CNA during nursing school, good idea?

[Ivanam]

hi,

i am just starting in nursing school. i was wondering if it makes a difference when you are trying to get into a new grad pgm or trying to get a job, if you work as a cna, while in nursing school, at the hospital you are trying to apply to. i was thinking of applying to the jobs that say that you need to complete first semester of a nursing program, which are basically cna jobs. i am in so. cal. if that makes a difference.

thanks in advance for your responses.

[86toronado, BSN, RN]

I don't know about So Cal, but for me, here in NY it definitely made a difference. I worked as a tech (hospital equivalent of CNA) for the entire time I was in nursing school, and as a unit secretary for a year before that. When I started applying for jobs, the manager on the unit that I wanted to work on already knew me, so I didn't even have to interview for the job, basically she just came up to me and told me it was mine if I wanted it.

I also really feel that it makes you a better nurse to have been in the aide's shoes. I know I will probably get flamed for that, since a lot of the other newer nurses here have either never worked as aides, or don't feel that it's relevant to being a professional nurse. Still, for me it helped me be more organized and confident, both in nursing school, and now as a new nurse.

The other day one of the techs on my floor told me that she looks at the schedule to see when I'm working, and volunteers for those days, because she thinks I'm the best nurse to work with. That made my week!

[LadyinGreen]

My answer would be a big fat YES! Every new grad in my class who had a CNA job prior were offered jobs first. Try and navigate what job you apply for and eventually end up in at graduation time. It's clutch! Being a tech gives you the basics of care. Always a plus in building confidence and better understanding the nursing world.

[mzjennx, BSN, RN]

do it. i was a cna for 2 years and ward clerk for 1 year while i was in nursing school and i think it helps you when you get on the floor. you feel more at ease to how the hospital/nursing floors flow. good thing is you get your foot in the door and the manager may hire you as a RN after you pass your NCLEX. once your on teh floor you appreciate the work as a aide, cut them some slack, cuz you werre once in their shoes. good luck!

[cokristinug]

YES!!!!!!!!!

[nurse441]

one thing i regret not doing- being a CNA in nursing school. only CNA to RNs get jobs now!

[Wondergirl0905]

one thing i regret not doing- being a CNA in nursing school. only CNA to RNs get jobs now!

While I also wished I had been an LNA (they are licensed here in NH) during nursing school for the experience/exposure to the hospital setting, I was able to get a job last Feb just fine. Out of our class of 26, only 2 were LNAs/techs during school - and they did have RN jobs lined up for them at the hospitals they were working at. But all of us got jobs fairly easily. But if you can do it, it won't hurt!

[Hisown]

Working as a CNA or even a unit secretary (sometimes) is one big foot in the door! All my classmates who worked as techs or CNA's were hired either on the same unit or were placed on another unit immediately after graduation! Definitely a go!

[xstarsfallingx]

Agreed. I am in SoCal myself and my classmates spent 2-6 months after graduation trying to get jobs. Some are still looking. Those of us that worked as CNAs got picked up immediately with no problems. Not only that, but it helps in the transition. You will already know the staff, know your floor, know the patient population...you spend a lot less time in the beginning just getting to know your surroundings and get a head start diving into the nursing stuff. Additionally, you know the CNA job inside and out, which helps you work with them as an RN...you also tend to have better relationships with them as you had worked side-by-side for awhile before your job change.

Depending on your facility, the nursing staff will often pass you extra info, let you watch procedures, etc. You could really start learning as a CNA if the staff is enthusiastic and helpful and willing to invest in you. :)