Accepted Into Nursing School, Want to get a CNA Certification While I wait?

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I really would like a CNA certification for SOME kind of clinical experience other than lab work before I enter nursing school. I have done BLS/CPR but that is it. I really want clinical experience, even if I have to learn it step-by-step online somewhere. I feel like my knowledge in that area of nursing will be extremely weak and I really dislike going into something (especially when we are talking about a MAJOR) without ANY type of background. Is there anywhere that anyone has taken a CNA certification program? Or has anyone just taken the competency evaluation without any formal course/training? I just want to know where I stand on being able to do this as I wait for nursing school. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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Did you end up finding a place locally to get the training??

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Have you talked to an advisor at your school about this? In my accelerated BSN program, students are allowed to work as CNAs after the first semester without having to attend extra training.

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Specializes in Hospice + Palliative.

you certainly *could* do a CNA training course prior to starting nursing school, but in all honesty, it would be a waste of money. In your first semester of nursing school, you will learn all of the same skills in simulation lab prior to actually going into any clinical site.

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I actually did get a CNA exam prep course. I also was hired onto a hospital as a PCT so I am getting a TON of clinical training as well as sponged full of information, policies and procedures. I just hope I will be able to keep up! Thanks everyone for responding. It makes me feel good to know that I can come here with questions of all aspects of nursing.

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Look up your local red cross some offer CNA programs 6-8 weeks long. Good luck.

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