Cna??

You can get lots of valuable experience working as a CNA, i am still pre-nursing so i don't now how it will help you in the nursing program but i do know from people on here that it does help to get the experience but it isn't necessary. The work of a cna is hard, but you get into the swing of things after while and its just like any other job( difficulty wise), The work of a Cna is the basics of nursing that you wll need to learn and get used to. And you can make some money while going to school as a cna. In PA where i am from the average cna salary in the Pittsburgh area is 12.00hr

YES! First, you'll see if nursng is definitely what you want to do. Second, you'll get to see firsthand what a nurse actually does. Third, you can build a relationship with your hospital that can translate into tuition assistance to help you with your college costs and possibly already line up a nursing job when you are finished.

yes, I am a CNA and I am also currently working on prerequisites for the RN program. Being a CNA is just like you put it "hard, dirty work, and definately underpaid" but it is the basics of nursing. I have worked for alot of nurses and I think that the best ones were CNA's at one time because they appreciate their aides and it is easier to appreciate them if you have been in their position. A CNA is the bottom of the food chain but is still very important. Without CNA's no one would even get their teeth brushed. Besides, it's a good way to get your feet wet.

Besides, it's a good way to get your feet wet.

Sometimes literally!

I'm starting an accelerated BSN program this fall and have been a CNA and home health aide since last summer and love it. It's been great for me to not only perform basic patient care but to also work with nurses and see what they do, see how the healthcare system works, etc. A lot of nursing programs teach you basic patient care skills your first term, and if you already know these skills from CNA work, you'll be a little ahead of the game, and hopefully feel a little more comfortable starting out. There are enough intimidating skills I'll need to learn in nursing school, so the more I know before I go in, the more comfortable I'll feel.

First, I want to say hello to everyone! I am new around here and need some advice. Currently, I am working on my pre-req's with high hopes of getting into a nursing program.....one day. My question is will taking the short CNA course and working in this entry level postion be a good decision while I work on my pre-req's or will it be lot's of dirty work, low pay and a waste of time??? Will becoming a CNA give me exposure and experience in a clinical setting that will look good, when applying to either the LVN or ADN program. Help! I really do not want to waste my time but also I've never worked in a hospital before so I have no experience behind me for when I apply.

Hello!

The program I am in requires that you have your CNA. Doesn't mean that you have to be practicing as one, but it helps. I would recommend it, I never thought it as a waste of time, in fact it makes me even more appreciative of the CNAs I work with.

Good luck and take care!

I too am a CNA and it's nice 'cause you have a head start. When all the other nursing students are afraid to even feed a patient, lol you will be sooo ahead of the game + you'll know how everything works by that time and you will have familiarized yourself with healcare facilities. Go for it!!!

Uhmm .Well...If you are looking for experience..Why not.CNAs work really hard and they are really underpaid.I dont think it's fair for them.RN2B,i think it will be a good experience for you and the program is like a couple of months long if Im not mistaking .So, why not?

Thank you all for your replying to my post about the CNA, I really appreciate it and will make a decision here shortly. The next program starts on June 5, I think I may go ahead and do it. Nothing hurts more education and gaining valuable experience.

RN2B......1DAY;)

Becoming a CNA is an excellent idea. You will learn all sorts of valuable lessons regarding patient care, and when your clinicals start you will already be comfortable in the environment. The confidence you gain is priceless. You can get your CNA for free at many facilities, they will train you in a class and pay you for your time as long as you work for them afterwards. My experience as a CNA was very valuable in clinicals, we had several people who had never worked in that environment before, and they were scared just to go in and take vital signs by themselves, and very awkward around the patients. Go for it. If it becomes too difficult to handle work and school, you can always quit work then.

Will becoming a CNA give me exposure and experience in a clinical setting that will look good, when applying to either the LVN or ADN program. Help! I really do not want to waste my time but also I've never worked in a hospital before so I have no experience behind me for when I apply.

Yes! It definately will!! It's what I decided to do while I waited for school to start this semester, and I found that I've gotten comfortable with doing a lot of basics (especially getting vitals), learning a lot from working directly with both the patients and the nurses/doctors, and becoming familiar with a lot of medication and disorders that are fairly common among the residents I'm working with. Besides, through the experience, you can get a feel for what it's like to have a lot of responsibility for the patient's well-being on your shoulders.

If anything, if you find yourself working as an LVN or RN at a skilled nursing facility in the future, you'll be extremely familiar with what the CNA's are responsible for and what it's like being a CNA... and I'm sure that knowledge has the potential to help you.

On another note, I was actually having a horrible day today at work (as a CNA)... but one of my residents told me while I put her to bed that it wasn't easy growing old because you often feel like you're a nuisance and unwanted by the people who you love... but that I've been really nice to her and I've helped her a lot during the time I was there... and that she really appreciated it and was thankful for everything I was doing for her. It made me so happy that I practically forgot how bad my day was. =)

I dont think I am having a problem justifing going into a CNA program. From everything I've heard it will definetly be a step in the right direction for me as I progress through school. I am torn between having to quit my job of 8 years as a Flight Attendant or become CNA. There are many factors that I need to take into consideration like my husband that has a demanding job with many late nights (VP) and my two children one only 10 mo. old. I have been off from flying since last June and need to return this July (if I decide to go back) so ya, I've been off and going to school working on my pre-req's. I guess now I need to decide what is more important. I am just so scared of leaving my comfortable job of 8 years for a path of uncertainty....I really want to become a nurse but I worry that the competetiveness may keep me from getting accepted. I will stay positive and I'm sure the right decision will come to me. Honestly, I feel the calling of becoming a nurse even if It takes me longer than anticipated.