CNA for BSN

[FutureNurse]

My nursing class is doing a presentation on whether or not students entering a BSN program should or should not be required to be a CNA beforehand. I'm looking for some feedback and thought you all could help. So the question is... Is being a CNA important to do before becoming a nurse? I know most ADN programs require students to be CNA's but for a BSN do you feel it should be required as well? Thanks for taking the time to read this. Any feedback would be helpful. :)

[moonbunnie]

I took a CNA class even though it was not required by the BSN program I will be starting in August, mostly because I wanted to work in the field while I was in school, and get some experience that might help me. I dont know if it should be required, but I definitely feel that I will be more comfortable during my nursing school clinicals now. And all the ADN schools around here do require it, but the BSN's dont...it is strange. Maybe its because a BSN at a university is designed so someone can come straight from high school, and they wont have time to take the CNA class on top of all the BSN credits. I did have time, since im transfering to the university from my community college.

[FutureNurse]

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.

I did not pick the topic of this assignment. Our nursing professor informed us that ADN programs, at least in our area, required being a CNA before entering the program. As we're finding out, that is not the case in many areas outside of Milwaukee. Our professor does favor the BSN program because she works for one. Makes sense. Thanks so much for replying! Any information is helpful because this topic is hard to research and your imput was definitely helpful. :)

[LisaRNinarkansas]

I personally think that all nurses, regardless of title, should be required to be CNAs while in school. The education and experience is invaluable....and usually if you are a CNA b4 a nurse, u have a better appreciation for your CNAs. I know I do. I worked as a CNA during the summer b4 my last year of RN school. I am so glad that I did. I never would have learned some of the things that I did if I hadnt.

I was never required to do this by my program. But I think it should be a requirement.

[LisaRNinarkansas]

I personally think that all nurses, regardless of title, should be required to be CNAs while in school. The education and experience is invaluable....and usually if you are a CNA b4 a nurse, u have a better appreciation for your CNAs. I know I do. I worked as a CNA during the summer b4 my last year of RN school. I am so glad that I did. I never would have learned some of the things that I did if I hadnt.

I was never required to do this by my program. But I think it should be a requirement.

[ClimbingNurse]

I'm in a 16-month 2nd Degree BSN program that does not require being a CNA to enter... But!

After we have completed our first semester (and know how to take vitals, make assessments, bedbaths, etc, etc.) we are allowed to work in the school's hospital as "Student Nurse Techs" or some such title. We basically do work like what CNA's do only it is also understood that we are there to learn and the nurses all kinda look out for you and try and teach you stuff when they can. (That's the rosey picture anyway.)

Anyway, a lot of us pick up a shift a week doing that to get some more clinical experience. Which I think would be the only reason to require people to be CNA's before starting, right? Unless the point is just to reduce the overwhelming stack of applications (which is what I suspect).

[ClimbingNurse]

I'm in a 16-month 2nd Degree BSN program that does not require being a CNA to enter... But!

After we have completed our first semester (and know how to take vitals, make assessments, bedbaths, etc, etc.) we are allowed to work in the school's hospital as "Student Nurse Techs" or some such title. We basically do work like what CNA's do only it is also understood that we are there to learn and the nurses all kinda look out for you and try and teach you stuff when they can. (That's the rosey picture anyway.)

Anyway, a lot of us pick up a shift a week doing that to get some more clinical experience. Which I think would be the only reason to require people to be CNA's before starting, right? Unless the point is just to reduce the overwhelming stack of applications (which is what I suspect).