Got any good advice for a CNA that wants to be an RN?

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 14, 2002

Go to school.

NO seriously, if this is what you want, work your way toward that goal. You have a good idea what you are in for, so you are an excellent candidate to do it. GO FOR IT!

almostanurse · Nov 14, 2002

be sure that your heart and mind is open. when you start cna work look, listen, and learn by observing those around you. when I was an aid I had a nurse that would let me help he by holding pt as she did dressing changes, and helping with tube feadings, ect... let them know your interested in learning, and they will at least let you watch and they will usually explain things. OH and get some good moisterizer for your hands, after all the hand washing you will be doing you will need it. get comfortable shoes, and you will do fine

Pamelita · Nov 14, 2002

HI :)

I was a CNA for 2 years when I was in nursing school and believe me, I learned more in the floor when I was working as a CNA than in clinicals. Its a big help because you are close to patients and can see what the other nurses do and ask questions. The coolest thing is that little by little you can apply what are you are learning in nursing school and everything will make more sense.

go for it!!! its worth it!

ps. plus the other cool thing about it its that once you are an RN you'll understand better your CNA"s, its hard work and you can say, hey I was in your shoes once!

Merry1 · Nov 14, 2002

You have a clue of what nurses do and what the expectation of your duties as a nurse will be. If you wish to continue on then start taking General Education classes and work from that vantage point. Go to your local college, ask questions, find the scholarships(you are online:)) and then get to it. Faster started is faster finished! :cool: Anyway, if you don't have children, two car payments and a mortage it will be so much easier on you. If you have all those then just muddle through like we did and do your best. Is no more practical advice I can give. Good Luck!

BadBird, BSN, RN · Nov 14, 2002

Mandi,

As a CNA you know what you are in for, LOL. Just do it, don't procrastinate, drive to what ever school you choose, say a ADN program, go to the advisors office so you can get started on your prerequisites. If you have to take one class at a time that is ok, you are working toward your goal. My advice is just do it !!! Good luck.

neuroRN, RN · Nov 15, 2002

Starting out as a CNA is a very good way to begin. I worked as a CNA and then a Medical Assistant while I spent two years on my pre-requisites and another two in nursing school. My experience I gained was very beneficial. Like many others siad it is a great time to observe other nurses and ask a lot of questions, jump on any experiences you can and good luck! :)

fairyprincess2003 · Nov 15, 2002

hey there

I was a CNA a few years ago, now I am soon to be entering my last semester of school:) I am in a BSN program.

When I was in clinicals last semester there were some CNA's who seemed snotty and mean to me and other student nurses,....but there was this one who wanted to be an RN and had just enrolled in our local community college. She was so nice and helpful to us, that we helped her back. Whenever we did a new dressing change or a Central line change or anything "cool" we would let her come in and watch and tell her what she was seeing and what we were doing.

My point is as a CNA be helpful to your nurses and be yourself, you will see they will want to help you a lot more too:)

Good luck

ceecel.dee, MSN, RN · Nov 16, 2002

Just know your job description, and fulfill it. If it says "clean the diet kitchen fridge and freezer", just do it. If you took the job, you should have read the job description.

Never say "they don't pay me enough to do this job" in front of LPN's or RN's....you can expect them to say "take the classes if you think it's so easy!"

mario_ragucci · Nov 16, 2002

Um finding that being a CNA on a med specialties floor is both a help and a detrment. When you consider the insructors, and how they will relate to you being a CNA is even more to consider.

At week 9 in NS I will to be quiet at least 90% of the time. Someone posteda message here that said NS instructors are suppossed to teach and get you to pass the NCLEX. No nurses talk of fond memories of nursing school. What a shame, because I was expecting too much, admittedly, I am excited about it all.

PamElliott_rn · Nov 16, 2002

If you want to do it because you feel it in your bones that you HAVE to do it...then do it. If you are in it because of the money....Then DON'T do it. You could do more harm than good, to yourself and possibly to your patients. It's a profession that you have to be completely dedicated to. You have to be willing to stand up for your patients....and for yourself at times. It's a very rewarding experience. But also a very demanding, stressful profession. You can always tell a nurse that has been a cna....They are the best ones.....Go for it if you feel the need.

:)

NurseRoseBeetle · Nov 16, 2002

Call a school apply and go. Get your A&P, Psyc, English 101 etc out of the way before you start the program, so that its not as overwhelming. Prepare for two years of stress and pure hell. Learn how to write in APA foremat NOW. Nursing school is like pledging a bizzarre soriety. :devil: