Advice for nursing student

Curious1alwys, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2005

The CNA program was a requirement for my NS before we started. They are not going to reteach us those skills. I am assuming it is opposite for you..you will get taught the same skills Block 1 NS. It is still good you are taking the class because you will get a greater comfort level for the skills and be more at ease when NS clinicals start. (somwhat)

They don't just "let you drown". You do learn skills, the way they want you to learn them. I will say, however, that my CNA clinicals were eye-opening for me about how tough a job CNA work is. There were times in my clinicals the CNA would leave and tell me to "go into so and so's room and do so and so" and yes, momentarily I would freak out, because you do feel like a fish out of water for a bit. But, given enough time and experience there, I think I would feel comfortable. Remember, you only have four days...two facilities (atleast at my school), so there really is no time to get comfortable. Don't worry though, it will be a learning experience, definitly not a waste, and you will be that much more comfortable with pt interaction and manual skills come August/Sept.

Good Luck, you will do great! :)

weaver · Jul 18, 2005

Thanks for the vote of cofidence. I will be at the same facility all week and have heard that the current CNA's love when we come in because they like to torture us. I'm hoping this is all just hype to scare the crap out of us. If so...they have succeeded.

chicagrl72 · Jul 18, 2005

you will find some interesting stories! not an easy job!!! (being a CNA)

momandnurse28 · Jul 18, 2005

Can I ask why you are becoming a CNA- is it for extra money or is it for the experience? My suggestion (many of you may and can disagree with me) is not to work as a CNA. When I began nursing school I had no medical experience what-so-ever. I found that many of the students with experience as aides or medical assisting "thought" they knew more than they did and were given less attention by instructors and clinical leaders. I think while it may boost you confindence when you start clinicals, it will not help you in the long run. I had no problem keeping up with others in my class and was often in fact more adept than them. No one, including myself, had any preconcieved notions about my abilities that would have got in the way of my learning to become a nurse . I think it's like they say about the NCLEX-RN- what ever department you work in- expect to fail that section on your boards. The real world and school are two completely different animals. Just concentrate on school and you will be fine -you do not need prior experience to become a wonderful nurse! (As an aside, many of my friends with experience have also gone on to become wonderful nurses). Good luck in your endeavors!

chicagrl72 · Jul 18, 2005

Unfortunately many ADN programs in my area are requiring students to complete a CNA certificate program before beginning the RN program.

I am in Illinois and curious to see what other people have experienced in regards to this subject

Thanks

weaver · Jul 18, 2005

Can I ask why you are becoming a CNA- is it for extra money or is it for the experience? My suggestion (many of you may and can disagree with me) is not to work as a CNA. When I began nursing school I had no medical experience what-so-ever. I found that many of the students with experience as aides or medical assisting "thought" they knew more than they did and were given less attention by instructors and clinical leaders. I think while it may boost you confindence when you start clinicals, it will not help you in the long run. I had no problem keeping up with others in my class and was often in fact more adept than them. No one, including myself, had any preconcieved notions about my abilities that would have got in the way of my learning to become a nurse . I think it's like they say about the NCLEX-RN- what ever department you work in- expect to fail that section on your boards. The real world and school are two completely different animals. Just concentrate on school and you will be fine -you do not need prior experience to become a wonderful nurse! (As an aside, many of my friends with experience have also gone on to become wonderful nurses). Good luck in your endeavors!

I have been working in the radio and televison industry for the last ten years so becoming a nurse is a giant career change for me. I am looking to get out of my current job because it is such a horrible place to work. My plan is to become a CNA and find a job in a hospital which will hopefully open doors for me when I finish my BSN. I am certainly not expecting to be ahead of anyone else when it comes to school. My desire is to get more experience and immerse myself in the hospital setting.

wanna-b-R.N. · Jul 18, 2005

I had to work in a nursing home for at least a year.. to even be considered to work in a hospital as a C.N.A. That's great you only have to take a extra class. I feel like it was a good experience, but there was alot to heavy lifting involed and it's not as fast paced as a hospital.