oh most definately!!! I was an aide for 6 years before I went into nursing school, and it helped alot. Especially in the nursing home rotation, I wasn't afraid of the patients. The people that had never been and aide or into anything medical before nursing school were really nervous. I recommend to anyone considering nursing school trying to be an aide first.

[Carer]

I have not gone into the FULL Nursing bit. I am a Care Assistant in England. In America we are known as CNA'S. I agree with Greer, that being a CNA then going into the Nursing area, You have that bit more Experience there for things may be easier for you STUDY wise.
In fact I have 2 friends that were CNA'S now there are Nurses.
1 of them told me that it was easier for her as she had some knowledge in the Nursing area in the First place. When it came to the Nursing studies they were not so hard for her as it was for some of the other students.

I hope this helps you.

[misti_z]

Getting your CNA is a wonderful idea. To second what was said before your fear of approaching patients will be gone and you will get wonderful experience if you want it. However I do not believe it will get you a better job, but it may make getting a job easier, especially if you want to work as a RN where you work as a CNA, although right now it is not hard to get a job as a RN anywhere.

[skeeder]

Speaking from experience (CNA for 3 years before I started nursing school) I agree that is was useful. Just remember..what you do on the floor (while your working as a CNA) is NOT the way you do it during clinical time at school! You learn to take shortcuts when your working and you will need to stop and think when your doing your job with a nursing instructor looking over your shoulder!

[Mijourney]

Hi. I agree with the previous posters. Under one thread, an article from a nurse educator points out how nursing education differs today from yesteryears in terms of duration and substance of clinical. Working as a CNA is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with patients and their families and learn how to relate to and care for patients in their most vulnerable moments. If you are satisfied and successful as a CNA, once you become a nurse, the hands on part of your job will almost be second nature.

[bernarma]

Nurses who have "WORKED" as CNA's tend to be better nurses. THose who have not tend to think they know everything and a CNA is beneath them.

I have worked with CNA's who had done so for 30 years and had far more knowledge than most new grads.

Also, some nursing programs are requirng a CNA in order to get into a nurses program.

Last but not least... it may help you decide for certain if nursing is what you want to do and if you are truly committed to putting in that time.

Good luck

[Figaro's Mom]

Carmen, it looks like we (you and I) are in the same boat! I am learning so much reading threads on allnurses.com.

[Sleepyeyes]

Please do take the CNA.; it'll give you an idea of what you're in for and also help you to watch the experts--and the idiots.
(Warning: you may learn far more from one idiot than 10 experts.)
I was a CNA for over 10 years before getting my ADN. I learned a lot by watching, asking questions, and doing the CNA job. Enjoy!

[SGkatt]

LOL amen on the learning from idoits. the biggest thing you learn is NOT to copy their mistakes (* Not to worry, you'll make a lot on your own*)

Being a cna has taught me a lot with how to interact with people.. Also the advantage of learning to keep your mouth shut ( I learned this the hard way)

katt