CNA? Yes or no?

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Is becoming a CNA worth it in the long run? Before going into nursing school?

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

Hi,

For me becoming a CNA has definitely been worth it as a start to changing careers. I initially took a course because I was interested in changing to a healthcare career but wasn't sure if I would like it or not, and $600 and 6 weeks of my time was much less of a commitment than nursing school, so I felt that if I hated it after 6-12 months I could bail and do something else.

I have now been working as a CNA for a little over 2 years and it has been a wonderful experience for me in terms of gaining confidence in the healthcare setting, confidence with patient and family interactions, and just learning a lot in general. For me working as a CNA has confirmed that healthcare is the right field for me and motivated me to work towards getting into nursing school. Others may have a different experience, my sister worked as a CNA in preparation for med school and it was one of the experiences that lead her to apply for a science Ph.D. instead - she found out that much as she wants to change the world for the better, and likes caring for people, she hates the bureaucratic side of healthcare with a passion.

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I wouldn't do it. From the standpoint of not having a job, and needing hours, with facilities having an abundant amount of hours available (in some areas) then yes it seems worth it.

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Specializes in Critical Care Transport, Cardiac ICU, Rapid.

Being a CNA was the best possible choice for me prior to getting into nursing school. I've been exposed to so many different situations, able to communicate with a patient under almost any condition, and have met some of the best (as well as worst but mainly best) people i wouldn't have met otherwise.

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I am very glad that I became a CNA first. It really opened my eyes to the reality of nursing. In fact, I've decided to go into Radiology instead.

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You can be all kinds of book smart and capable when it comes to school, but patient interaction is something you can learn first as a CNA. It also gives you perspective on what is happening with your patients on every level. It can also make you capable of smelling a bad CNA a mile off, so to speak.

The interaction, the repor, the hands on of actually touching a patient for procedures or even just helping someone get dressed, these are invaluable pieces of being a nurse. Plus, if you ever become a nurse who feels compelled to search 15min for a CNA to empty a urinal in a room you just walked out of, well, your CNAs will likely endeavor to stay busy and hide from you. It will teach you not to be squeamish about direct patient care which will win respect and make your floor work easier. Spending 30s to empty a urinal vs 15min to search for someone else to do it is just better time management.

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I think yes you definitely should work as a CNA before becoming a nurse. I think this should be a requirement. You learn to respect your cnas when you become a nurse.

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I think yes you definitely should work as a CNA before becoming a nurse. I think this should be a requirement. You learn to respect your cnas when you become a nurse.

Maybe PRN. In my area, there are too many call-ins.

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