CNA to RN

[doherty0]

How do you feel about being a CNA while your in nursing school? I think it's a good idea because it will give you hands on experience while your taking classes. It may even help you with some of your classes.

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

I have many classmates who were CNAs in my program. They definitely know tips & tricks for the basic skills we learn for clinicals. I don't know about it giving you a leg up in classes though. They seemed to struggle as much as the students who weren't CNAs

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Benefits of being a CNA:

A glimpse into the health care world. Not much of a glimpse into nursing-only duties, but a good foundation for basic skills.

Ability to establish an employment history with a facility that may be an option as an RN.

Access to internal applicant only job postings.

Access to those who can be future references for job applications.

Drawbacks:

Depending on how many hours you work, could interfere with study time. A balance is a necessity.

Learn the "real world" of health care vs. the "textbook world" of health care that nursing school exams and NCLEX will be based on.

I'm sure others may have other things to add. Also, there are some nursing programs that require applicants to be a CNA.