Could this work, becoming a CNA and going back to school to become a RN well working?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I want to become a nurses so badly and my orignal plan was in the beginning to go to the local community college near me and take the CNA classes, then well looking for a job as a CNA or well working as one go back to school to become a RN. I started thinking about it and because I wanted to become a nurse so bad and I love it (from taking care of my mom) and knew i wouldnt change my mind, was planning on skipping the CNA and going straight for the RN classes cause I figured:

A) It would be faster

B) Cause I can't afford it really

C) I knew I wouldnt change my mind

BUT.......I just learned that the community college I'll be going to requires you have you CNA licenses before you can take nursing classes.

Yes I know I dont have to work as a CNA after I get my licenses and could just go straight ino RN classes, but now I'm wondering if my first plan would be wiser, considering money, and time?

Also if my first plan was wiser and better, how hard would it be to balance working as a CNA and going to school to become a RN?

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As a CNA you would gain a lot of insight and be able to apply that to your classes. I have been a CNA for 17 yrs. I am now going back to school to get my LPN. I may work part-time while I am in school and I may not I have not yet decided. I know my classes will be from 8-3 M-F. Right now I am working as a CNA at an out-patient psych center. M-F. So I will have to quit that job.

I would say that if you wanted to work while going to school try to find a weekend option part-time or PRN position. Some hospitals offer a weekend option position and a lot times they will have a PRN position for weekends.

But as a CNA I believe you would be able to use your CNA skills and resources in the classroom as well as the clinical and that would give you a much bigger advantage.

Good Luck.

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As a CNA you would gain a lot of insight and be able to apply that to your classes. I have been a CNA for 17 yrs. I am now going back to school to get my LPN. I may work part-time while I am in school and I may not I have not yet decided. I know my classes will be from 8-3 M-F. Right now I am working as a CNA at an out-patient psych center. M-F. So I will have to quit that job.

I would say that if you wanted to work while going to school try to find a weekend option part-time or PRN position. Some hospitals offer a weekend option position and a lot times they will have a PRN position for weekends.

But as a CNA I believe you would be able to use your CNA skills and resources in the classroom as well as the clinical and that would give you a much bigger advantage.

Good Luck.

Thank you that makes my decision seem a little better, I know I wont back down on wanting to be a nurse, i was just afaird on my decision on if i should become a CNA first then go to school to become a RN....I think I will become a CNA first and then go back to school, at least this way I can save up some money to pay for school instead of asking my dad.

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As a CNA you will also get to see first hand what the nursing filed is like and if it's for you.

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I am a CNA and am waiting to see if I got accepted into the RN program at my community college. Almost all the RN's/LPN's I work with were CNA's first, and they have all said it is great experience to become a CNA first then an RN. You will gain so much more knowledge and experience!

Good luck with whatever you decide!:o

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Thank you all I feel more confident that becoming a CNA first will be good for me and help me more

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In the ADN program I am applying to, it is a requirement to be a CNA prior to starting the first semester. Go get your CNA! :)

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tys lol

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Specializes in Mother Baby.

I have heard of a lot of people getting btheir CNA and working while in the RN program. It has helped them tremendously. Good luck!

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I Agree, GREAT idea! I know in my CNA class, the people I did clinical with had all said that they were so happy they did this before applying to NS!!!

Go for it!

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