Should I become a CNA before becoming an RN

MCNS2B · Mar 25, 2009

I think that becoming a CNA isn't necessary to getting into the programs... I applied to all accelerated programs this year (both BSN and MSN programs) with only volunteering as my patient experience and was accepted to almost all the programs that I applied to.

This being said, I must also point out I do currently do healthcare consulting, so i did have that aspect to help me as well, but I think volunteering should be sufficient...

one of my friends did CNA before and said it was helpful to make sure she was SURE she wanted to do nursing, but doesn't htink it made a difference on her application.

Music in My Heart · Mar 25, 2009

I'm 80% through my accelerated DEMSN program and we were required to hold our CNA certificate prior to starting the program. It was required in our case for both liability reasons and to permit us to begin providing patient care in our second week of school. However, I don't think there was really any benefit to me as a student because the knowledge and skills are so rudimentary. They will be taught in your program if you're not required to hold a CNA prior to matriculating.

If your programs require it or consider it as a bonus for making admissions decisions then go for it; otherwise, save the time and money.

You'd be better off investing the money in a high-quality language course.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2009

This has been covered.

https://allnurses.com/gsearch.php?cx=011053513414221467008%3Amv5noemjf4m&cof=DIV%3AF1F1F1%3BBGC%3AFCFCFF%3BFORID%3A10&domains=http%3A%2F%2Fallnurses.com%2F&sig=NrRbS9DWpBilCd8I&flav=0000&q=CNA+before+RN&sitesearch=allnurses.com&sa=Search#1308

HellooooNurse · Mar 25, 2009

You should consider it. Some of my classmates are working as CNAs and are getting tuition reimbursement because they're in school for healthcare.

woodstockn · Mar 25, 2009

I didn't read all the responses, so this may have been covered. Just something to think over... in most nursing programs you can work as a CNA after you pass your level one courses. Then you can work as a CNA without having to pay for a separate course. This is how I did it and was still able to work as a CNA for one year during school, and now I have it to put on New Grad Resumes. Just a thought!

chevyv, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2009

In my school CNA is required but you don't have to ever work as one. I was a cna before going to nursing school and I have to say I was so much more comfortable with hands on than the students who were not cna's. I would definately consider becoming a cna and working as one for awhile. You'll learn some valuable skills as far as just touching another human being who is a complete stranger. You'll also learn how to place a wheelchair when transferring a pt. I can name 100 other skills you will learn as a cna. Go for it!

d!gger · Mar 25, 2009

If cash is an issue, you might want to save it until you start RN school. Like the above poster stated - depending on where you are, you can apply for your CNA after your 1st semester is complete.

Doing CNA work before becoming an RN is valuable. I didn't, but I wish I had. The more exposure you have to different kinds of patients, scenarios, S/S, good responses/bad responses, procedures, personalities, charting, acronyms, etc... the more effective you'll be as a nurse. Plus, once you start clinicals, you'll have some idea of WHY you're doing what your doing. You'll also know exactly what CNAs can do and can't do. You won't waste valuable clinical time learning what you already picked up as a CNA, leaving you more time to dive deeper into assessing and treating your patients... and writing (ugh) care plans.

my 0.02,

dig