Did you work as a CNA before RN?

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I'm just wondering how many people worked as an aid while in school before you graduated as an RN. The instructors in the program I am in really suggest working as an aid during the last year. However, I find it hard to juggle family and school the way it is and really can't see adding on an additional responsibility. Does working as an aid make it a lot easier to get a job once you graduate? Do you feel much more prepared to work as an RN if you work as an aid first?

i worked at unit secretary for seven years and then after completing on clinical rotation I became a patient care tech (nurse extern). It was great experience and working with the nurses was a great motivator.

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Aide to LPN to RN for me...

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I went from CNA to EKG tech to LPN and now going on to RN:monkeydance:

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I thought it was a huge help to be a CNA before I graduated. I only did it during summer and holiday breaks though. But it absolutely helped me and has given me so much more respect for CNA's now that I am an RN. If you can do it I recommend it.

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Specializes in Cardiology, Oncology, Medsurge.

one of the downsides to having been an aide is that more often than not i'll find myself doing aide things that i know i should be delegating to my aide. however, often times my aides have 13, 14 patients; way beyond the patient load i had (4 in stepdown). i agree, dealing with poop, blood, vomit, transfers all are consistant with nursing in general, knowing how to do the task quickly is the advantage of having been an aide. i don't have to wait around for my aide to do the "task" as others are sometimes having to do.

ps. giving baths, brushing teeth, giving back rubs...all of these things help me to better assess and bond with my patient. and it gives me something to chart about besides; i so love charting! not!!!

ps ps...yesterday i floated and had very good aides that were there for me all the way even helped me out with order entry with my new admit. i remember telling one early on, "oh, i'll get the water for so and so, don't worry! you've got 13 patients so i don't mind helping you out a bit!" later i told her that i'd been an aide in my past life. she looked surprised. anyway, the night really went smoothly, thanks to the terrific cna-tech workers ! ! !

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Yup, I was a CNA (briefly). We lived in WI when I first applied to the ADN nursing program at the State technical college system, and no matter what track you were in - say surg tech, or ADN, or LPN - you couldn't even apply until you had registered for the CNA class. Now, you didn't have to take the state certification test to get into the program, but most of us did anyhow. I remember what the RN teaching the CNA class said, she had been an RN for 20 years and said you are never "too good" to wipe butts or give baths. Love that attitude.

I worked 3 mos part time in an assisted living then moved to another state (PA) and got into a nursing program here. I have the utmost respect for the aides and I help them out whenever I can - empty a foley bag if it is full or a j-p, etc. I don't consider myself "above" doing CNA work, we're all there to help the patient, kwim?

PS I am just a newbie nurse too. I hope to stay humble (and helpful).

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I still think it depends on the character of the person as to whether they help out the CNA's.

As I said, I never took a CNA course and never worked as a CNA and I learned all the CNA "stuff" my very first semester in nursing school and in clinical we all started out doing CNA "stuff". Total patient care included getting our pt to the shower or doing a bedbath. Changing linen. Cleaning dentures or brushing teeth. Back rubs. Emptying bedpans, urinals, bedside commodes. Doing I's and O's. Emptying foley's. Etc. That was part of nursing school.

I am not saying do not take a CNA course or work as a CNA. I'm saying you can opt not to do so, learn it in nursing school and still be a great team player.

As I mentioned, I love my CNA's and we have developed a team approach to patient care.

And I have met, as I mentioned, nurses who were CNA's who did not help - so, there is no guarantee . . except for having the innate values that make a nurse help a CNA.

steph

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Yes, I was a CNA for 3 years while I went to nursing school. In my opinion, at the nursing home where I worked and the hospital where I am currently, you can certainly tell which nurses had been an aide and which hadn't! In my state, now you have to have your CNA certification before you can even apply for nursing school and I think that is wonderful. You don't have to work as an aide, but I think many do until they get into school or during school.

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Specializes in Registered Nurse.

I was a CNA/Tech several months during my LPN program, then was a LPN, and then a RN. I had the experience of it all....I even was a registrar before a CNA!

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I Was A Cna For 3 Yeasrs Lpn 10 Yrs Now Rn Since 1991

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Specializes in long term care.
I am an LPN but I think it should be a law that you have to be a CNA before being any kind of nurse. Just to say something from my experience, nurses who havent been aides don't seem to be as appreciative as those who have or those who are willing to pitch in. I have had nurses who would not dain to get their hands dirty even if the patient was twice your size and you were the only aide there.

Couldn't have been said better!

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Specializes in ER/ medical telemetry.
couldn't have been said better

now who would you help first; one who is gracious and willing to pitch in when someone needs help, or one who barks orders and expects techs and aides to do all the work?

i know which one i would help.

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