I'm going to college for nursing. Should i get my CNA?

Junebugfairy · Dec 13, 2009

all of the nursing programs in my state, nc, require a cna in order for admission into the program, so you may in fact need it regardless of where you work p/t while in nursing school.

before you can even obtain your master's, you have to work on your bsn/associates in nursing first. these require numerous pre req's, and a lot of studying.

many master's programs, like the one closest to my house, require 2-5 years of experience prior to entry into the program, which is also a consideration.

my advice? take it one step at a time..

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Dec 13, 2009

NY does not require it and I see no advantage to it.

knikki · Dec 13, 2009

Well I'm pretty sure that Indiana doesn't require you to have a CNA's license. I know that it is alot of work. I'm aware of how long it takes to get a masters degree. I am going to get it because I would like to specialize in neonatology, OB, or nurse midwifery so that I can work in labor and delivery. This however is irrelevant. I was just wondering if it would be a good idea to get a CNA's license the summer before my freshman so that I could gain some experience?

Thanks for the info..:)

Junebugfairy · Dec 13, 2009

ny does not require it and i see no advantage to it.

oh, i agree, 100%!! i was just relaying some info just in case, that way she could check into it :)

PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN · Dec 13, 2009

I agree. I was in retail when I was in school. But...that was umpteenth years ago and things are so different now.

I think focusing on school should be the priority.

kbm318 · Dec 13, 2009

I'm starting nursing school in March and I'm not a CNA. I have thought about but nowhere around where I live offers it. I've heard some people say it can be really helpful and good experience while others say to stay away from it. So its basically up to you no one can really tell you how it would work out for you. I mean if you say you will probably work while in school anyways I say go for it. I would rather work in the hospital while in school rather than in a restaurant so it would benefit me just by being around the patients.

knikki · Dec 13, 2009

That's true. I guess it just depends. I'm pretty sure that there are places that offer it near where I live. I'm just worried that the only jobs I would find would be in nursing homes and I dont see that helping me alot because its not where I plan to work in the future. But who knows it may be good experience.

Oakca49 · Dec 13, 2009

Hello! I'm planning to go to college to get a masters degree after I graduate high school. I was wondering if it would be worth it to get a CNA's license so I can get a job at a hospital in the mean time? I will probably end up getting a part time job anyway and I thought it might give me some experience in the field, but i dont know if it would be worth it or if I could find a job as a CNA in a hospital. What should I do?
Thanks!!

:cheers:

"would be worth it"....

:up: ABSOLUTELY!!! it is a perfect starting point for one to "get their feet wet", so to speak.

ALL education is ALWAYS "worth it", especially on college applications and resumes.

You are young....get started, "get your feet wet" and rarely pass up an opportunity to learn and gain experience.

Starting as a CNA shall garner you a keen insignt, a VALUED experience assett as well as assist you in determining if the medical field is your passion and forte.

:tree:

Best regards

:nurse:

knikki · Dec 13, 2009

Thanks for the advice :) i deffinitely agree and will take this into consideration

RNmom7 · Dec 14, 2009

I haven't read the other responses yet, so take mine for what it's worth. I am a new GN (Nov 09) and nurse managers in my area (midwest) want GNs with CNA/PCT experience and will only interview these candidates first. So, my answer would be, YES!

I'd thought I should also mention that I decided not to work as a PCT while in nursing school so I could concentrate on my studies, however I now see that this was a terrible mistake since I'm having so much trouble finding a job.

gcupid · Dec 14, 2009

It wouldn't hurt...but if you know without a doubt that you want to be a nurse go straight to nursing.

Factor in how much it would cost to obtain your CNA & how much do they get paid & would it be worth it in the mean time?

If you can find a job that is less stressful & pays more, that would be my choice b/c you're going to need all the extra time & room for stress to go in to Nursing School.