College graduate becoming a CNA

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So I just graduated from a university and got a BS in Neurobiology. I want to apply to nursing school to get a masters degree. Is it logical to go through CNA training so I can get more nursing experience. Will it increase my chances of getting into nursing school? It seems like I'm moving backwards with my studies, but I can't think of any nursing jobs that I can do with my BS and don't need certification or special training.

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It certainly can't hurt!

Some nursing programs require CNA certification, and even if they don't, working as a CNA for a time will give you the advantage of working closely with nurses before you become one.

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Specializes in ER, OB.

Congrats on your hard work to get your BS. That is quite an achievement. Becoming a CNA gives you a lot of experience in the nursing world. I think if you are thinking about nursing I would take the CNA class to make sure that is what you want to do. I recommend that anyone who wants to be a nurse to become a CNA first. As you have been to college already you know how expensive and time consuming it is. Maybe this time you will make sure you are doing something you can get a job in and something you enjoy. Best of luck!

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Specializes in LTC.

It's always better to work as a CNA before you become a nurse- even if it is "backwards."

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honestly it would be a waste of your time. just jump right in and go to nursing. i think a cna job would bore you. i was a cna for 8 yrs before becoming a nurse. so not worth it money wise either. neurobiology wow!!! aim high!!!

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Specializes in LTC.

It's still good to work as a CNA for a bit before going into nursing. I wouldn't say it's a waste of time to have to lower yourself to the level of a bunch of undereducated, underpaid morons if it's going to give you a taste of what nursing is like.

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ummmm gosh i hope my post wasnt taken like an insult. like i said i was a cna for 8 yrs it is a very rewarding job but you get treated like crap from most nurses, as well as not being taken seriously.those who try to deny this fact arent being honest.the posted asked for opinions and this is what i stated...i never meant for it to seem like a "status" thing. why would someone with a high level of education assume a position in which he/she is way overqualified only to be treated as inferior -it gets boring.the poster obviously likes science...which nursing is. in nursing school they start off teaching you how to be a cna this is why so many ppl with no medical experiance can go into nursing school-they start with the basics. granted yes being a cna did help me in nursng school but only for the first 2 months.any whom are reading please do not take offense my tone is meant to be a civil conversation........

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That's all well and good, but you cannot generalize and say that all CNAs get treated like crap from most nurses and are not taken seriously, and if someone denies this they are lying.

That might have been your experience. It has not been mine. Everyone's experience is different, and I do not appreciate being generalized like that.

As for being a CNA only being helpful for 2 months, that might be true as far as skills go, but it can help with your comfort level in the healthcare setting longterm. Just because someone has a lot of academic success already does not necessarily mean they will not benefit from doing basic nursing care for a while. It's about the skills less than it is the experience.

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Specializes in LTC.
That's all well and good, but you cannot generalize and say that all CNAs get treated like crap from most nurses and are not taken seriously, and if someone denies this they are lying.

That might have been your experience. It has not been mine. Everyone's experience is different, and I do not appreciate being generalized like that.

As for being a CNA only being helpful for 2 months, that might be true as far as skills go, but it can help with your comfort level in the healthcare setting longterm. Just because someone has a lot of academic success already does not necessarily mean they will not benefit from doing basic nursing care for a while. It's about the skills less than it is the experience.

Good post. :up: Someone who hasnt had prior experience working with people in a healthcare setting will benefit greatly from working as a CNA, it teaches the fundamentals of good client care which in my opinion, is all about the way you can connect with people on a 'personal' level.

Also, some nursing programs let you take the CNA course in place of a basic nursing course. At my college the CNA course replaces Nursing Funds 1. So it may be worth checking out if your college offers that, and you could gain some experience and pad your resume anyway.

Congratulations on graduating! The CNA course for you, I assume, will be a surefire breeze!

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If if it was me and I had your credentials, I wouldn't do it. A BS is, esp one like yours, is far more impressive. Some nursing schools require cna to apply to nursing school but if it doesn't I wouldn't.

I love the fact I got my cna but for me its just a step on my ladder. Its been without a doubt, one hundred percent my exp in life that you get respect according to your level of education. Not to mention pay :)

Go on to nursing school, skip the cna! :)

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Thanks for all the replies! They were really helpful. Although some of you might have misunderstood me. I wanted to become a CNA as I'm applying to nursing school. That way, if I don't get in (knock on wood) I would still be able to work and gain more experience and re-apply. Of course, going to nursing school is my ultimate goal.

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So I just graduated from a university and got a BS in Neurobiology. I want to apply to nursing school to get a masters degree. Is it logical to go through CNA training so I can get more nursing experience. Will it increase my chances of getting into nursing school? It seems like I'm moving backwards with my studies, but I can't think of any nursing jobs that I can do with my BS and don't need certification or special training.

im a stna myself and i was a pca (patient care assistant

i feel you need the STNA training for a better paying job

and you need the hands on training to be a good nurse

its only a 2- 3 week course and your done

it will help with the clinicals you will face in nursing school

im not in nursing yet

but will be in summer 2009

but i know since i took the class and been in a hospital setting

it has really helped my bedside manners and patient care

my sis is a rn at grant medical trauma/ortho

she said she wished she had that kind of training when she went through rn school

it would have made the cliniclas easier for her

Good luck

angelwings

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