Does it make sense to get your CNA license before nursing school?

jjshamoon · Jul 16, 2011

I think in general it's always good to get as much experience as you can. As for nursing school admission, it depends on the school. Here in Oregon, entrance is granted based on a point system out of 70 points. You can get up to 5 or 6 points if you have worked a certain amount of hours as a CNA. You might want to check with the schools you are planning on applying to and see how they work. Best of luck!

margritamix · Jul 16, 2011

If you are pretty set on becoming a nurse, getting your CNA license and working as one would probably be the most beneficial thing for you to do both to get experience for nursing school and getting to see what nurses actually do everyday all while making money :)

Lame · Jul 17, 2011

Yes, you should totally do it. It's also something to fall back on in an emergency, just in case you are unable to go to nursing school and will look good on a nursing school application.

sunshinelu86 · Jul 17, 2011

I say...It can't hurt ya! When I first started applying for school I was told it was a waste of time that I would get in right away:jester: boy were they wrong. I just got my CNA license and I only see it as a step in the right direction. It can get your foot in the door for some great experience with patients and can allow you to have a PRN job when you DO get into school. I am waiting to hear back now from school and hope that my CNA will help me Good luck!!

sunshinelu86 · Jul 17, 2011

Oh and I would also like to point out that a wonderful person told me once that the BEST nurses worked as CNA's first. I would assume it is mainly because they appreciate how much CNAs do and how much hard work goes into being a caregiver! :nurse:

smartfungirl75 · Jul 17, 2011

Yes, it makes sense. I plan on doing just that and will work as a CNA part-time while in school. The experience will be beneficial, for sure.

stefanyjoy · Jul 18, 2011

In my state it is required to be on the CNA registry before the start of nursing school... so yes, it is wise to become a CNA first. Even if it weren't required here, I would think it would be foolish not to be.

sincerelyjane · Jul 18, 2011

Tank you so much for the advice! Ill be enrolling in the CNA program here in October.

bbrewer001 · Jul 18, 2011

I just finished my CNA course, I am currently studying to take the exam ASAP (I start Nursing School in August). :yeah:But I totally think you made the right choice- I think it will give us a feel for the environment, help us gain confidence in ourselves related to medical situations, learn how to handle time management, learn interpersonal skills with the patient, etc. etc. I am excited to get my foot in the door!!! Good luck to you

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Jul 18, 2011

I start my CNA class next month....while I wait to hear if I am accepted into the pre-nursing or nursing program at the same school as the CNA class. I have several friends who are nurses and they all recommended the CNA course first. Even the admissions counselor at the school told me it was a great idea since they require nursing students get their CNA after the first semester anyway. I'll be ahead of the game! I'll be done in December and will be job hunting as soon as I get my certificate. I'm hoping I get accepted into either a) the pre-nursing program that begins in May or b) the pre-nursing or nursing program that begins in August. That way, when I start nursing school, I'll already have several months' worth of experience. I can continue to work PRN during nursing school. I will only need the NUR classes since I already have the non-nursing ones done (ENG, SOC, etc); I'm hoping to be able to work 1-2 shifts a week while in school. If I'm lucky enough to get hired as a CNA in a hospital and I like it there, then *fingers crossed* I would be able to get hired as an RN when I'm done. :nurse:

sincerelyjane · Jul 19, 2011

Thank you all so much for your words of encouragement! I wish you all success in your endeavors as well !!!