How can one go about becoming a cna while already in nursing school

[breeqt]

I'm in my second semester of nursing school and we just started going to the hospitals for clinicals. I'd really like to get a job in the hospital as a cna or pct. But from my understanding to become a cna the programs usually last 3-6 months, which I wouldnt have the time for, considering I'm already a full time nursing student. It also seems those of you who work as a cna while in nursing school became one prior to starting. Most of what a cna does i'm sure I already learned first semester. So I was just wondering what options I would have to becoming ceritified as a cna? and what the process is like? Are there programs that you can take that are tailored to what you already know, meaning instead of doing the whole 3-6 months i can pass out of things I already know?

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

True, but CNA class is often the best way to get to learn the proper way to get people to turn, feed, roll, etc. I work as a nursing assistant/med tech at the local hospital and my job description states "must have a current CNA registry OR have completed 1st semester of nursing program". You do learn a lot of pt care that first semester as your clinicals are primarily LTC. However, nothing can prepare you for your first detox, fight, combative, dying, friendly, Pain pump, etc patients. after the first 1/2 of each variety, you pick up the routine and your tricks pretty quickly. Contact your hospital and remember "A job is just a job. CARE and the hours fly by. GRIPE and they go by as days...."

[luvmy3kids]

I've noticed at the hospital I volunteer at... the education requirements for CNA is the CNA certificate or 1-2 (I can't remember which) semesters of clinicals for the ADN program (or BSN of course)....hope that helps!

[brissie]

In Washington State you can challenge the CNA test after completing a predetermined section of school. I wanted a CNA license for Idaho which does not allow you to challenge the CNA test so I got my Washington CNA license then applied for reciprocity in Idaho.

[rags]

In Wyoming the State Board of Nursing will issue you a CNA license with application, fee, and finger prints after completion of first semester of nursing school. You have to have that license here to work as a CNA. The only thing the semester of nursing school changes (because have to have completed the CNA class prior to beginning nursing school) is the exam for the license.

I'd call your local Board of Nursing. They issue the license so why mess with asking anyone else? Straight to the source! That's what I'd say. I called and got mine after I failed to pass the NCLEX the first time. I took the money and info they needed from me right after talking to them on the phone and had my license the next day. They already had my transcripts and had completed my background check though from when I applied to take the NCLEX, so I am sure that sped the process up a tad.

Good luck to you and I agree that it will definitely benefit you. I hadn't realized how much it helped me until I had to do it! I wouldn't trade the experience for anything!!! It definitely benefited my abilities as an RN.

rags

[jjhorta]

i was able to become certified through the company I decided to work for. While in school I started working in a nursing home and they paid for me to get my CNA.

[marilynmom, LPN, NP]

If your in nursing school and have completed Fundamentals/ Foundations you should be able to get a job as a CNA/NA. I didn't even have to sit for an exam or anything, just showed them my transcript, etc. I don't know any hospital around here that required RN students to actually take the CNA class (which is only 4 weeks here).

It is good experience, at least to get used to working in a hospital if nothing else. I now work as a tech which is totally different (and what I would TOTALLY RECOMMEND!). CNA is HARD work I am sure anyone will tell you, some floors were absolutly horrible and some were fantastic (ICU, ER, etc). It was a good way for me to know exactly what type of nursing I wanted to do when I graduate and gave me some really basic basic skills that every RN needs (turning patients, getting used to poop and vomit, applying restraints, dealing with families, I&Os, etc).

[Scrubz]

In our area you can sit for the CNA test after you've completed your RN fundamentals class (basics of nursing). Our CNA courses are usually 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Your school should be able to help you. Good luck!

I've never heard of that, but it makes sense. Once you get through nursing fundamentals you should be able to do anything a CNA could do. It's not really that hard to do what a CNA does, I think the hard part is how you compose yourself while doing it. Not to say that it never gets dirty, nasty, or intense at points though.

But if you can be a CNA while in nursing school, do it.. Much better than working at a cash register or something. You already get one foot in the door and get to see how a hospital functions. I can't imagine going from my old job at a movie theatre to RN the next week. Sure you get clinical time during school, but it's not the same as actually working there.