From CNA to RN

Personally, I found it helpful to be a CNA before becoming a nurse. It made nursing clinicals a little easier because I was already comfortable with patient interaction, basic patient care, prioritization and general hospital culture.

Is it absolutely necessary to be an aide first?

No.

Many nursing students have no previous experience with any aspect of healthcare and do fine. I just found it helpful for me, myself and I.

How a nurse acts when they start working totally depends on the person.

Some, who were aides first, have trouble with the transition. I did because I wanted to do it all and I had to learn to let go and delegate when necessary.

Some, who were aides, are happy to never change a brief again, if they can get away with it.

Most will struggle in the beginning and will get it together over time.

You can't really tell who was an aide prior to being a nurse and who wasn't.

I loved being a CNA.

Personally, I enjoyed more than being a nurse.

But that's just me

I have two jobs.

One leaves me wore out, stressed to the max and fantasizing about winning the lottery and quitting.

One is so sweet, I'll never leave.