CNA before sceond degree Bsn??

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

Hey folks!!

I'm about to begin my first steps towards becoming a RN woot! My question is for those of you who are/have obtained a CNA license prior to going on to NS and who already had a BA in another field. Did you think that this was a helpful step for you, and were you able to work while attending school? Did this make you application to nursing school more competitive? I hope this is posted in the right forum. Thanks for any replies!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hmph, I have a classmate who has a Bachelors already and is trying to obtain their CNA right now. Also the person is trying to get their BSN. As far as if they are enjoying the experience. I don't think they are. I believe that the reality of being a CNA as being easy has hit them. Everyday after we get done with our clinicals I'm smiling while she comes out looking like a truck has hit her. I really believe they think they are better due to them having a Bachelors in Biology and them being close to being a RN student. I will just say being a CNA isn't for everyone. But if you are a compassionate person with a good heart you will LOVE IT! I graduate on Friday and I love it so far.:yeah: It has intrigued me more so to become a BSN. I can't wait to go back to school this fall.

As far as getting extra points into nursing school it depends on your school pre-reqs and point system. Some schools require you to become a CNA for pre-reqs. Also check and see if its a Bachelors Accelerate program you can go too. It will shorten your schooling by two years depends on what kind of bachelors you have.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks FutureNurse! thats sucks about that persons attitude, sounds like they don't have the natural heart needed to deal with people in need. Congrats on your upcoming graduation!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can't say whether it's helpful or not - as I don't have my CNA yet (don't even start school for a month) - but I've got a BA and an MA and I'll be doing my CNA before getting my RN. And probably my CPhT too. And whatever else I can load on! Just because.

So if it's NOT a good idea, at least you're not alone. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

It is absolutely helpful. Working as a CNA will prepare you for your first clinical rotation, but even more important, you will be a much better nurse. You will have a very good understanding of the scope of CNA. All of the tasks assigned to a CNA you will know. When your a nurse you won't wonder what the CNA is doing and how come your patient doesn't have everything they need. You will know that he/she is stuck in another room with a patient who needs to be cleaned up....again. Also, you will have the confidence of touching patients and talking with them. Believe it or not, many students I've seen are not comfortable touching a patient and have little confidence in their abilities, especially that first year. Good luck :nuke: Hope this helps a bit.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with a poster above. It will teach you how to feel comfortable with touching people especially after you do a couple of peri-care's bed baths and changing incontinent pads. Also, it will help you to learn non-verbal communication along with TIME MANAGEMENT skills on a floor. I do say though that if your not a friendly person and have a lots of compassion. It will be something that most people won't learn. I have already seen it in some of my classmates during clinicals that wont last long. Becoming a CNA is a SKILL as well as a art. It is something that you have to work on and have technique in. Its either you have it or you don't. And if your not a person who loves helping people then you will HATE this job.:uhoh3:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, OB.

i work as a cna now and am going to be starting nursing school in the fall. the nurses i work with say that i could do 75% of the things they do in nursing school. if i haven't done it i have for sure seen it done and could easily do it myself. being a cna is really helpful as long as it is okay for you to take a pay cut. if you already have a degree i am sure you will take a pay cut if you start as a cna. not only do i learn the skills needed to become a nurse but also time managment, communication, dealing with death and annoying patients, what to do in a crisis situation, and lots and lots of other things!! if you can become a cna do it and you will be leaps and bounds of others in nursing school that haven't been cnas. you can also see if nursing is really what you want to do. cnas get first hand expirence on what nurses do. you can see if it is for sure what you want to do before you sepnd your time and money on school. good luck!!!! i say go for it if you can.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I can't say whether it's helpful or not - as I don't have my CNA yet (don't even start school for a month) - but I've got a BA and an MA and I'll be doing my CNA before getting my RN. And probably my CPhT too. And whatever else I can load on! Just because.

So if it's NOT a good idea, at least you're not alone. :)

lol..thanks!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I agree with a poster above. It will teach you how to feel comfortable with touching people especially after you do a couple of peri-care's bed baths and changing incontinent pads. Also, it will help you to learn non-verbal communication along with TIME MANAGEMENT skills on a floor. I do say though that if your not a friendly person and have a lots of compassion. It will be something that most people won't learn. I have already seen it in some of my classmates during clinicals that wont last long. Becoming a CNA is a SKILL as well as a art. It is something that you have to work on and have technique in. Its either you have it or you don't. And if your not a person who loves helping people then you will HATE this job.:uhoh3:

Yes, this was my biggest fear, and the reason why I didn't pursue nursing 5yrs. ago, I let my fear of touching people and dealing with bodily "icky" stuff scare me away, and letting other people cloud my mind with "why do you want to work with poop all day..?":rolleyes:. The more I think of it, I really should take a CNA class this summer..thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
i work as a cna now and am going to be starting nursing school in the fall. the nurses i work with say that i could do 75% of the things they do in nursing school. if i haven't done it i have for sure seen it done and could easily do it myself. being a cna is really helpful as long as it is okay for you to take a pay cut. if you already have a degree i am sure you will take a pay cut if you start as a cna. not only do i learn the skills needed to become a nurse but also time managment, communication, dealing with death and annoying patients, what to do in a crisis situation, and lots and lots of other things!! if you can become a cna do it and you will be leaps and bounds of others in nursing school that haven't been cnas. you can also see if nursing is really what you want to do. cnas get first hand expirence on what nurses do. you can see if it is for sure what you want to do before you sepnd your time and money on school. good luck!!!! i say go for it if you can.

thanks gabby, good luck with starting nursing school..woot! sounds like you are already steps ahead in the game..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment