CNA WHILE IN SCHOOL

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I just finished my first semester of my prereqs and was contemplating should I work as a CNA while in school? I am a mother and going to school full time and was really needing advice as to what should I do? I'm currently looking for employment and figured becoming a CNA would be a great way to earn some money and work in the medical field. And if I do become a CNA should I work part time or full time?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Hi and welcome to AN - the largest peer to peer nursing network!

Full time or part time is up to you. Why not wait to see how your classes line up? Best wishes.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

CNA is a great route to take, and if you're smart, you'll build connections that can help you when you are trying to find work as a RN. It's not a guarantee, but it can help. Just be sure to take a CNA class through a community college or the Red Cross or something, and not one of those super expensive tech schools. :)

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.

I'm working full time as a CNA now and it was easy this past semester because I only took one class but next semester I'm going to school full time so I'm cutting down on hours and will be working part time possibly only weekends or three 12s. I feel like I can handle it without getting burnt out in either area, it really depends on what you can handle and what your stress levels are.

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Thanks for the advice.....I was thinking about doing the three 12 hour shifts as well. Is the CNA work really challenging?

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I can't lie being a CNA is labor intensive work and it means you are truly on your feet for 12 hours. BUT the experience is amazing. You will learn so much. I really believe every nurse should be a CNA first. You get a better idea of the patients experience. You see see a lot. Some of it you will hold onto and say when I am an RN I will or won't be like ______. As far as full or part time you have to decide that for yourself. Full is doable.

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.
Thanks for the advice.....I was thinking about doing the three 12 hour shifts as well. Is the CNA work really challenging?

It was really challenging at first until I got the hang of the flow and what I can and can't do physically. Other CNAs may be able to move someone with a one person transfer but I hate risking something happening under my care so I wait until a two person transfer can happen etc. I use proper body mechanics so I'm not sore at the end of every shift, only especially hard ones. It can be emotionally taxing as well depending on how close you get to the residents.

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Hi there!

A year ago I was working as a CNA full time and going to school part time. It did not work so well with me to be honest. (My son was only 1 year old, that was another stressful thing to add) But as I was going to school 8am-11am (plus labs of certain courses) , I was also working from 3:30pm-11:30pm, MON-FRI. It interferred with my grades a whole lot! I ended up dropping a few classes and only stood with an online algebra class. (I ended up quitting and having school as my main priority) So I personally recommend MAYBE work part-time? If you're good at balancing your personal schedule, im sure you'll do just fine! :) just remember; being a CNA takes a whole lot of energy, good luck!

P.s. I actually miss working :(

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I was a cna while in school. I worked 2-12 hr shifts. It gave me an edge during school as well. I always thought that all nurses should be cna's prior to nursing school. The only thing that ticked me off was when I graduated, they hired someone else for a nursing spot. Even though I had been there for two years.

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Could you email me [email protected]

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