Is it worth it to become a CNA on my road to becoming a nurse?

Mewsin · Nov 1, 2012

Honestly, I'm not sure, how it works in the US. Out of the 11 LPNs that we are graduating this month, 5 worked at my facility. They have been saying that it is a different job altogether but at least they already know the residents, so that helps them. They have all been offered jobs at our facility upon graduation.

I took my CCA last year and some of those classes actually count towards my LPN, our CCA course is 10 months and you don't get credit for all of it, just a few classes. I know my facility is very happy that I'm going for LPN, even though it means I have to take a 18 month leave), and I have been told there will be a job for me when I've completed the program.

I feel it shows you what type of work environment you're getting into. One of my soon to be classmates has already decided she is not cut out for LTC because of working as a CCA. The nurses where I am also have allowed me to watch procedures and treatments, have even come to get me to make sure I see how it is done. We do a CBI on two clients every night, I watch whenever possible.

TN CNA · Nov 6, 2012

We have a couple student nurses working as SNAs. They are able to work there as a CNA and didn't have to go to class for the CNA stuff.

sucess2012 · Nov 6, 2012

Hello TN CNA do you work in a facility in Sacramento?

TN CNA · Nov 6, 2012

No. I live in TN.

ComeTogether, LPN · Nov 6, 2012

It will help you immensely through school. You will be used to and comfortable dealing with patients. Everything a cna does a nurse does also. In my opinion all nurses should be required to be cnas first. That being said it pays very poorly, especially for the work involved. For me, I love it and its worth it. It's also a really great way to know if nursing is something you will be able to do.

"No day but today"

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Nov 6, 2012

I agree, CNA experience is invaluable. I was never a CNA but I worked as a PCNA (basically the same thing) and a nurse tech (same as a CNA plus we were allowed to draw blood, start IVs, do dressing changes, etc). The experience helped me A LOT through school and really helped me get comfortable in the hospital setting. Some hospitals bypass the CNA certificate and will hire you into an assistant position if you are in nursing school. That depends on the area/hospital, though. FYI, I live in Texas.

sucess2012 · Nov 6, 2012

Thank you for your answers they are very helpful. I think u will go on ahead with my Cna class

aowings18 · Nov 6, 2012

Im not sure about sacramento BUT in my state i was able to get a job as a PCA(same as CNA here) with no experience... They train you for everything you need to know!! Look around like at large hosiptals in your area and see if there are any positions for PCA! Or even PCT they also on the job train :) im going through ny prereqs and ive gained so much experience in just one month!!!

sucess2012 · Nov 6, 2012

I live in California but I will check that out it sounds good to me.

neuron · Nov 7, 2012

CNA could not hurt. It should help you get a job and experience.

t2091 · Nov 7, 2012

I will be going to PA school and I currently work as a CNA and I can tell you I'm extremely glad I started working as a CNA. Learning how to effectively communicate with patients and have good bedside manners is just as important as everything else you will be doing.