CNA while pursuing BSN?

[jay as in J]

I have a question for anyone out there. I am currently in the process of pursuing a BSN at a 4 year university. I am still a pre-nursing student; it is currently my first year so i am still starting off. it is going to take me about 5 years to get my BSN so i was thinking about getting my CNA certification in the mean time. My question is if whether or not doing so would be a good idea or not. i am thinking that by getting a CNA certification, i could work part time as a nurse assistant while i continue to pursue my BSN so that once i graduate i would have some experience in nursing.

[Pediatric4077]

Very wise idea. I got my CNA prior to nursing school and when I got to clinical in nursing school I was so much better prepared. You learn so much as a CNA. Go for it.

Plus if you like the unit you are a CNA on they are very likely to hire you as an RN when you graduate.

[racing-mom4, BSN, RN]

I did the same thing, I wanted to make sure nursing was truley something I wanted to do so I got my CNA while taking my nursing pre-reqs--I continued working as a CNA till graduation.

Not only did it help me during clinicals--I could actually study sometimes at work (I worked 3rd shift) I had access to all the drug references and medical dictionaries I needed.

Last semester when my classmates were setting up interviews and sending out at many apps as they could, I had 3 Dept heads ask what my intentions were after graduation---and the hospital i worked for actually paid a hefty portion of my tuition once I got into the nursing program.

Good luck---you have an exciting road ahead of you!!

[Eirene, ASN, RN]

I think its a great idea! Being a PCA in the 90's really helped me learn time management way before I got into nursing.

Most hospitals will train you as a PCA (patient care assistant). I wouldn't fork out $500-$800 bucks to be certified when a hospital will train you-- and YOU'LL be the one getting paid.