Start career with CNA

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hi guys, I am new here.

As I am wishing that going to apply for Nursing school in Texas.

Do you think it is a good thing to start my career with CNA certificate, I understand there are many different ideas about being CNA is worthy or worthless.

But just give me an idea that may support me choosing my first path.

Plus, is there high chance to get a job with CNA? ( i know paying is worst...)

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It's not a terrible idea, but at the same time it's not exactly necessary. I don't advise anyone to work during nursing school if they don't have to and as far as being a cna, its really not going to compare at all with being a nurse. I mean it will give you that inside look at what nurses do. But if that is what you would like to do, by all means go for it! I have many friends that started as a CNA.

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It's not a terrible idea, but at the same time it's not exactly necessary. I don't advise anyone to work during nursing school if they don't have to and as far as being a cna, its really not going to compare at all with being a nurse. I mean it will give you that inside look at what nurses do. But if that is what you would like to do, by all means go for it! I have many friends that started as a CNA.
thank for your info, I am going for Nursing school soon, i mean next semester I am taking AP 2 and Micro as far as i could. Also, meanwhile im thinking of taking CNA ... that's what im planning... no one guarantee that there is 100% chance to be admitted to Nursing school. Plus, TX is very competitive....
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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner Student.

I would agree with FL_Nurse92 that it's not necessary to be a CNA to be successful in nursing school. I was a CNA/Home Health Aide for a couple of years before nursing school, and it did help with basic skills and confidence working with patients. Also, although it is better not to work during nursing school if you can avoid it, if you have no choice it is a way to make a little money with more flexible hours. Finally, my program gave "points" towards admission for having a CNA, so that may affect your decision as well if your program does something similar. Whatever you decide, good luck with your application!

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I have been a CNA for the last 7 years. If you have never worked in the healthcare field it is not a bad idea. I have learned a lot and gained so much experience. That being said, where I live CNAs make nothing. If it wasn't for healthcare for my kids I would have probably went back to waitressing while in school. That and now that I have put in the time I can get scholarships/tuition reimbursement through my job. CNA work depending on location can be physically and emotional grueling. Try to study for a test when you have worked for the last 12 hours. So what I am saying is if you are unsure about nursing, do it and find out what you think. If you are sure about your path and do not have to work, or if your job you have now will work with your school schedule I wouldn't.

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CNA experience is healthcare experience and it's my understanding that is always a plus when applying to nursing school and later applying to jobs. If you land a CNA position in a hospital, you could be getting your foot in the door which doesn't hurt. I'm planning on starting my CNA course next month and working as a CNA until I start nursing school. Where I live CNAs at the local hospitals work 12hr shifts which is good for someone like me looking to only work part-time while in school

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There are many benefits from working as a CNA

1. You increase your chances of getting into Nursing school. Many programs give points for experience as a CNA or flat out require it

2. It will help you figure out if Nursing is for you (especially if you don't have any healthcare experience) and what area you might want to work in.

3. Its your foot in the door for a hospital job. The hospital I work at hires CNA's into their residency program

4. It will give you experience that will help with nursing school. For example I get to observe the nurse do procedures at bedside.

There are cons too. It is low pay, and it is very difficult to work during nursing school. I know plenty of people who went through Nursing school without working as a CNA. Just assess whether you think its worthwhile. If you do decide to go ahead aim for a per diem job. That way you can pick up shifts according to your schedule.

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Specializes in Family Clinic.

It is not required for most programs, but my hiring manager at my CNA job said that they will hire an RN who was a previous CNA over anyone who was not every time because they know the work, how to delegate realistically, and already have experience. Plus on the nursing entrance application it shows how dedicated you are to becoming a nurse and working in the healthcare field (which was told to me by my nursing advisor who is an MSN, RN and on the selection board for the program).

In other words, just what ZoeFrecn said ^^^

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