Does being a CNA help you get into Nursing school?

Nurses General Nursing

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I have seen so many people opting to become CNAs and then branching to nursing. Does being a CNA help when you are trying to get into Nursing programs? Does it really make a difference or have any pull?

Thanks

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Specializes in Dialysis.

at my school that kind of stuff didn't matter....just your grades, your GPA and stuff like that!!!!!!!!

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The school I just got accepted to goes by a point system and you get an extra point for being a cna!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

"just your grades, your GPA and stuff like that!!!!!!!! "

I agree that those are the technical qualifications for any nursing program. However, in this day and age where getting into a nursing school can be tough, I think that any experience in the field of nursing can be helpful. For example, my school required an entrance essay, describing why you wanted to be a nurse. The essay itself could make or break you, since there were roughtly 10 applicants for every opening.

If you have experience in the medical field, it can only help. I truly believe that those who "get it" as far as nursing is concerned might have a better chance at success in a tight race for acceptance into a limited enrollment situation.

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Being a CNA was a major part of getting into my program... Good luck!

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Being a CNA isn't required by my school. In some cases, however, it seems to make a difference after you graduate from nursing school and apply for jobs.

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Specializes in mental health.

It didn't make a difference to my getting in, but now that I'm in, I wish I'd worked as a CNA first, because the clinical experience would have been so helpful.

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Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

Being a CNA had no bearing at all with acceptances at my school.....it was based on overall GPA, science GPA, TEAS, and references from science professors.

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If you are getting in to the LVN program being a CNA or 6-month nursing assisstant is usually required in alot of schools. I have no Idea in all the schools. But all together it does help if you already are one, its like getting your foot in the door. YOu are already familiar with the nursing setting and know what CNA's do. So that way when you are the Charge nurse, you know what to expect from them. I hope that helped

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My school also had a point system and any allied health field increased your points for admission. I was not a CNA but a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant), and I know my experience has helped me in school. I've heard people say that being a CNA or an MA will only help you for a minute or something in school, but my instructors have said very differently. Most of the people who are comfortable in clinicals, and are not "nervous nellies" have some kind of healthcare experience. Now this is not to say that there will not come a point that the nellies calm down (this occurred for several people in their med/surg semester) and be great clinically, it's just that they are more nervous with the patients at first. This is not just me, my instructors have repeated this. In my clinical group the two of us who our instructor felt were the strongest were both MAs for a long time before we got into school.

Now keep in mind this is also in Las Vegas, we have former showgirls, computer geeks, strippers, dealers, mechanics, pastry chefs, insurance adjusters, lifeguards, secretaries, and a Media star in my program, on top of the people who have been in healthcare. It's a great city and a great profession - but gosh we are a melting pot.

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Specializes in OR.

well I know where I live to get into the LVN program you must be a CNA and be certified!!!!! I was going to get my LVN to RN but decided to go straight for my ADN less time consuming.

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Getting into school maybe not.

Knowing how to care for your patients 100% yes. In the first clinicals you will be leaps and bounds in front of some of your classmates.

As a CNA your knowing how to take care of and interact with patients, families and staff is invaluable and will only increased by nursing school.

Even after school you may find: The CNA is the one that reports the skin changes, notices the intake / output is off, etc., etc....

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