CNA while in nursing school???

[ljchu]

I am applying to the nursing program at HCC Coleman for the Fall 2014 program and am thinking about becoming certified as a CNA to work while in nursing school. I hear that this will be extremely beneficial to me. However, I am looking at all the job posting for all the hospitals in the Houston area and it looks like there are very few to no positions available for CNA's. Is it worth me spending the money to get certified as a CNA if the job market is so low? I have no experience working in a Hospital but I do have 4+ years working as a dental assistant. I know working as CNA in a hospital will give me the experience and a foot in the door to help my nursing career but if I can't even get a job as CNA then what is the point?? HELP!

[kenken]

Not sure where you are looking for CNA positions but CNA's are in high demand. I will say that most of the hospitals require at least a year of experience so you would probably need to work for a SNF, LTAC, or an assisted living first. Also, a lot of the positions may be posted as Nurse Tech, Patient Care Tech, Nurse Aide, or Restorative Aid. Good luck to you! I am a tech for a hospital and working on my nursing degree. You will learn a lot if you decide to pursue the CNA cert.