CNA to RN

[FutrNurse123]

I was wondering if it is worth the money to become a CNA before becoming an RN. Does becoming a CNA really give you a leg up and help out? I want so bad to be a nurse BUT, i kind of messed up my first semester at my JC (I was unmotivated and undecided on what I wanted to do). I know, I screwed up big time. Had I known I was going to be wanting to enter into such a competitive career path, I think I would have done better ......

Now that I realize I want to be a nurse, the fact that I completely bombed my first semester makes it unlikely that I would be accepted into the SRJC Nursing Program, considering it's extremely competitive and there are many other girls out there with near perfect GPA's.

Is it a good move on my part to become a CNA for a while first, and take that step to becoming an RN a little later? Anyone else who has made this decision or who have bombed their first semester?

Thank you! I am just confused and want so much to succeed and become a great nurse. Taking the steps to that however is something I'm having difficulty figuring out! :heartbeat

[Justanotherday]

I would retake those classes if it were me. Now that you are motivated you would do so much better!

[LilMSSunshine]

Some schools will give people who are certified nursing assistants an extra point in the admissions process. You don't have to actually work as a CNA, you just have to be currently listed as a CNA. So maybe it would help.

[escapebigd]

I bombed out my first semester. now years later, and a better outlook I've decided to retake my courses. I'm a CNA right now just to help me land a job after I get my degree though. With all the competition around here I figured it would help having a couple years experience in a hosp. setting as a new grad.