Benefits of becoming a CNA before Nursing School??

rn/writer, RN · Mar 10, 2010

BTW, to the OP: some nursing schools require students to be CNAs before they start the programs, so this may be an additional incentive for you to complete CNA training. Good luck to you in your career!

This is true in my area. It used to be that you could be certified as a CNA after the first six weeks of Fundamentals, but as they packed more and more into the program, they eventually had to require CNA training as a pre-req for clinicals.

Check community colleges for classes that won't break the bank. Also, if you intend to work as a CNA while in school, some of the larger nursing homes have their own classes. A few even have paid training, but you have to agree to work for them for a specified length of time--usually six months to a year.

As to the thought that being a CNA might discourage you from becoming a nurse, it could if you equate nursing with CNA duties. Nursing includes CNA tasks, but so much more. In some nursing roles, you will not be asked to do some things on a regular basis, but you should know how to do them. If you don't, a) you won't know how to evaluate or appreciate what a CNA does for your patients, b) you won't be able to show an inexperienced or reluctant CNA how to do what needs to be done, and, c) you won't be as equipped as you need to be to pitch in when the floor is going crazy and everyone needs to work together, regardless of title.

The more you learn as a CNA, the better you'll do as a nurse and team leader down the road.

As for your student career, if you're already trained as a CNA, you'll have a leg up on those of your classmates who have to spend a good month getting used to touching other adults and using good body mechanics, etc.

I was a CNA and an EMT before starting nursing school. The experience I had from those jobs made my student days much easier.

yooper13 · Mar 10, 2010

I have just recently applied to a nursing program, after doing pre-reqs part time this past year. I work full time in an office, but once I start the core curriculum, bye-bye job. I am planning on getting my CNA certification while I am waiting for that to start, not only to get another job that can pay some bills, but also to "get my feet wet" and get some experience. I like that fact that almost every reply to your post was "DO IT!"; that kind of justifies my own plan...thanks!

EwwThat'sNasty · Mar 10, 2010

Absolutely.

I tried to become a CNA and was refused by two county nursing homes because I'm older and have several degrees. "You won't be happy here, go become an RN" is what I heard.

Now six years later, having been a ward nurse, an adult ICU nurse and an Occupational Health Nurse, looking back, I believe that even six months of being a CNA/LNA would have made life much, much more comfortable.

As a CNA you learn how to "handle people." Thus when you go to college to become an RN or BSN that is one immense thing "not to worry about." Having had CNA experience I believe you will learn much more, in less time, and be a better quality student nurse all around.

OMGWhatIsThatSmell · Mar 10, 2010

I was a paramedic before becoming RN. I got experience in the field that I did not learn in nursing school.

CFitzRN, ADN · Mar 10, 2010

I was a paramedic before becoming RN. I got experience in the field that I did not learn in nursing school.

HAHA - your name cracks me up!

asun21ta · Mar 10, 2010

I think being a CNA's helps with nursing school. It also helps with making you a better nurse in my eyes. I think it helps tremendously.

In my 4 year experience, the Nurses who were once CNA's make some of the best nurses. Most times, you can tell if a nurse has been a CNA before. My best friend is an RN and she tells me all the time that she can tell which ones never had any medical experience at all. She was a CNA all throughout nursing school. Her instructor always commended her on the knowledge and understanding she had during clinicals. She firmly believes being a CNA helped her through nursing school. She She always says CNA's make the best nurses and I agree.

lynus9000nurse · Mar 10, 2010

I know that's what I am doing. I've heard nothing but good advise about this subject from exp. nurses. I too am "in that boat" currently and am still in school. My plan is to get my CNA, then LPN, and finally RN. Hey, has anyone heard of or experienced CNA certification transfur from one state to the next? I know how to do it and what is envolved but I was more asking from sombody that has actually done it. I'm getting my CNA in Indiana and will be moving back to Chicago directly after. Thanks for the advice and help.

Misslady113 · Mar 11, 2010

It defiantly is beneficial. You will take a pay cut, but the experience is worth it. Even if you only work the job for a few months, you will have an idea of what your getting into. It would suck to go to nursing school for 2 or 4 years and hate the job. But be careful. Your first CNA job will help you to know if nursing is for you or not. If you work at a terrible facility, it can turn you away from the field. So try not to base it on the facility, but on the actual CNA work. Good luck.:heartbeat

lynus9000nurse · Mar 11, 2010

Thanks! I appreciate it. I want to go into pediatrics. I would like to work at childrens memorial hospital in downtown Chicago. (thats where I'm from. GO CUBS). Of corse I might not get to work there but anything will do when I graduate as long as the venue seem "fit" for me. I wont be picky but like any job, I want to make sure I'm comfortable with the environment I'm in. Should I dare ask if I should apply to a nursing home first or hospital? I'm thinking I would rather work in a hospital. I like hectic multi-tasking environments that provide a "good stress" for me. Any thoughts?

sakura_k · Mar 11, 2010

A lot of big hospitals (at least in my area) won't accept a CNA without them having at least 6 months experience and really. So you may want to start working in a hospital and apply to jobs from there. I work in a hospital now but was rejected from many hospitals early on because I didn't have enough experience. (I actually had less experience than the hospitals prefer when I got the hospital gig but I had a background that was very appealing to this particular clinic.)

Also, just my two cents - CNA = paid work experience in the field. So you become extremely comfortable doing patient care (yes, even the "dirty stuff")...and you have a way to pay bills by doing so. Two birds, one stone...you get the point. Also, ironically, when I took the hospital job I had several moments of "I'm overwhelmed" panic (mind you, I work in a clinic) and that first time I got paged to help a patient who had accidently soiled his pants, I nearly wept with joy - it was something I KNEW HOW TO DO! It sounds hilarious now but I had genuine happiness there...

Also, the beauty of being a CNA is that you start networking early - before you become a nurse. Because of the CNA jobs I've had, I have ties/networking contacts with three different hospitals and a nursing home (which is one of a large chain of nursing homes). That, to me, is totally worth it.

lynus9000nurse · Mar 11, 2010

Hey everyone. My next step after CNA is to contiue my eduaction of corse. I'm wanting to become a LPN and then.....TA DA! an RN. Well, heres my question; Upon completion of my CNA and wanting to work in a hospital, I have heard of some facilities helping their nursing students continue their education by funding it. ie: pay for my school. Is this true or has anyone had an experience with this? Thanks for any insight or guidence you can provide.

rn/writer, RN · Mar 12, 2010

Many facilities offer some kind of tuition assistance or reimbursement, but the amount varies widely. This is something you should look into when considering jobs.

Best wishes.