Anyone else NOT have had CNA (or similar) experience before becoming a nurse?

[dianacs]

I don't. I have never worked in the healthcare field. I have read that it's a good idea to work as a CNA beforehand in order to get your feet wet and find out if this is what you want. Well, I already have a job--I'm a stay-at-home mom. I go to school at night. I don't have the time to work outside the home. I have, however, done a lot of research on the nursing profession on my own, not to mention I am a "slightly" older student who does not see the world through rose-colored glasses any more. I've already been in the real world for a few years. Yet I wonder if not having any healthcare experience will put me at a disadvantage. It seems like everyone else already has a head start and a foot in the door. Then again, I guess I wouldn't have been accepted if I didn't have what it takes.

I have considered looking for a very part-time job in a hospital once my son begins preschool in the fall, but I was planning to use his school time as my study time. He's only going to be there a few hours a week anyway.

So, I'm wondering if there is anyone else who doesn't have the healthcare experience either, and if those of you who are nurses can comment upon whether this makes a significant difference. Thanks.

[Cubby]

I believe it helps to have experience as a CNA prior to becoming a nurse, only because you understand what the CNAs work is like. Empathy etc. But, my job as a nurse is nothing like my job as a CNA so it probably neither hinders or helps. However it is nice to "walk a mile in their shoes"

[CindyCCRN]

...graduated high school at age 17, went to a 3 year diploma school, graduated and became an ICU RN at age 20... What did I really know about nursing or life at age 17-20?... not much... I knew I liked helping people who were sick, that I didn't want to be a secretary, a waitress, or a factory worker, but maybe a teacher (actually, the only choices I thought were available to women)...

...Would I have chosen another field if I knew all I know today?... most definitely, I'd probably still be in healthcare, but probably not nursing or for this long... maybe a ?physical therapist, nutritionist, pharmacist, Dr... It's very difficult to be expected to know so much and make life/death assessments and decisions BUT receive so little awareness, respect, or appreciation from others....

...If you know yourself, have cared for anyone else - including your son during health and sickness, have supported another through calamity/tragedy/crisis, you have done some nursing...

If you have a good sense of humor, healthy limits, and the ability to laugh at yourself, you're also better equipped to survive the dark sides of nursing....

.......Sincerely, Good Luck!!!