Did you work as a CNA before RN?

[doglover1]

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?

[RheatherN, ASN, RN, EMT-P]

NurseJane, i never did CNA or Aide stuff at all before going to nursing school, and i fully appericate ppl. I work my butt off not only to help myself, but other too. I was a paramedic in the Army and then i worked as an MA for 6 years before finally starting my core classes. I took gen ed's for 2 yrs b4 i got into core classes. but i was also raised to work my *** off, appericate others and ALWAYS help. So, NOT everyone can be clumped into that or made to CNA's first. not trying to argue or be mean, but not everyone is like that.

-H-

[Sabby_NC]

Thank you. I do appreciate all the work CNA's do. I do help out. I believe in teamwork. And it has to do with inner character - not necessarily being a CNA first.

I've told the story before about the laziest RN I ever knew was a CNA for years, then an LVN and finally got her RN. She never helped.

Does that mean all nurses who were CNA's first were lazy? No.

It all boils down to what kind of person are you?

steph

Well said and I wholeheartedly agree. Our CNA's rock and we could not function without them. They are truly the backbone of our organization. :)

[mosin46]

yea,but we were called orderlies back in the stone age.

[MA Nurse]

Yes, I worked as an aid. The hospital would also hire us as student nurse aides when we were in school, and we made more money than a CNA. I recommend it.

[Conrad283, BSN, RN]

I never worked as an aid, although I have helped out with stuff at times. But I have been a unit clerk for 6+ years and I know that once I graduate, I will be extra nice to the clerks.

[NursKris82]

Yes, I 've been working as a CNA for 6 years now. I am a couple weeks away from my LPN and another year away from my RN. That's how I figured out that I wanted to be a nurse. I think the experience has been very helpful.