Benefits of becoming a CNA before Nursing School??

Moogie · Mar 13, 2010

Thanks Moogie. Its just amazing reading all these posts. Am thinking "should I prepare myself psychologically for the worst part of being a CNA??" Like go in with this "defence" mechanism soon as I start working as one? Is it true also that it probably won't be as easy while working as a cna and still continue with studying nursing at the same time? What are the rates of success in such instances? What should I expect in this case given I suspect I would be required to be in class full time, no? Do I first work for a couple of months as a full-time cna then cut back to weekends only when I start on the RN programme? Someone advised and they said the problem is that many people get stuck or rather "comfortable" being a cna and keep pushing the dream of pursuing nursing further and further away.

I think a lot will depend on you and your program. Regarding preparing yourself psychologically, the tough things you will see as a CNA are the tough things you would see as a nurse. You'll deal with bodily fluids, do a lot of lifting, deal with people who are at their worst, and work your backside off because you will have a lot to do and not a lot of time.

When I went to school, I worked full-time in the summer and every other weekend while in school. It was a good combination for me and I still had time to study (although, like most of my classmates, I had no social life.) I've seen students try to work 20 hours or more during the school week and I think that's really tough when one is in school full-time. I had students who would do an eight-hour clinical day, then turn around and work eight more hours at the hospital as a tech or in some other department. They were exhausted and I don't know how they managed to do everything. I know some were trying to keep from taking out too many student loans but others----I honestly don't know how they made it. About their grades---I don't remember. I didn't have anyone fail my classes due to working too much but I don't know how they did in other courses.

While it is a very different experience to be a CNA than an RN or LPN, working as a CNA can give you a sense of whether or not you would enjoy patient care. If you find, after you've given it a chance, that you really can't handle bodily fluids or wounds or dealing with people who are stressed out or depressed because they're sick, it's better to know that after doing CNA training than to invest time and money in a nursing program. I also think there are people who become CNAs and realize that while they like the work, they don't want the responsibility of becoming a nurse. That's okay, too. Of course there are people who get "stuck" at various points in their careers---people get into a comfort zone and decide they don't want to challenge themselves any more than necessary. Sometimes those people become stagnant and sometimes they don't.

I guess what I am saying is that it is really your choice regarding going to CNA training before you start school (unless your program requires it), just as it is your choice how much you work and your choice about whether this is a stepping stone for you in your career or a plateau. Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

CrazierThanYou · Mar 13, 2010

Another thing to consider is your nursing school. At mine, starting next year, students will be required to have current CNA certification in order to get accepted to the program. This year, it wasn't a requirement but the majority of the finalists do have CNA cert.

shix · Mar 14, 2010

Ok...but tell me though, which would be the best advice you'd give to go after the cna?? Should I do the LPN first then the RN or try for the RN directly? Which one's harder to go thro..or rather, what are the advantages of trying either or both?? or What is one advantage of one over the other? What would I be missing on if I chose to do the LPN first then the RN later over just directly applying for the RN course? How hard is it to get into one prog over the other. Am sorry am so inquisitive but this is a whole future we're talking about you know :) :specs:

work&play · Mar 14, 2010

I would recommend doing the CNA and apply to an RN program. I was lucky to get a nurse attendant position where I assist the doctor during the pap smears. Their RN program gives a points to those who work as NAs. Trust me you'll ok if you do it this way. CNA to RN.

shix · Mar 17, 2010

Thanks work & play (interesting name you have going on there btw) :-).

cnaluv · Mar 18, 2010

For those that aren't sure if they will like or fit into a medical environment going the CNA route can an inexpensive and low time commitment to find out. I knew I wanted to get into patient care but some can have issues with it. I say try it out, if you like it continue climbing the ladder.

:) Suzanne

kelsey.kristine, CNA · Mar 19, 2010

I'm in the process of getting my CNA (one more day of clinicals, then the test!!!!!) and I'm SO glad I did it. I had to take the semester off,(I'm doing a 5 month long PCT course), but it was SOOO worth it!!

First of all, I'm getting myself out there. I don't plan on working in LTC, but it is an option(gotta pay for school somehow!), especially after my clinicals because my school is well respected by this particular nursing home.

Personally...I know I'm probably going to be in school for awhile...at least 2-3 more before I even get my RN(then RN-BSN, yadda yadda), so why not be getting experience? I could keep waiting tables, but how does that help? Besides...I'm hoping to secure a CNA position in a hospital(I'm volunteering there now), and I've had relatives get jobs as RNs because they started there as CNAs. You know?

Yeah, CNAs often get the "dirty" work....but let me tell you...it is beyond rewarding!!! I was SO nervous my first day, panicked that I wouldn't be able to deal with it, especially the smells. But it's not about YOU. It's about the resident/patient, keeping their dignity intact, and making sure that they are okay. I had a resident take my hand and kiss it, thanking me for all my help...all I did was help dry her off after a shower and get her warm!!! The appreciation of the residents, especially because you work so closely with them, makes all the dirty work worth it. Yeah, BMs stink...but hearing "thank you" or seeing a smile when you've cleaned that person back up? Totally worth it in my book.

:redpinkheKelsey

bhanson · Mar 19, 2010

I completely agree with Spidey's Mom concerning hard working, team players being good nurses regardless of a CNA background.

However, our best nurses are the ones with amazing basic nursing skills (eg. CNA work)! The difference is night and day.

I may be removing someone from a bedpan, and while in the middle of cleaning them up a nurse will walk in during rounds.

Our basic RNs will ask, "do you need any help?", or may just leave regardless of their current workload.

Our amazing RNs will know my level of busyness at the moment, and then make an educated decision on what to do from there. If they're equally as busy, they will ask if I need help. If I'm currently more busy than they are, then they jump right in and just start helping, automatically. They'll grab the bedpan and go clean it, or help with changing the bed if it was soiled. This effectively helps distributes the work across the team. These are the same nurses that will answer the call lights first when we are occupied.

It's no coincidence these nurses are also the most respected, and most of them are our charge nurses.

CFitzRN, ADN · Mar 19, 2010

I'm in the process of getting my CNA (one more day of clinicals, then the test!!!!!) and I'm SO glad I did it. I had to take the semester off,(I'm doing a 5 month long PCT course), but it was SOOO worth it!!
First of all, I'm getting myself out there. I don't plan on working in LTC, but it is an option(gotta pay for school somehow!), especially after my clinicals because my school is well respected by this particular nursing home.
Personally...I know I'm probably going to be in school for awhile...at least 2-3 more before I even get my RN(then RN-BSN, yadda yadda), so why not be getting experience? I could keep waiting tables, but how does that help? Besides...I'm hoping to secure a CNA position in a hospital(I'm volunteering there now), and I've had relatives get jobs as RNs because they started there as CNAs. You know?
Yeah, CNAs often get the "dirty" work....but let me tell you...it is beyond rewarding!!! I was SO nervous my first day, panicked that I wouldn't be able to deal with it, especially the smells. But it's not about YOU. It's about the resident/patient, keeping their dignity intact, and making sure that they are okay. I had a resident take my hand and kiss it, thanking me for all my help...all I did was help dry her off after a shower and get her warm!!! The appreciation of the residents, especially because you work so closely with them, makes all the dirty work worth it. Yeah, BMs stink...but hearing "thank you" or seeing a smile when you've cleaned that person back up? Totally worth it in my book.
:redpinkheKelsey

I agree that it can be incredibly rewarding! However, the real test comes when a CNA or Nurse has to give the kind of care that is intense, difficult, bodily-fluid-ridden and stinky to a patient or patients who treat you like you are their personal servant; that they are "entitled" to everything you're doing and more. If you still feel like your job is wonderful when that is happening, you are truly in the right profession!

shix · Mar 19, 2010

:-) oh is so nice and comforting to read all these positive attributes. So far, I've gathered that being a CNA is no easy task for sure. Its going to be busy as heaven knows what - but its my attitude that is going to see me through. Am currently new here in America actually - barely a month and a half :-) and could hardly wait to start doing something constructive with my time and can't wait to start my CNA classes on Monday at MCTC. So, yes, like all other legal immigrants, I am happy and honoured to be in such a wonderful country as yours.

On other serious matters, there's definately something am missing out on. Is it really that hard to get myself into a Nursing programme?? What's this I keep reading from people about a long waiting list, or that I have to apply to several schools and hope that one of them will accept me. Why the long wait, and what are these schools looking for in particular that takes them that long to decide whether they'll take me in or not? Smh please. I'd love to understand. How much longer would anyone suggest after I've done my CNA and hopefully started working should I apply to continue with the RN programme? What are the pre-reqs for Registered Nursing? What should I prepare mysef for? Thanks.

nicolet3271 · Mar 22, 2010

Well said MUSTLOVEPOODLES...

I am also this May getting my CNA while I am still in the process of getting my pre and co classes completed. I thought being a CNA would.....

1. Get me working in a hospital I truly want to be a part of.

2. Give me experience with working with patients because once I am in nursing school I will have overcome all the nervousness that comes with something new.

I do hope this helps. Thanks to everyone for your responses. It just makes me know I am making the right choice.

exit96 · Mar 23, 2010

I have been a CNA for 2 plus years. I started out in a nursing home, then moved to my present job at the hospital. I am in the RN program. In my view you will learn how to works your &%^ off, and will give you a good perspective of what the CNA goes through when you become a Nurse, so that you pitch in and help instead of avoiding the "dirty work." I have a bad taste in my mouth and nothing good to say about the lazy RN's out there. I have had RN's on the floor tell me that being a CNA will make me a better nurse, and I can see that already. DO IT!!! You will gain valuable experience and it will season you. One more point if I may, in my mind it should be a requirement to admittance into an RN program. Now I understand that not everyone CAN find a job as a CNA, which makes that pretense hard to accomplish...just saying...