Becoming a CNA before getting a BSN?

thmpr · Mar 20, 2009

This is a fantastic opportunity that I don't think you should pass up! There are so many benefits to working with patients prior to becoming a nurse. I don't regret having taken that path myself.

WoofyMutt80 · Mar 20, 2009

Being a CNA first is a wonderful idea because it gets your foot in the door of the healthcare world and it gives you experience with patients under your belt. Alot of RN's I know started out as CNA's or orderlies before going to RN school and they worked as CNA's during school.

interleukin · Mar 20, 2009

Yes, basically good idea.

But know that a CNA is a very hard job--especially if you are hired in a poorly run facility that views you only as a menial laborer and not a valued future RN--for meager pay considering what you will be doing.

Still, in this economy, it's better than doing nada.

truern · Mar 20, 2009

Not only is it a good idea, it's a great idea! :)

I think it should be required for admission to nursing school...I know several schools in my area have added the requirement.

Good luck with your education and welcome to allnurses.

WoofyMutt80 · Mar 20, 2009

Yes, basically good idea.
But know that a CNA is a very hard job--especially if you are hired in a poorly run facility that views you only as a menial laborer and not a valued future RN--for meager pay considering what you will be doing.
Still, in this economy, it's better than doing nada.

True, and just do what I wish I had done when I started out as an aide and listen to those who said that a certain nursing home sucked ass, and do your research and go by word of mouth when choosing a facility you want to work at. It is a hard job, physically and mentally and it is very rewarding. It will give you a head start in the nursing world, and we all had to start somewhere even if it was a poorly paid, hard working CNA. CNA's are the worker bees in most facilities. :nurse:

schwitzgo · Mar 20, 2009

Definitely a good idea! I worked as a CNA while I was in school, it helped me feel alot more comfortable in my clinical experience because I was used to going into patient rooms and talking to patients. You learn alot of stuff as a CNA and it only helps later on! Good luck with nursing school.

tmartinez.RN.BSN · Mar 20, 2009

I definitely think you should! I worked as a CNA before I started nursing school and also during. It helped me get more comfortable with working with patients, which a lot of my instructors and classmates noticed. It definitely helps you! G'luck to you!

sweetart_1980, RN, CNS · Mar 20, 2009

one thing i could suggest cause i did it myself..if u can find a cna job in a teaching hospital they are used to nursing students and how to deal with them and will help u learn as much as possible while u work...and bonus u might just slide right into a open nursing position there. at my hospital they were following my progress through nursing school and kept asking me when are u taking ur test, when will u start with us as a RN. No worries finding that first postition!

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2009

Is it a good idea to become a CNA first and use my certification to work the summers between my college years? Any insight is greatly appreciated! Thanks

Yes, it is a good idea.

neatnurse30 · Mar 20, 2009

This is a great opportunity to see what's going on in the healthcare word. When I was in nursing school, the first semester we had few nursing students who were nursing assistants and they were ahead of the game, they felt comfortable with a hospital setting and knew a lot of things we didn't know. Also, you will see what actually nurses do and talk about. It will help you decide if you really want to pursue nursing. I wish I could have done this prior going to nursing school!

Ebostylin · Mar 20, 2009

Yes, do it.