CNA class this summer or finish RN pre-requisites?

[angelee3]

Hi! I'm pretty new to allnurses, but I love reading everyone's threads. I just began volunteering at my local hospital and I absolutely love it. I find myself wanting to do more. I was previously undecided about trying to change careers to nursing, but I am more sure of it now. Of course, I know volunteering is nothing close to what a nurse does, but I am so surprised that I love being at the hospital and I am really excited to be there. So, my question is: should I take the CNA class at my local community college this summer so that I can gain a little more insight into the real world of nursing and to be able to do more? Or, should I continue taking my pre-requisite courses for the RN program? If I take the CNA course instead of chemistry, I will have to wait 1 more year to even apply to the nursing program. But, I kinda think the CNA class will help me become more sure of my decision to change careers to nursing. What are your thoughts/advice? Would the CNA class turn me off rather than assure me? Or, is it really the best thing to do since I am still so new to this field? Is taking the CNA class worth putting off my nursing school application another year? All advice is welcome! Thank you!

[WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN]

Get your pre-reqs done, don't put school off for a year just to work as a CNA! After you pass your first semester you can most likely challenge the CNA exam in your state. I love being a CNA, but I would never let it get in the way of school. It's not worth it.

[mindyfromcali]

The above poster is right, and most facilities will hire a student who has made it past the part of the clinicals where they teach you CNA stuff, which is the first quarter or semester. So yeah, in your case with the choice between the two, I would definitely go for the RN prereqs first.

[nursetabitha]

Go for the pre reqs first. You'll most likely have to wait for a while to get accepted into the nursing program once you finish your pre reqs so if you have extra time, take the CNA class. That way you can be working in your field while you wait to get into nursing school and be gaining experience. Plus, if you want to work while in school, you'll still be working in your field. And I know our local community colleges ALL require you to have your CNA license as a pre req anyway. I'm surprised yours doesn't.