CNA first then RN after????

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I want to become a nurses so badly and my orignal plan was in the beginning to go to the local community college near me and take the CNA classes, then well looking for a job as a CNA or well working as one go back to school to become a RN. I started thinking about it and because I wanted to become a nurse so bad and I love it (from taking care of my mom) and knew i wouldnt change my mind, was planning on skipping the CNA and going straight for the RN classes cause I figured:

A) It would be faster

B) Cause I can't afford it really

C) I knew I wouldnt change my mind

BUT.......I just learned that the community college I'll be going to requires you have you CNA licenses before you can take nursing classes.

Yes I know I dont have to work as a CNA after I get my licenses and could just go straight ino RN classes, but now I'm wondering if my first plan would be wiser, considering money, and time?

Also if my first plan was wiser and better, how hard would it be to balance working as a CNA and going to school to become a RN?

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Specializes in Student VN | Critical Care.

It looks better to have work experience as a CNA on your resume..It shows you aren't just some person who went to school for 4 years and doesn't know how the real medical world works..

You will also develop very good nurse-patient relationship skills and other fundamental nursing habits :)

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It looks better to have work experience as a CNA on your resume..It shows you aren't just some person who went to school for 4 years and doesn't know how the real medical world works..

You will also develop very good nurse-patient relationship skills and other fundamental nursing habits :)

i'm so glad to hear you say that! i'm taking my last two prerequisites so i was only able to apply to one nursing program. i got my rejection letter today, so my plan B is to become a CNA while i apply to some more nursing programs. i don't want to sit around idly until fall of 2012. i figure i might as well use the time to gain healthcare experience.

which CNA training programs do you recommend? i was thinking of the Red Cross if they offer a summer session. lots of cheaper options like the ones at community colleges don't offer the program during the summertime. but i don't want to wait till fall because time is a-tickin'!

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Specializes in LTC.

Well, you have to get your CNA in order to go to nursing school, and chances are, you have to work somewhere, so you may as well use it. The hours are really flexible, so that's a bonus in addition to the valuable experience.

If you are lucky enough to go to nursing school without needing a job, then work as a CNA up until you start, then play it by ear. You can always work per diem once you're in school.

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Thank you all this helps me alot....now im just worried about the CNA classes

and sorry lilpeapods about being rejected but from the sounds of it you have a plan and a good one at that, I hope you achevie what you want :)

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so having a CNA is part of the pre requisite classes before applying for RN?

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