CNA class

ExAirBagRN · Aug 22, 2005

I am currently on the backup list for the LPN program. I should be starting in the January class. In the mean time I am considering taking a CNA course so I can get some hands on experience. I currently have a full time job BUT I am so anxious about starting nursing school that I think this may be a good start. My dilemma is that I don't know if I am wasting my time or money taking this course. Has anyone gone this route and actually enjoyed it?
I would appreciate any advice or comments

I think you have a great idea and should act on it. I was given the same advice by many R.N. and L.P.N. in the past. By getting your C.N.A., not only will you have hands on experience, but you will be able to relate to your clinical experience while in L.P.N. school and be comfortable with your patients. You will actually KNOW what you are getting into before shelling out a whole lot of dough and time. Best of luck to you!!!!!!! Dawn

mchanrice · Aug 22, 2005

Thanks for the input.

nursemax · Aug 23, 2005

Thanks for the input.

That is what I just did. I have been working with patients, and residents since my 3rd week of school. You do half of your training on the job. Most places even pay you while you get your hours. I test on the 30th. Wish me luck.

I start my LPN in March. I think it will help you feel more comfortable right off the bat and not have to worry about how to learn vitals, and other things in nursing schools. :nurse: :nurse:

Best of luck to you.

CrazyPremed, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 23, 2005

I think that working as a CNA can be a wonderful experience and great preparation for nursing school. I just want to add that it is important to look at your current situation and think of some factors:

Will the CNA pay be similar or much less than what you are making?

Do you have any other health care experience? Jumping into the field can be somewhat stressful.

What is your backup plan if you don't like being a CNA and decide not to go into nursing school? Can you easily transition back into your field?

Although I personally feel that the work done as a CNA should be considered an integral part of being a nurse, I know many RN's who would have never gotten into it if they started out as CNA's or had to work in an area in which activities of daily living (ADL's) - like bathing, changing briefs, etc. - were full time responsibilites. Most of them pursued BSN's, and eventually want to focus on management and theory. Go figure. :confused:

If this is your first experience in health care, I would take the class. There will be a clinical portion that will allow you to see what its like, without having to sacrifice a full-time job.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck in whatever you do!

CrazyPremed

mchanrice · Aug 23, 2005

That is what I am thinking, that if I do this that I can only gain experience from taking the CNA course. My family seems to think this is a step out of the way to becoming a LPN.

NicInNC, CNA · Aug 23, 2005

Most of the schools in my area (including mine) REQUIRE you to get your CNA certification before you can get into any nursing program. I took it and really enjoyed it. I'm busy with school (I have morning AND night classes), so I'm not currently working as a CNA. But I hope to get a job as soon as the semester is over since the classes I'm taking now are the last pre-reqs I have left.

Murse901, MSN, RN · Aug 23, 2005

I don't think it's a very good idea, and it's a waste of time and money (unless required by your school as mentioned). Hear me out before flaming me.

I've done a little research, and many states allow you to "test out" after your first quarter or semester of nursing school, depending on what type of program you're in. In your first semester, you'll be learning everything a CNA learns, and then some. So, after that quarter, you're more than prepared to sit for the CNA exam. This is not the same in all states, but many of the ones I've checked.

Getting your CNA and learning skills before going into nursing school may sound like a good idea, but it's really not. After a few months of experience, you'll likely pick up some bad habits and shortcuts that could be detrimental to your schooling.

In our class, we have 2 experienced CNA's. Our instructors hate them. Why? Because they have some knowledge and experience in the nursing field, and they've learned how to do things "their" way, which doesn't correlate to the training the instructors are giving. The CNA's are trying to teach classmates how to do things, and the instructors have to come behind and reteach. Honestly, I don't see those two completing the first quarter.

Now, I know not all CNA's will be like that. I'm not trying to generalize. I'm just saying it happens.

We have a class of 50. 2 are CNA's. Don't be too worried about getting a step ahead of your classmates. After the first quarter/semester, you'll all be on even ground, and then you can start getting your patient care experience, and save some time and money by avoiding the class up front.

Not trying to be disrespectful to CNA's at all, but there's just no point when you're about to get into nursing school.

casi, ASN, RN · Aug 23, 2005

I say go for it. So far working as a CNA has been the only job I've acctually enjoyed, and it gives you a real sense of what your getting into as a nurse.

I know it's made me more confident about entering nursing school, not because I'll be ahead of everyone, but because I know what I'm getting into and I'll already be use to the slightly awkward interaction between nurse and pacient.