Question for those of you whose schools required CNA class as prerequisite...

Altra, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2004

It seems to work differently at different schools, but from my experience, we did do the basic stuff but also had to do considerable prep about the pt.'s disease process, so it was the beginning of looking at the larger picture. We didn't do meds until 2nd semester - some schools seem to incorporate that sooner, depending on when you have pharm, dosage calculation & med administration in class.

Achoo!, LPN · Jul 31, 2004

They just implemented the new program requirements, and the new students will start this fall, so I am not sure how different the first semester would be.

fnord · Jul 31, 2004

I'm not actually sure the program I'm interested in does require CNA as a prereq, but I took a quickie course anyway. It may be useful, it may just be repeated in the first semester. It will however qualify me for a position in a hospital if I choose to go that route.

malenurse1 · Aug 1, 2004

Remember that the CNA info is very basic. The info you will get as an RN student is much more indepth, as it requires a greater level of critical thinking.

christinemj · Aug 2, 2004

My school required the CNA training. On Day 1 of Nursing classes it was assumed that we were all capable of accomplishing any CNA-type tasks and they were never repeated in the nursing courses.

klone, MSN, RN · Aug 2, 2004

My school required the CNA training. On Day 1 of Nursing classes it was assumed that we were all capable of accomplishing any CNA-type tasks and they were never repeated in the nursing courses.

Oh, good. I was hoping someone would say that. I pray it's the same at my school. I guess I'll find out next week!

lady_jezebel · Aug 2, 2004

You will find some of it to be basic, but you will be taught more than you learned in your CNA program. So what it you repeat a lot of the same stuff -- it will free up your time to study more important things for a semester, like pathophysiology or pharmacology. It's an advantage to have some skills before starting a nursing program.

PCGrad06 · Aug 3, 2004

At one college I applied to does require the class and the other did not. So I took it then found out that I was accepted into the RN program that did not require the CNA class. This class caused me to miss out on taking the BIO251 class I need but it gave me an insight as to what to expect in the field of nursing. :) I begin the nursing classes in a couple of weeks!

stressgal, RN · Aug 3, 2004

It is a pre req at my school and I am glad it was. I'm in my first quarter of the nursing program and we started with a review on TPR, but then went into wound dressing skills. I too have read posts of those who bathe fellow students and learn basic skills first quarter but my program assumes you have accomplished those skills due to the pre req.

My biggest advice to you is be VERY organized and prepared when the classes do start. It was very overwhelming for many. I looked behind me yesterday during Physical Assessment class and would estimate 25-30% of the class has dropped. We are in week 7 of a ten week quarter.

Good luck!

Mandylpn · Aug 4, 2004

I've been reading through different students' experiences with first semester nursing programs. It seems that most of it is stuff that's already covered in CNA classes - universal precautions, changing linens, ADLs, that type of thing. So I'm wondering if, for those of you for whom a CNA class or certificate is required as a prerequisite to the nursing program, if your first semester as a nursing student is basically a repeat of what you learned in CNA training, or if you start out at a higher level.
I think I'm going to be very frustrated if I find out that first semester is basically a repeat of the CNA class I took in June.

No, not for me, we learned new skills which built upon those already learned in CNA. You will love learning new skills and starting to feel like a "nurse".