Is school or experience better?

BamaGirlRN · Mar 7, 2004

Hi, and welcome. I noticed you have a few questions in seperate posts. May I suggest doing a search for the questions you have, I know there are several different threads out there on the information you need.

btw, you can ask more than one question in a post, people here are good about answering them.

francine79 · Mar 7, 2004

I don't think it is necessary to have experience before you enter the program. However, I truly believe that working as a CNA while in nursing school really helps you in the long run. I work as a CNA in a hospital and I can honestly say that I learn more from work than I have in any clinical I have had so far in nursing school. It is really a good compliment to your education and will make nursing school ALOT easier. In fact, our college drills it in to our heads that we should all be working as CNA's just because it is such a wonderful way to help you through nursing school.

OC_An Khe · Mar 7, 2004

The more you deal with patients the better you are in the long run. I wouldn't put off going to school for your RN in order to do CNA or LPN for any reason.

You really learn how to be a Nurse after you graduate. It's a life long learning experience.

Ruylupez · Mar 7, 2004

Go for the RN and once you have a little experience in clinicals you can probably get a job at a local hospital without the CNA or LPN. Many of the hospitals in my area started recruiting us after our first semester of clinicals, they apparently think it is a good way to get us to work for them after graduation.

unknown99, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2004

In my opinion, it is what each individual feels would help them best. I was a CNA for 5 years before I got my LPN, which really helped me alot. I have been an LPN for 19 years--due to graduate in June w my degree for RN!! For me, I am glad I had each step along the way.It has really helped me.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do!!!