Should I become a CNA while doing prerequisites?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I'm currently unemployed and will be doing my pre nursing classes in the fall.nI have the opportunity to become a CNA or go back to office work to pay the bills. Should I become a CNA while working my way to RN? Will it help me in the long run as far as getting a job as an RN when I graduate? Is the pay too low that maybe going back to work in a corporate office might be better?What are the pros and cons?

Hello! From what I have read, it is HIGHLY recommended to work as a CNA before/during nursing school. If you will look, there are several previous posters who asked the same question, and many suggest obtaining the cna certification. The pay is not too great, if you are comparing it to corporate world! LOL! But you can probably expect 9-10$ hr in the southern smaller towns (I live in NC) , maybe a little more in the bigger cities?? really just depending on where you live. Most places (again, only from what I have heard) are very good about working with your school schedule. I think the experience you gain in that type of setting, is invaluable for the aspiring nursing student. I am planning on getting my CNA before I go to nursing school as well. I have worked as a medical assistant for years, and I can tell you I gained a lot of knowledge! However, since I have never worked in the hospital setting, I believe that working as a CNA can only benefit me as well. I say go for it if you can!! You will gain "connections" too, that might possibly help you get a job after school. GOOD LUCK :)

depends on how much your bills are. Can you afford to live on 10-12 dollars an hour? Working as a CNA from what i read on here is a good idea. I start a BSN program in august and I'm not a cna and don't plan on becoming one.

Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

Check your nursing program entrance application...some offer "bonus points" for admission if you're a certified CNA (or EMT or Phlebotomist)

I was a CNA years ago and while I value the patient care experience I gained, the thought of working in another nursing home as a CNA does not appeal to me. Yes, I can do it. Yes, there are aspects of the job I liked. But at my age (42), the back-breaking, menial work that goes along with it just doesn't excite me. I did like learning to do vitals, learning how to accurately report/chart, positioning patients, assisting patients, etc. That will definitely be useful when I'm ready for nursing clinicals and (eventually) RN work. But the rest of it (making beds, washing linens, etc.) was not something I enjoyed.

I'm going to get my phlebotomy certification and get venipuncture experience. It will also allow me to work part-time & volunteer at Red Cross, which will give more points for the nursing school application. I'm excited about doing something new, as well.

Good luck with your decision!

Specializes in being a Credible Source.

My opinion (as a nurse who was required to obtain a CNA cert prior to matriculation) is that it's of no particular benefit to have CNA experience. I'd advise you to do whatever you're able to earn the most money and have the most flexibility.

Being a CNA is hard, demanding, and generally underappraciated work - and seriously undercompensated.

If it can pay the bills, yes. It will prepare you for working with patients. Also, many nurses you work with are happy to teach you and help you understand things you are studying in a practical way.

Specializes in Long Term Care,Cardiac Care,Pediatric..

I have been a CNA for about 4 years. I'm doing my pre-nursing classes and in my opinion I would do it. Not only are you getting the idea of what you will be doing as a nurse, you will also be knowledgeable and prepared for your nursing school/career. I feel so comfortable with everything, that I feel when it comes to doing clinicals, it will be very easy for me. I make pretty decent money as well. I'm not rich, but can pay my bills and have extra money for whatever. My school requires it and many people have it but not sure if all of them are actually getting jobs. Good luck with your decision!

It is good experience, but make sure you have time left to study so you don't fall behind due to work. CNA is hard work, you'll probably be exhasted when you get home. If you can pay the bills then you should probably wait.

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