CNA before RN - Necessary?

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Please forgive me (and move if necessary) I'm new here and just trying to figure out where threads should go. I was having a discussion with some nurse members on another (non nusring) board. It was stated that in a lot of states, it is already manditory that you are a CNA for at least 1 year before applying to Nursing School, and in other states (I'm pretty sure it's not a requirement here, at least not that I've ever seen, read or been told) but that schools are wnating you to have the clinical experience, even if it's not a hard requirement. I talked to the nursing school that I'm really hoping to go to and they said no, that it's not even really a consideration, but is it really? Should I put off finsihing my pre reqs for another few semesters and take CNA courses and work PT as a CNA (with my FT job) while finishing my pre reqs. I HAVE to work FT until I get accepted into nursing school. Even then it's going to be a stretch. And, taking a paycut to work as a FT CNA wouldn't be much of an option, either, considering I need the extra that I'm making now so I can afford to live while in nursing school (I'm a single Mom, but apparently I make too much and don't qualify for any financial aid)

Does anyone know anything about this? I realize it couldn't hurt to work as a CNA first, but is it becoming an "unwritten requirement" so to speak? Does anyone know anything about this CO/Denver area specifically?

Thanks!

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I think it really depends onthe school and what their requirements are. If I were you I would go to each nursing school website (in your area) and see what they require. And/or talk to advisors from them.

I personally have not heard of this but that just may be not something that is a requirement around where I live. I know that there are other schools in a few other states are much more difficult to get into than here. GL to you!!!

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Oh yeah, you may qualify for financial aid once you have been unemployed after the first year of nursing school maybe you can get it the 2nd year in.

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Like you said it couldn't hurt. I don't think schools will hold it against you if you do not either, unless it specifically stated in the requirements for admission.

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This requirement depends upon the schools you are applying to. You need to research this to find out if it is mandatory or if it is only helpful in the selection process.

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Thanks, everyone. It's not mandatory for any school I'm applying to, but didn't know if it helped the process along. Though from what I've heard from others and read and was told by the schools it didn't really matter at all as to whether I was accepted, but may help when it comes to getting a job out of nursing school. I am looking into an evening/weekend program at a local CC right now. I am applying to be put on their wait list, though I'm not sure how long it will take before I can actually attend. There are lots of programs around here, but most of the ones I've found are during the day, and I can't take day classes due to work. So, we'll see what happens with this evening program and go from there. One thing I'm worried about though, even if I do get the certification, I won't be able to work FT, so I'm not sure what my likely hood of finding a job would be with my limited schedule.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.

My experience is extremely limited, but in the two CO state Universities that I looked at, one requires you to have it and one does not. It's totally up to the schools at caliotter3 just mentioned.

I added this after I read your reply - but the University that is my first choice doesn't require letters of recommendations or a place to put volunteering or work history. They judge you solely on your essay, which is a response to three questions about diversity, critical thinking and nursing as a profession. I'm not worried about past employment (I've been a SAHM for years now) but on doing my best and learning the most I can... the rest will work itself out.

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My experience is extremely limited, but in the two CO state Universities that I looked at, one requires you to have it and one does not. It't totally up to the schools at caliotter3 just mentioned.

Which school required it? I haven't found one that requires it yet, but I may not have looked at that school, I've only really looked at 4 schools in depth

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Hey there,

I am going to go to a school in Denver, Colorado, and the schools that require a CNA license and experience will say on their requirements.

I have found that most schools that actually require a CNA license are most often than not Community Colleges. Most Universities, at least in colorado, Don't require one. So I guess it is up to your discretion whether you think it will benefit you or not.

Also, it may be hard to keep up your grades while working Full time, going to school, and working part time as a CNA. Just make sure you will not be overburdening yourself.

jessy

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Specializes in Critical Care, Clinical Documentation Specialist.

UNC (in Greeley) requires it and says on their page it is a"preapplication requirement". I would have had them as my second choice, except for needing the CNA.

http://www.unco.edu/nhs/nursing/bs/prospective.htm

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Specializes in My goal is to be an Oncology Nurse.....

In a way if you think about it, you have the upper hand if you are already a CNA and you know what to expect and have a good training background. The experience you gain from being a CNA will only help you.

If you find yourself in a company that will either pay for your CNA license, the better off you will be or EVEN BETTER if the company you work for will help pay for nursing school..

Either way if you look at it, you will come out ahead.

Good Luck. Keep ur chin up...:D

Oh and P.S. I would keep up with your pre reqs also. Your job "hopefully" should and would understand this..

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