Trouble finding job as RN if never a CNA?

Equinox_93 · Feb 15, 2009

I have recently decided to go to nursing school, however this is a second career choice, so time and funds are a factor. I had a friend whose sister is a nurse tell me that if I go straight to getting my RN, I will have a hard time finding a job. Is this correct? should i become a CNA before I go to nursing school? Thanks for any advice!!

Around here being a CNA seems to be required to even get into a nursing program (LPN or RN). I'd think that those who have worked as a CNA do have the advantage because it is field related experience, additional training and gives nurses a broader perspective as far as patient care is concerned.

If you have the time/energy for it- do a google search for 'free stna training' in your area- in some cases, facilities offer their own training, for free. It may require working with them for a bit- but given that the training is only about two months- by the time you finish the RN degree, you'd probably have a good 6 months plus experience in the field already which looks GREAT on a resume....

Good luck!

GOMER42 · Feb 15, 2009

Really, it would be better to work as a student nurse.

A CNA is good related experience, but it teaches you how to be a CNA, not a nurse.

Equinox_93 · Feb 15, 2009

Really, it would be better to work as a student nurse.
A CNA is good related experience, but it teaches you how to be a CNA, not a nurse.

Sure it does- (teaches one to be a CNA not a nurse) however- it does two things- first of which being that it teaches the budding nurse how to care for the patient on that level as well as the nursing level. Secondly it gives them the experience of *being* a CNA so when they have to *work* with CNAs they both understand and appreciate all that they do and don't take it for granted, having experienced it from that side of the degree as well. I've heard SO many times- here and elsewhere- that nurses who started as CNAs tend to make better nurses because of that broader perspective.

Jules A, MSN · Feb 15, 2009

It sounds like it depends on your area. No way could I have afforded to work for CNA wages nor did I really have a desire to do their very difficult job for such paltry wages. In my experience during our first semester of LPN school it was a huge help for the CNAs because I didn't even know how to take a BP, after that not so much. The only other instance where I felt it was beneficial was a girl that worked as a tech in L&D because she wanted to be hired on that specific unit after graduation although she probably could have gotten hired there anyway. Without any health care experience I was hired into a speciality right out of school. Good luck with whatever you decide.

sistasoul · Feb 15, 2009

I know plenty of nurses who got hired right after graduation without ever having workes as an aide. I think it may give you a slight advantage but is not necessary.

annaidjb · Feb 15, 2009

I agree that it is a good idea to work as a Cna prior to being a nurse. Too many nurses are being graduated with very little clinical experience, yet are to be IN CHARGE when they are on the floor, and they truly don't know what they are doing. Being a charge nurse is more than paperwork and delegation. A wise nurse listens and depends on ALL her/his staff and an experienced CNA is a very valuable resource. Any nurse can benefit from knowing the duties of all the staff they work with.

learning08 · Feb 15, 2009

It's up to you. Around here, hospitals will hire you as an SNA (student) once you finish your nursing fundamentals course in nursing school. You'll be able to do CNA work ithout having to go through an additional CNA class. That being said, I know many people who got hired as graduate nurses with no prior patient care experience, so no, working as a CNA first is not a requirement. I respect and value our CNAs and always lend them a helping hand, but in all honesty, I do not want their back-breaking, menial work on a day-in, day-out basis. Through nursing school, I continued in my prior job part-time and made more than I would have as a CNA.

jessi1106, BSN, RN · Feb 16, 2009

I never worked as a CNA..if I had had the time, would have appreciated the experience...but I had kids/other obligations in nursing school..

I had a job before graduation.

Certainly is not a requirement.

jjensen · Feb 16, 2009

I was never a CNA and I had no troubles at all...