Becoming a CNA before getting a BSN?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello! I am a highschool junior and my highschool offers a free technical program to becoming a CNA my senior year. I plan on becoming a registered nurse going to a four year college to obtain my bsn. Is it a good idea to become a CNA first and use my certification to work the summers between my college years? Any insight is greatly appreciated! Thanks :D

Specializes in ED.

This is a fantastic opportunity that I don't think you should pass up! There are so many benefits to working with patients prior to becoming a nurse. I don't regret having taken that path myself.

Specializes in Geriatrics, Cath Lab, Cardiology,Neuro.

Being a CNA first is a wonderful idea because it gets your foot in the door of the healthcare world and it gives you experience with patients under your belt. Alot of RN's I know started out as CNA's or orderlies before going to RN school and they worked as CNA's during school.

Specializes in Mixed Level-1 ICU.

Yes, basically good idea.

But know that a CNA is a very hard job--especially if you are hired in a poorly run facility that views you only as a menial laborer and not a valued future RN--for meager pay considering what you will be doing.

Still, in this economy, it's better than doing nada.

Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.

Not only is it a good idea, it's a great idea! :)

I think it should be required for admission to nursing school...I know several schools in my area have added the requirement.

Good luck with your education and welcome to allnurses.

Specializes in Geriatrics, Cath Lab, Cardiology,Neuro.
Yes, basically good idea.

But know that a CNA is a very hard job--especially if you are hired in a poorly run facility that views you only as a menial laborer and not a valued future RN--for meager pay considering what you will be doing.

Still, in this economy, it's better than doing nada.

True, and just do what I wish I had done when I started out as an aide and listen to those who said that a certain nursing home sucked ass, and do your research and go by word of mouth when choosing a facility you want to work at. It is a hard job, physically and mentally and it is very rewarding. It will give you a head start in the nursing world, and we all had to start somewhere even if it was a poorly paid, hard working CNA. CNA's are the worker bees in most facilities.:nurse:

Definitely a good idea! I worked as a CNA while I was in school, it helped me feel alot more comfortable in my clinical experience because I was used to going into patient rooms and talking to patients. You learn alot of stuff as a CNA and it only helps later on! Good luck with nursing school.

Specializes in ICU.

I definitely think you should! I worked as a CNA before I started nursing school and also during. It helped me get more comfortable with working with patients, which a lot of my instructors and classmates noticed. It definitely helps you! G'luck to you!

Specializes in 2 yrs as CNS then ortho, psych, nephro.

one thing i could suggest cause i did it myself..if u can find a cna job in a teaching hospital they are used to nursing students and how to deal with them and will help u learn as much as possible while u work...and bonus u might just slide right into a open nursing position there. at my hospital they were following my progress through nursing school and kept asking me when are u taking ur test, when will u start with us as a RN. No worries finding that first postition!

Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.
Is it a good idea to become a CNA first and use my certification to work the summers between my college years? Any insight is greatly appreciated! Thanks :D

Yes, it is a good idea.

Specializes in medical.

This is a great opportunity to see what's going on in the healthcare word. When I was in nursing school, the first semester we had few nursing students who were nursing assistants and they were ahead of the game, they felt comfortable with a hospital setting and knew a lot of things we didn't know. Also, you will see what actually nurses do and talk about. It will help you decide if you really want to pursue nursing. I wish I could have done this prior going to nursing school!

Yes, do it.

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