certified nurses aid

Just Angi · Jun 11, 2003

I have only been a CNA sice Jan. but I'm starting the nursing program in the fall. I do know that at orientation they liked having people that were already in the field. I also know the nurses where I work will allow me to assist on things because I'm starting clinicals soon. I think it will help me in the long run. Good luck!!

Nurse Ratched, RN · Jun 11, 2003

There are two schools of thought I've seen here: (1) it's good to be an aide first because you already know about and can handle the dirty work and (2) it's bad to be an aide first because you already have preconceived notions about nursing and aren't as malleable to learning the officially correct way of doing things. And I've seen both be correct lol.

I would ask your nursing school what factors are criteria used for candidate selection - some here have said there are interviews for their nursing school as the competition is so tight to get in. Mine decided strictly on GPA in prereqs.

pepperbark · Jun 11, 2003

If your not sure weather you want to go back into the field or not do something short term like recertification and see how you feel about it then. As far as nursing schools, I can only speak for myself. I did not have any nursing experience at all when I was accepted into the program. Iwas an older nursing student though and I think that made a difference.

l_wheat · Jun 11, 2003

Hi, I know that at the ADN program in my town it pays to have your CNA when applying, the program goes on points and you get 5 for being a CNA,MA,EMT, RT. So in some cases it does help :)