CNA-ADN-BSN

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Jun 15, 2013

CNA is a certification. ADN is a degree. I don't think there are bridge programs for CNA to ADN. There are bridge programs for LPN to ADN, or ADN to BSN/MSN. The time involved for CNA is shorter, the expense is less. Maybe they choose that profession for those reasons. Also some colleges from what I have heard require CNA cert to get into the ADN program. Mine doesn't. I've never been a CNA and I start the ADN in August. But CNAs get alot of patient care experience so it's a good place to start.

SweetAsSugar · Jun 15, 2013

Is there sometime of bridge between CNA and ADN?

Not really. While it's the next step on the ladder, I wouldn't consider it a bridge. However, as the previous poster stated, it does provide you with some valuable floor experience.

Why do people go for CNA when ADN RN's make more and have more freedom/power?

Some do it for the love of the job. Some do it as a way to earn money and experience throughout nursing school. Some do it to get their feet wet before jumping head first into the ocean that is nursing.

Plus, more freedom/power also equals more stress!

phuretrotr · Jun 16, 2013

In addition to the previous poster's responses, having a CNA license and experience may help you further your education to a ADN or BSN degree. You can add that information in your applications and it may give you a one-up on the other applicants who do not have a CNA certification.

steelydan · Jun 16, 2013

Also for some schools it's going to be not even worth getting strictly to give yourself a leg up to get into the program. I've heard CNA is great for a part-time job and your own experience, but one of the colleges here only gives you 1 point out of 43 possible points for having 6 months of experience in the health field. That's hardly worth the effort, but there are other benefits to CNA.

NevadaFighter, BSN, RN · Jun 17, 2013

Becoming a CNA before entering nursing school is an EXCELLENT idea in order to gain experience and get your foot in the door at a facility before you graduate. People who are CNAs while in school have almost no problem finding a job after graduation. Plus, depending on your facility, they may also give you tuition reimbursement for your LPN, ADN, or BSN. Do it!

MsKris_CarolinaGirl · Jun 17, 2013

Is there sometime of bridge between CNA and ADN? Why do people go for CNA when ADN RN's make more and have more freedom/power?

Where I go to school we do have a CNA-ADN program but essentially that allows you to receive credit for one nursing class. You can do this option if you take the CNA course at my school or if you have worked 960 hours as a CNA. My advisor recommended against it unless I had worked as a CNA on a med-surg unit, however it is open to all CNA's to apply

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jun 17, 2013

Is there sometime of bridge between CNA and ADN? Why do people go for CNA when ADN RN's make more and have more freedom/power?

The answer to your first question is, in a word, No. Receiving a certification to work as a nurse's aide is typically a six-week course, zero college required, although it varies widely. Receiving an Associate's degree in nursing is a minimum of two years of college/clinical work, and frequently a year or more on top of that for the pre-reqs, depending on program and competitiveness for admissions.

The answer to your second question is varied. Some people do not want to become RN's; it has nothing to do with money, freedom or power. Some people become CNAs as a means of earning income while in school. Some people are entering programs that require them to work as a CNA first (admissions in some colleges do require this).

MizMaverick · Jun 18, 2013

I am currently in a CNA class and the instructor's keep telling us to work as a CNA part-time while going to school so you can get some hands on experience because how can a fresh new RN tell a CNA what to do if they haven't "walked" in their shoes?..hopefully I can pull that off with two little ones at home...yikes!