Is it a good idea to be a CNA before being an RN???

ltg623 · Jul 22, 2007

Some states/areas require a CNA for nursing school admission. My area does and it was worth it. I did a similiar thing. Got my CNA (I had 25 yrs various experience in the medical/dental field). Took a pay cut similaiar to yours to work as a ER Tech while in nursing school. The best thing I could have done, saw alot, learned alot and was offered a job in the ER as a new grad, which is difficult. I would not change a thing. Even if you work PRN or PT as a CNA, it allows you to practice basic skills and patient care. Gives you a foot in the door as well.

RNGrad2006 · Sep 2, 2008

In the area where I live, finishing the first semester of nursing school indicates that you can take vital signs and do bed baths. While I feel that my experience as a tech (what the nursing students are called b/c they can do more than a standard CNA) was a great experience for me and will make me a better nurse....it is also everything everyone else says. Underpaid and crappy. No one respects you and you are at the bottom of the totem pole. However, due to such things, I will be a better nurse b/c I know what I won't do. Aides works their a**** off and get no respect or appreciation. I will know not to take my aides for granted. I personally think every nurse should be one first. It gives you a whole new perception. Without being one, how can you truly appreciate all they do?
Angel

It goes both ways though. I work with a lot of CNA's that basically ignore the patients of nurses who work harder like me. I do everything but it means I have a hard time getting my charting done on time. I feel like I have to beg for ANY help and it just is not fair.

NursePeace · Sep 2, 2008

Having to be a cna before you can start nursing school in my state doesnt mean you have to work as one. As far as being treated badly by nurses, its usually the nurses that have never been an aide. When you work as an aide before your a nurse, you get experience beyond belief. My cna's are some of my best friends. I firmly believe everyone should HAVE to WORK as a CNA before stepping one foot into a nurses shoe. You'll respect them and what they do so much more. Plus get some experience as well.

bluenalgene · Sep 2, 2008

I support 100% working as a CNA before being a nurse or while in nursing school. I'd never really thought about it until my mom, who is a nurse, told me that i'd be a much better nurse if I knew what it was like to be a CNA. Having been a CNA during nursing school and now two years in to being a nurse, I agree 150%. I think it gives you good insight on to how to properly care for a patient as a whole, especially if your short staffed and find yourself doing a lot of CNA work. Also, it shows you how hard CNAs work and I think makes you a better team player when you become an RN. Good luck!!:)

pagandeva2000, LPN · Sep 2, 2008

There are pluses and minuses in this; being a CNA can help with learning how to deal with people, to lessen the anxiety of the first time caring for and interacting with patients, especially under the scrutiny of a clinical instructor for the first time. In addition, this position may be the most flexible regarding hours to work while in school.

However, it is backbreaking, physical labor. I was a CNA for quite some time, and I don't know if I would have been able to complete school successfully because it can take alot from you.

Personally, I have seen successful nurses who have not been CNAs first. But, no matter what you choose to do, do not underestimate the value of a great CNA. They can be your eyes and ears to patients crashing and their observations can be priceless. They do the basic care that patients need, freeing you up as the nurse to do the medications and documentation that so requires much of our time.

cherubhipster · Sep 2, 2008

I relate to how you are feeling. I had thought about doing the same thing when facing my last few months at my old office job. In the end, I decided it wasn't worth it. I also decided that my desire to do this had more to do with escaping my job ASAP more than anything else.

Also, apparently at my school you can work as a CNA at our affiliated hospital after just one semester of nursing classes! You don't even need to get the certificate.

In the end you have to do what you think is best for your situation. I hope this helps though. Good luck!

mama_d, BSN, RN · Sep 2, 2008

In over eight years of nursing, it's been rare that I couldn't pick out the other nurses who weren't techs/CNAs first. Not that there is anything wrong with not following that path, but in general those who have been there done that as a tech are more understanding, more willing to help without being asked, and more willing to work with the techs than those who haven't been.

edisongirl25 · Sep 4, 2008

In over eight years of nursing, it's been rare that I couldn't pick out the other nurses who weren't techs/CNAs first. Not that there is anything wrong with not following that path, but in general those who have been there done that as a tech are more understanding, more willing to help without being asked, and more willing to work with the techs than those who haven't been.

I agree. I was a tech first and I understand all the stuff they are responsible for so I don't mind helping when I can.

NursePeace · Sep 5, 2008

Oh yes, I have met good nurses who havent been aides/techs. BUT, you can for sure tell the difference. One of my bosses says she cant help the aides because she hasnt been "trained" to do that. UMMMM last time I checked you get that training in nursing school. Plus, do you really need to be trained to take an ambulatory resident to the bathroom, come on, really??

bossynurse101 · Sep 5, 2008

Kudos to anyone willing to be a CNA. Probably the toughest and least paying job I had. But you know what? It made me a better nurse. Something about walking a mile in someone else's shoes. You cant possibly understand the degree of difficulty unless you have lived it. My aides appreciated me for appreciating them and trust me, a CNA can make or break you in some places. :bow:

Atheos · Sep 5, 2008

Certainly can't hurt. But be prepared - it's the hardest,most under-appreciated job you'll ever find. Good luck !

It's also one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done! Resident sometimes DO appreciate you!!

:)

alkaleidi · Sep 5, 2008

Speaking as an RN who started as a CNA, and have since observed a lot of nurses who both did, and did not, work as a CNA prior to becoming an RN, I would vote "YES." Not only does it build character as well as appreciation for CNAs in the long run, it prepares you for being more self-sufficient and well-rounded as a nurse. Yes, this is my OPINION. Not a fact, just what I, personally, have seen. In a variety of settings, those who "moved up the food chain," with exceptions, seem to be less afraid to get their hands dirty, more motivated to take on responsibility in all aspects of their patient's care. Meaning, capable of starting the hardest IVs and running the roughest codes, meanwhile giving the same effort to the patient that needs help up on a commode or has been waiting for 5+ minutes to have their call light answered.

Again, just my opinion. Please don't flame me. :)