CNA before entering into an accelerated program?

[jbjorn2b]

Thanks for your input. I am working at a local university in Steubenville, OH making less than 30,000 but have benefits. My current position allows me to take a portion of the pre-reqs for free at the university where I work. The other portion I would have to take at a local community college. I thought that if I decided to go through with this that I could get paid while getting some experience as oppossed to shadowing. I that does not sound greedy, but I figure if I am going to spend all the time shadowing-especially while working on pre-reqs, I might as well get paid for it. What are your thoughts?

I worked in the corporate business world and hated it! I feel that I need to pursue a career that seems worthwhile.

[birdgardner]

You're talking about CNA instead of shadowing? How many hours of shadowing is required? The accelerated programs I applied to didn't require any. You'll want to add in the training time for CNA - for which you don't get paid. If you're considering working full-time, will the benefits be as good as the university benefits?

CNA experience would be really valuable - knowing how to talk with patients and move them. I had EMS but CNA would be even better. a lot depends on your time frame.

[RN prn]

I am not a CNA, nor have I ever been, but here are my thoughts on this:

There are some people that are CNA's before they attend nursing school. Those people are generally familiar with conditions that a patient may have, learn how to care for an individual with a disease or whatever the patient may be admitted for and learn the basics of nursing. You may feel more comfortable in the clinical setting if you take this step.

As I said above, I went straight into an accelerated BSN program without any hospital experience besides volunteering once a week for a semester. I do not think that I was at a disadvantage by not being a CNA.

Good luck in whatever you may decide.