Becoming a CNA?

dreamer30 · Jul 14, 2015

You don't have to but it's always good to have it while in school. Now days wherever you worked as a CNA you gave a really good chance of working thier as a nurse. If you want to work in a hospital as a Tech CNA is awesome to have.

vuphan86 · Jul 14, 2015

i suggest you wait until you get into the nursing program. it depends on your school. my school is that i can take CNA test after 2 quarters. dont wait your money on CNA program. Moreover, you can apply as a student nurse or nursing assistant in the hospital without CnA license when you get into nursing program. Good luck.

changr · Jul 14, 2015

This was really helpful! Thanks a lot! I was soo stressed out whether I should apply to a cna training class because right now Inam on a tight schedule on both money and school so this is really helpful!

Leonardsmom,LPN · Jul 14, 2015

You are applying to the nursing program in January, if you get in when would you expect to start? Depending on when the actual program started I would use that to determine if it might be worth taking a CNA class now or waiting. If you wouldn't start the actual program until the fall, a CNA class would allow you to start working in a patient care setting before you start classes. Depending on what your financial situation is you might want to wait until you find out if you are accepted into the program you are applying to.

changr · Jul 14, 2015

You are applying to the nursing program in January, if you get in when would you expect to start? Depending on when the actual program started I would use that to determine if it might be worth taking a CNA class now or waiting. If you wouldn't start the actual program until the fall, a CNA class would allow you to start working in a patient care setting before you start classes. Depending on what your financial situation is you might want to wait until you find out if you are accepted into the program you are applying to.

Yes that is correct. If I am accepted, I am expected to start in the fall. I was thinking of doing my cna training next summer because it wouldn't if in my schedule this summer. Thanks for answering!

Also btw do you recommend finding ajob as a cna and if i get accepted should i still continue working as a cna throughout nursing school?

allnurses Guide · Jul 14, 2015

This questions comes up regularly so sorry folks if some of you have heard my answer before.

My mentor told me not to take the CNA class. The first part of nursing school you are basically learning patient care like a CNA - you are taught to take vital signs, bath patients, move patients in bed, walk patients with walkers, etc. I never planned to work as a CNA so it was a considered a waste of time and money for me.

My mentor wanted me to take the summer before nursing school to spend with my family as my time was going to be limited for the next two years. She also hired me after I was finished with school.

Some programs require a CNA license prior to starting nursing school. Mine did not.

I truly think that if you are a team player and a hard worker, you will be fine. Being a CNA first does not guarantee that you'll be the nurse who still helps the CNA out with patient care when you can which is why many people say being a CNA is a good idea.

Best of luck when you start school. Get ready to study hard. :up: