does it help to have CNA experience in clinical nursing school

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 26, 2005

I never had any experience and they taught me everything I needed to know in nursing school.

I did notice those who were CNAs or LPNs already did seem to be more organized and comfortable, and I fumbled about at first. So it definately an advantage, but not necessary.

Good luck to you.

hali · Aug 26, 2005

:wink2: Thank you so much for your response. I do appreciate that.

allnurses Guide · Aug 26, 2005

:wink2: Thank you so much for your response. I do appreciate that.

I agree with Tweety -

And there are at least three threads on this issue, one I responded to this morning. Lots of responses.

steph

allnurses Guide · Aug 26, 2005

I found one thread - it is called "CNA to RN" and is in the Pre-Nursing Student Forum.

That's just one though . ... do a search for many, many others.

steph

RN and Mommy · Aug 26, 2005

Hi everybody
I have a big concern regarding the nursing schol clinical procedure. I never worked as A cna and have no hosital experience. is this going to cause any problem for me when starting clinical training.
I really really looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks very much :kiss

I WORK AS A CNA AT A HOSPITAL AND I THINK THAT IT DID HELP WITH MY FIRST SEMESTER IN NURSING SCHOOL AND THAT IS ABOUT IT. IT HELPS WITH BEING COMFORTABLE PERFORMING VITAL SIGNS AND GIVING BED BATHS AND TALKING WITH THE PATIENT. I AM NOW IN MY THIRD SEMESTER AND I THINK WE ARE ALL ON AN EVEN PLAYING FIELD NOW. GOOD LUCK WITH SCHOOL! I AM SURE YOU WILL DO FINE!!!

MistyLou · Aug 27, 2005

I never worked as an STNA/CNA before starting nursing school and received high marks clinically; however, I always felt unprepared/uncoordinated and uncomfortable. 3 qtrs later I was still feeling the same way. I was offered a tech position from one of the nursing supervisors and am so glad that I took it. It has helped to ease the tension in every way.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Aug 28, 2005

No. You don't need CNA experience to be an RN. As a CNA you learn to do basic nursing care and maybe a little prioritizing and that's pretty much it. That is only one aspect of RN education. Most of a person's RN education is spent learning about medications, problem solving, prioritizing, patient advocacy and many, many other things. You will learn all the basic nursing care within the first few weeks of school.

One of the problems I read about all the time on these forums is the problems of new RNs who have been CNAs. They have a great deal of difficulty detaching themselves from their CNA roots that they have trouble dealing with being new RNs.

allnurses Guide · Aug 29, 2005

No. You don't need CNA experience to be an RN. As a CNA you learn to do basic nursing care and maybe a little prioritizing and that's pretty much it. That is only one aspect of RN education. Most of a person's RN education is spent learning about medications, problem solving, prioritizing, patient advocacy and many, many other things. You will learn all the basic nursing care within the first few weeks of school.
One of the problems I read about all the time on these forums is the problems of new RNs who have been CNAs. They have a great deal of difficulty detaching themselves from their CNA roots that they have trouble dealing with being new RNs.

Regarding your last sentence, I've been told that also and actually seen it. Doesn't mean all CNA's to RN's have that problem . . .but there is a definite mindset/goal for being a CNA vs. an RN. Even transitioning from LVN to RN can be difficult.

But as I said, not for everybody.

steph

AuntieRN · Aug 30, 2005

No. You don't need CNA experience to be an RN. As a CNA you learn to do basic nursing care and maybe a little prioritizing and that's pretty much it. That is only one aspect of RN education. Most of a person's RN education is spent learning about medications, problem solving, prioritizing, patient advocacy and many, many other things. You will learn all the basic nursing care within the first few weeks of school.
One of the problems I read about all the time on these forums is the problems of new RNs who have been CNAs. They have a great deal of difficulty detaching themselves from their CNA roots that they have trouble dealing with being new RNs.

What do you mean they have trouble detaching from their CNA roots? I am also a nursing student who was a CNA for over 20 years. I am just wondering now if there is something I should be doing to "deprogram" myself now to be ready for my new position?

MistyLou · Aug 30, 2005

What do you mean they have trouble detaching from their CNA roots? I am also a nursing student who was a CNA for over 20 years. I am just wondering now if there is something I should be doing to "deprogram" myself now to be ready for my new position?

I'm confused by that too. By "detaching" are you insinuating that they have a hard time separating wiping butts/doing bed baths from delagating those tastk to the butt wipers/bed bath givers? :rotfl: If so, that's one of the most hilarious things I've ever heard of. Our instructors at my school tell us that the CNA's/STNA's/Care Techs tend to do extremely well in the program. As a PCT, I can insert foleys/NG's which as a 4th qtr nursing student haven't been able to do clinically.

Back to the original post........ working as a CNA/STNA/PCT definitely won't hurt you. If your're school doesn't require you to be a CNA/STNA, then they will teach you everything you need to know in order to do so. For me, it has helped make me comfortable in giving care.

pandalilly · Aug 30, 2005

Hi everybody
I have a big concern regarding the nursing schol clinical procedure. I never worked as A cna and have no hosital experience. is this going to cause any problem for me when starting clinical training.
I really really looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks very much :kiss

I am a CNA in a long term care facility and I have found that it does help me. Also I feel it is best to be a CNA prior to being a RN.