CNA before Accelerated BSN Program

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Hello everyone!

I could really use anyone's advice that they would be willing to give. This whole profession of nursing is amazing and new and I'm so excited about it however I have no nursing experience WHATSOEVER and I just took a paycut from my job. I had the idea of getting a CNA certification here in NJ and working a few months before my ABSN program starts (June). The CNA program is four weeks and I'm already a full-time student, so I would have to take night classes, which I don't mind. However, do you think it's worth it to work as a CNA for around 6 months before my program starts?

Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

i worked as a CNA before and during my ADN, so about 3 years. I found that it was a great experience. Many of my classmates were uncomfortable touching another human being-one freaked out when she had to give a MAN a bath! I loved talking to my clients and you learn to care for them compassionately. I took a pay cut too, but I think it is worth experiencing what an aide does. It makes you understand what they do and how much they care about their pts. I found that it really helped me in nursing. It gave me more confidence.

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With ABSN, you would have no time to work as a CNA. Save your money or better yet take a vacation with that what time you have left before 1 year of intense classes. I wish I had gotten this advice, I would have saved 500 bucks and 4 weeks of my life.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to prenursing forum

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I received my CNA license and got a care manager job just two months ago and I recently found out I've been accepted into my nursing program that will start in January. So technically, I'm kinda in the same boat as you. I think any type of patient care experience is really helpful. I learned so much, especially in getting used to bathing, feeding, observing for changes in conditions, and I got lots of new communication skills from my this too. And it's only been 2 months since I got the license. For sure, I'm much more confident in myself now than before I got the CNA license. It definitely helps to build hands on experience so that you won't be so intimidated to try new things when it comes to the actual nursing clinical stuff. And you also get the experience of being tested by examiners watching your every move, which is something that will happen in nursing school as well. I'm actually pretty happy I was able to get the license. I think everyone should get a care giving or CNA related job before they become a registered nurse! So that being said, I suggest you go for it.

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With ABSN, you would have no time to work as a CNA. Save your money or better yet take a vacation with that what time you have left before 1 year of intense classes. I wish I had gotten this advice, I would have saved 500 bucks and 4 weeks of my life.

All I can speak of is my area but the hospital staffing and even my nursing teachers could care less who holds a CNA license and even discouraged working in nursing homes as one. Ask around your area though. I kind of lean twd the above advice.

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I work currently as a CNA and think it's great experience. However, not necessary.

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