For Those of You Who Were Accepted Into BSN Programs With No CNA Experience

andrea3434 · Mar 26, 2016

I had no health care experience whatsoever.

My school looked at gpa and HESI entrance test scores. We had to have two letters of reference. That's it.

It all depends on the school.

Zyprexa_Ho · Mar 26, 2016

What are you failing? The skills test? The exam itself?

The program I'm going to apply to only considers total credit hours of prereqs completed (of which 30 credit hours are considered) and GPA for those classes. That's it. No reference letters, no personal statement. My guess is they do this because 400-500 people apply per semester and only like 90 get in.

missnursingstudent19 · Mar 26, 2016

It's the skills test. I passed the written part the first time. I've decided it's not worth the stress anymore. I mean, I'd do it 10 times over if I had to if it was for my ultimate goal of RN or nurse practitioner. But I don't see the sense in putting myself through it anymore just for experience when there are other ways to get it.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Mar 26, 2016

Most nursing schools are going to consider previous GPA and entrance exam scores. Current job and work experience are unlikely to be as much of a factor if you're applying to a traditional 4 year BSN program.

The problem I see is that you've now twice failed a test of basic nursing skills you'll be expected to master early on in nursing school. If you're not have success performing these skills, more complex nursing tasks are also going to be difficult. I highly suggest you take some time to evaluate why you are failing the CNA exam and take steps to modify your study habits and performance so that your struggles aren't repeated in nursing school.

missnursingstudent19 · Mar 26, 2016

Double Helix, you are right about that. I think my problem is that

a. I've never had a test that was like this before

b. I have never had any experience working with patients or working in a health care setting at all.

If I can get some experience in a health care setting, I think that would help me master these basic nursing skills. I also think me failing this test has a lot to do with how I work under pressure and in timed situations. I know I really need to work on that part of it.

BBboy · Mar 27, 2016

OP, the CNA state skills test really isn't that difficult compared to the skills you'll be expected to complete and be checked off in while in nursing skill (you can be dropped from your program after a 2nd failure at some schools). Memorize the steps, practice them, and verbalize them out loud. Hand washing, privacy, call lights, bed in low position, and pillows are where people always lose points.

AnArtist · Mar 27, 2016

I didn't need a CNA to get into my program: it was based on prerequisite completion and grades. But I did notice that the people who are CNAs in my program were much more comfortable working with patients. I had done phlebotomy before, but it didn't give the level of confidence needed to take care of the patient's various needs throughout the day.

During my summer break (because I wanted more experience) I volunteered at a hospital and also got a job as a nurse tech (as nursing students with enough experience are legally allowed to do the same work as CNAs in my state). It has made me so much more comfortable with planning care for patients and setting priorities. I think it will also make me a better nurse.

My advice for the skills would be to practice the steps from a Clinical Nursing Skills textbook. Depending on how you learn you could either practice the skills manually, write them out step by step, or describe what you're doing aloud step by step.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Mar 27, 2016

But really, you can't pass the CNA test but think nursing school will help? You do understand that a CNA does the very basic of nursing skills, correct? It's not a whole other job. It's the very foundation of a nursing job. You will do skills check offs in school. Basic nursing skill check offs.

umbdude, MSN, APRN · Mar 27, 2016

My school doesn't require it. It might help when you want to apply to a CNA job at a hospital during nursing school, but usually after 1-2 semesters students can apply to those student patient care tech jobs even without CNA.

allnurses Guide · Mar 27, 2016

Became a nurse at 40 with no health care experience and didn't take a CNA class.

I've lived to tell the tale.

Unless a program requires it, I see no need, personally.

Any new job is going to have a learning curve.

ThatOneDude822 · Mar 27, 2016

My school didn't give that much weight to volunteering or previous experience. They use a point system, and previous experience only awarded 3 extra points (just to put that in perspective, being a continuing student of the university awarded 10 extra points). It really isn't a necessity for most schools.