Which one should I choose?

Nurses General Nursing

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(I'm not sure which category to put this post in so sorry in advance)

Hello all,

Main Question: Should I use my 1,574 refund check to spend on a CNA program for this fall or use it to finish up my last 4 perquisites?

Background information: I need 4 prequisites to be completed before I can start the nursing core classes next fall. However, I can take those 4 pre-reqs in the university itself, but it will also delay me from starting the official nursing program next fall and I would have to be a 5th year senior (I have one semester to finish up my Gen Eds this year).

But I also want to become a CNA and be able to get that one year of experience when I do graduate nursing school (I planned to work every summer).

My classes will cost about 1,300 and the closest CNA program to me will be $900. So which one should I choose: Graduate nursing school with my BSN in 3 years or become a CNA and gain that 1 year of experience?

Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

Pay for your classes.

Specializes in NICU.
But I also want to become a CNA and be able to get that one year of experience when I do graduate nursing school (I planned to work every summer).

Graduate nursing school with my BSN in 3 years or become a CNA and gain that 1 year of experience?

Are you implying that working as a CNA for a year will get you "1 yr of nursing experience" for RN positions?

Yes, so I could have a year of experience because many jobs required that now... My school highly recommends me to become a CNA too.

Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

CNA experience does not count towards the one yr experience required for an RN position. Even LPN experience is rarely taken into consideration.

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Check you may be able to challenge the CNA after your first semester nursing fundamentals course. Take the classes. A year of CNA experience does not count as a year of nursing experience as far as applying for jobs. Only a year of paid experience working as a licensed nurse counts as a year nursing experiencd

Specializes in Home Health,Dialysis, MDS, School Nurse.

I'm not sure if its like this everywhere, but around here, most employers will pay for your CNA training, or train you themselves.

Oohhh, I didn't know...

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