Can I get a CNA while I go to nursing school?

[onlyjesus22]

I took a lot of college courses but was never able to graduate due to some health reasons. Now, I am trying to get my life back together, starting over again. I'm planning to apply for the SPRING 2011 RN program at a community college. I wanted to build my resume. I don't have any job experience in the health field. I was wondering what are some good jobs I can earn experience and can help towards my nursing career. also i was thinking of getting CNA, do I have to take extra courses for this and pay extra or can I get this without paying while I'm at first year nursing school. Thank you.

[nurse1219]

i work as a nursing assistant, but not a certified one and was able to keep the job even after graduating nursing school. I've heard that once you graduate you cannot work as a CNA while u try to find a job or are studying for your boards. But i never thought that made sense. They say you can only work as what you are certifed in, well until you take your boards your not certified in anything besides being a CNA right? But than again i'm not sure... so i guess I would check on that..

[missy--kay]

In order to apply for the nursing program that I graduated from, you had to have your CNA license. As far as working as a CNA while looking for a nursing position, it depends on your state. I live in CO and I have a CNA, LPN, and RN. I can legally work as any of these 3, as long as I work in the scope of practice for that license. Good luck with school!!

[POTR]

For a lot of nursing courses CNA is a pre-req, you have to be a CNA to get in.

If you are are on some types of gov't assistance (TANF, Food Stamps, etc.), they may pay for schooling for many things as long as the school you are interested in is on your state's "Approved List" of programs, you will most likely find "inexpensive" short courses for CNA through stand alone schools that you can complete in 2-3 weeks. Many LPN, med tech and other 2-yr and less programs will probably be on the list as well.

Another option for CNA is to check with local Long Term Care facilities and see if they are offering classes. Many facilities will train for free on a sporadic basis when they need a new crop of CNA's.

[AntMarchingRN, RN]

If you can work as a nursing assistant you should. You dont have to be certified, but if you can work at a hospital during school you will have a huge advantage when searching for a job after graduation. With the market being the way it is now, most of the new grads getting hired are those that already worked as an assistant getting hired at thier current hospital. Who knows if the market will still suck as bad when you graduate (hopefully not) but if so, you will have the edge.

Just remember. Nursing school is no walk in the park. You might want to try a semester first to make sure you can handle the workload and working. My RN degree was my third college degree and it hit me like a big hard brick! I did work, it can be done, but nursing school is unlike any other. When english majors fail someone has to read a bad paper, when nurses fail someone's health is in danger. Make sure you can pad your resume while still doing well in school and staying safe.

Good Luck!