CNA for BSN

manna, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2004

I think it's odd that you say that most require, since of all the schools in my state (that I can think of), only one I'm aware of requires CNA completion for admission.

I don't see how it'd hurt, but then I'm not absolutely sure it's necessary, either.

nursbee04 · Apr 21, 2004

I am in an ADN program, and we don't require CNA. In fact, I don't think I've ever heard of any program that requires it around here.

I began working as a nurse tech (like a CNA but I do assessments, catheters, NG's, etc)on a busy medsurg floor after I started nursing school and I feel like I have gained invaluable experience.

So, do I think it should be required? No.

Do I think its a good idea to do on your own? Sure!

:)

orrnlori, RN · Apr 21, 2004

It's not a requirement for any ADN programs in my area either. I personally don't think it should be a requirement period for ADN or BSN. I know lots of folks here think it's a good idea. I did it and didn't think it prepared me to think in terms of nursing, only made it easier to physically handle patients. But I seem to be in the minority on this topic.

And I guess I would have to pose the question, why would it be a given for an ADN student to do it but not a BSN student? Let me guess, you are a BSN student.

Achoo!, LPN · Apr 21, 2004

This year it became a prerquisite for the ADN program. I think alot of places are shifting over to making it mandatory.

nursbee04 · Apr 21, 2004

And I guess I would have to pose the question, why would it be a given for an ADN student to do it but not a BSN student? Let me guess, you are a BSN student.

I was wondering the same thing.

Elenaster · Apr 21, 2004

My BSN program required that all students attend the CNA course prior to beginning the nursing program. The rationale for this requirement was that the program did not want to take the time to teach students to take vitals, handwashing, bedmaking, bathing, etc. We also had our nursing home clinicals in the CNA class, so all of our nursing school clinicals were held elsewhere.

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Apr 21, 2004

I was not required to have a CNA prior to entering school and quite frankly, with all the hoops you have to jump to get into nursing school as it is, I am sure that if it would have been required, I probably would have said "enough!"

I think that being a CNA is a personal decision. I am sure that the exposure to medical terminology and the development of basic skills is helpful for a nursing student, but many have been successful nurses without it. I certainly do not believe it is necessary for your BSN. JMHO :)

Tweety, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2004

I think that nursing students can learn what they need to know in school. What about students who go to universities straight out of high school and don't have time or the need to work, would they have to learn to be a CNA and work prior to becoming a nursing student. Doesn't seem fair to everyone.

I guess with the flux of students applying and filling up nursing schools they might get a little more stringent. But that might bite them in the butt later and limit the number of applicants.

I worked at Pizza Hut when I started nursing school.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2004

My BSN program required that all students attend the CNA course prior to beginning the nursing program. The rationale for this requirement was that the program did not want to take the time to teach students to take vitals, handwashing, bedmaking, bathing, etc. We also had our nursing home clinicals in the CNA class, so all of our nursing school clinicals were held elsewhere.

Oh, now that makes sense. You had to take the course, but you didn't actually have to work as a CNA, just have taken the course. I guess it does take a lot of time out of the BSN nursing part to teach all the basics.

allnurses Guide · Apr 21, 2004

Not a requirement for me either. I don't think it should be either so you are not alone orrnlori.

It should remain an option.

steph

princess_j · Apr 21, 2004

I am an RN who has worked her way up through the ranks . . . (CNA - that WAS required by my LPN program, then LVN, the BS in Community Health, then ADN, now BSN and maybe CRNA). I think that all nursing programs should have the requirement, CNA before and type of nurse. I reall think it makes you a better nurse. Being a CNA is HARD WORK and some of the nurses who haven't done this don't realize how hard it is and I've seen some be very demeaning to CNA's. I think it's because they have never done the job themselves. I think some nurses who haven't been CNA's are less likely to help out a CNA, toilet somebody, change messy incontinent pads, etc . . . I worked in LTC for a L O N G time and saw a lot of this. Don't get me wrong though, I've worked with great nurses who've never been a CNA. I'm just making a generalization based on my experiences.