Do I automatically get a CNA after first year in nursing school?

[onlyjesus22]

I took a lot of college courses but was never able to graduate due to some health reasons. Now, I am trying to get my life back together, starting over again. I'm planning to apply for the SPRING 2011 RN program at a community college. I wanted to build my resume. I don't have any job experience in the health field. I was wondering what are some good jobs I can earn experience and can help towards my nursing career.

also i was thinking of getting CNA, do I automatically become a CNA after first year of nursing school (associates degree) or do i have to take extra classes to become a CNA?

can i become CNA for free anywhere in northern jersey area? thank you

[Emergency RN]

IMHO, A CNA program is a completely different scope of practice. While RNs do direct CNAs, partially completing an RN program of study does not qualify one to be a CNA.

[SweetLikeSugar]

I also wanted to gain hospital experience and get my foot in the door when I was in nursing school and I was hired as a Patient Care Associate (PCA) at a small community hospital. It's basically the same job as a CNA but they don't require you to be certified since you're working towards a higher degree. I learned alot in that position and I was much more comfortable with the floor and the nurses when I was hired as an RN after graduation. Good luck!!

[CoffeemateCNA]

You won't automatically be a CNA, but you'll probably have the option to challenge the state exam to become certified without actually having to take the class. Your board of nursing or whatever agency oversees CNAs in your state would be able to tell you for sure. Usually a nursing fundamentals or med/surg course is all that is required.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Yes, what Coffee said. One year of RN nursing Edu will let you sit for the CNA in my area. Most hospitals in my area require all techs to be CNA, EMTs can often tech in ER.

... or that might be just one semester.

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

In my State (CT)

"A student enrolled in a LPN or RN program may request to challenge the test by providing original transcripts of their education verifying they have completed the basic nursing fundamentals and skills that are covered in a nurse aide training program." (taken from the CT DPH website)

In my LPN school, the basic nursing fundementals and skills that are covered in a CNA training program, were covered in the very beginning of the course. (which of course bored the majority of my classmates to death since the vast majority of the class were already State registered CNA's)

To the OP its all dependant on YOUR State and their rules/regulations, its best to look there for your answer.

[CNL2B]

IMHO, A CNA program is a completely different scope of practice. While RNs do direct CNAs, partially completing an RN program of study does not qualify one to be a CNA.

Not totally true. Although RNs are licensed professionals and can obviously do a lot more with their licensure then a NA, both RNs and NAs do NURSING. There are obviously differences in the complexity of care-handling capabilities, but we both work in the same field.

As far as getting work as a NA -- some nursing schools these days are requesting that you go through a NA course as a prerequisite to admission. Of the ones that don't do that, most RN programs state that you have enough skills to get registered as a NA either after the first semester or the first year of nursing school. You might want to contact the school that you want to go to and find out which is the case.

Even if you decide not to apply for the NA registry (NA/R is then your title) , many, many hospitals fill their NA positions with nursing students. The registry essentially just keeps a record of those individuals that have gone through a NA training course. There is no licensure involved, so likely if you go to nursing school you'll be able to get a job either as an SN (who often times do a lot of the same types of work as a CNA) or a PCT, NA, etc.

Best of luck to you!

[bobwolg]

Where I live you can become a Student Assistant after one year of an RN program. You might check with the hospitals to see if they have such a position

[amandakay]

Where I live (DFW, Texas) after the first sememster of RN school you are qualified to work as a CNA.

[caliotter3]

Some schools will sign off on an application to test for CNA, while others will not. As with a lot of things, up to the policy of the school. At any rate, it won't just come in the mail. You have to apply and take the tests, just like anyone else who is applying for a CNA certificate.

[lilbearzmom]

The school I'm applying to for Fall 2011 has it as a prerequisite. I am planning on taking it this fall, then using it to work as a STNA/PCA during school. I think it's a great idea. An LPN I was speaking with recently said she thought all RNs should be required to work as an STNA/CNA before becoming an RN. Makes sense to me.

[LETRN]

The hospital in which my school was through would let its students works as PCAs (CNA) after the first nursing semester. We weren't certified like 'real' CNAs, but we were allowed to perform the job in that health system...we couldn't go to a nursing home or somewhere that required a CNA and work, though.