CNA & Nursing School

Published

Specializes in Cardiac, CVICU.

I'm on track to enter into nursing school for my BSN this fall semester. (Thanks God!) One of the graduating nursing students mentioned that I can become a CNA during the first year of nursing school. Is this true and what are the specifics?

Because of the way my school schedules nursing classes, I don't have any classes on Mondays or Wednesdays. I'm considering working as a CNA part-time during those days or on the weekend for extra money and work experience. There is a three day CNA class coming up next month at another local instituion, so should I do this class or wait to be certified during nursing school?

Thanks!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Operating Room.

Check with your state BON for specific information and requirements. Here, after the first semester, we are eligible for CNA.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

It is possible to be eligible to take the CNA exam after your first clinical nursing class. It depends on the school and state.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm not sure what state you live in, but where I am in New York, you can work as a Nurse Aide, Assistant or Attendant (each hospital calls it a different thing around me) if you pass a Nursing Fundamentals course. Try looking on hospital websites because around here, the job descriptions often state, "In Lieu of a Certified Nursing Certificate, an RN student who has successful passed a Nursing Fundamentals course can apply," or "an RN student with a year of completed clinicals is elligible". If you can get the certification, then do so for sure, but otherwise check on the local job listings to see what they are looking for! These job listings for aides, assistants or attendants are different sometimes than the CNA positions, but have the same job duties and qualities of a CNA and save you the time and money to get the certification. Hope this helped!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Women’s Health.

I know it's different everywhere, but around here (NY) you can get a lot better pay and a lot better experience working as a tech in a hospital, usually all you have to do to qualify is have one semester of nursing school under your belt. CNAs really only work in nursing homes here, which is fine if that's what you want to do, but for a better learning experience I would try to get into a hospital.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion