Get CNA cert? Before NP?

[Polly Peptide, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I'm not sure where to put this, so I'm starting here. Will let mods move it if necessary.

I will be starting an MSN program this fall, which admits those with degrees in other fields; so I do not have any nursing experience. I do however have about 15 years experience on the business side of healthcare (which includes some population health management and financing), but of course nothing clinical. This is a very reputable program and is well known for graduating prepared NPs (though I'm under no illusions that you really begin learning when you start to practice).

My question is - because I am not an RN, and I will most likely start to practice as an NP without RN experience, would it benefit me to get my CNA certification and then work as a CNA while I am waiting for school to start? Pros, cons, neutral? I understand this is not what I will be doing as an NP, but I wondered if it would provide any skills practice, or even any 'street cred'? Would it help (AT ALL) in the hiring process down the line?

My specialty will be AG-ACNP.

Thanks for your advice.

[NP Sam]

At what point in your program will you be able to get RN license? I would try to find a job as an RN, even if PRN. No need to get CNA license if you are in NP program.

[Dranger]

No, work as RN after you get licensed halfway through the program. That will help.

[Polly Peptide, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

The program doesn't allow it. I must continue straight through to the specialty year.

In light of that, does the CNA make sense? Even if I get certified, I would have to quit when school starts in August. Not much time to work.

Are you saying RN only just bc the nature of the work? Just would like to understand the reasoning. That's what I'm guessing.

[Polly Peptide, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

At what point in your program will you be able to get RN license? I would try to find a job as an RN, even if PRN. No need to get CNA license if you are in NP program.

I will take the NCLEX after one year, but must continue in order to stay in the program...

[Dranger]

I will take the NCLEX after one year, but must continue in order to stay in the program...

Are you telling me the program won't allow you to work while going to school? I have never heard of that with direct entry programs.

[Polly Peptide, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Are you telling me the program won't allow you to work while going to school? I have never heard of that with direct entry programs.

I am required to continue into the second year full time (versus part time) and it is widely discouraged. I suppose some people might try it? Maybe PRN? But from what I understand, most do not work during the full-time version of the program (especially those who were not nurses prior). It's not out of the question I guess. Just a lot to handle. After one year you take the NCLEX and 12 months later you graduate with your MSN. Drinking from the fire hose as they say. And there is no "distance" learning with this specialty for non-nurses. All on campus (and clinical).

[Polly Peptide, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I will add - I can honestly say I've never considered this before! Never thought it was really an option. I am married, two kids. I just imagined I would already be too swamped with school. Would I be able to find a PRN job as a "new grad" RN? Or should I work PT hours somewhere during my second year? I really do appreciate the feedback.

[evolvingrn, BSN, RN]

Nobody is likely to hire you as a new grad/ and have you be prn. I'm not sure how cna training will help you except with rn portion of your clinical......as a fnp my role is drastically different than the rn or cna role. Extremely proud that I have that foundation but for your goals it's not necessary.... You won't be transferring, repositioning pts ......

Want to ETA : maybe a part-time rn job would help. My experience as a rn is what got me multiple offers.

[Psychcns]

Even if you got your CNA it doesn't seem you could work very much. I knew a doc once who worked as a CNA full time in intensive care btwn college and med school and found it helpful. So I guess it depends. Maybe consider a residency when you are finished. Maybe EMT training and volunteer work. Sounds like with school starting in 6 months you could get a head start in something. Maybe phlebotomy training.

[Polly Peptide, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Okay...I will have to see what the specialty year schedule looks like. The first year, they "own" you - 8-4 didactic M-W; clinical on Thurs, Fri, and usually half a day Wed (so W is half and half). Clinical days can be 8-12 hours. And then there's studying, lol. If the specialty year is like this, I'm wondering how to fit in two 12 hour shifts!

Getting that experience is great advice though. I wish I had it now! I can only hope the experience I do have has its own value, and I do have a great deal of trust in my program to prepare me. That, and I'm going to work my tail off!

[Polly Peptide, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Even if you got your CNA it doesn't seem you could work very much. I knew a doc once who worked as a CNA full time in intensive care btwn college and med school and found it helpful. So I guess it depends. Maybe consider a residency when you are finished. Maybe EMT training and volunteer work. Sounds like with school starting in 6 months you could get a head start in something. Maybe phlebotomy training.

Looked into both EMT and phlebotomy training, and with the program start and end dates, it wouldn't work for me. They both take longer and start later. Basically, for an actual certification and some time to work, I think CNA is all I can do. I actually wouldn't even have time to get certified in the other two, only because of the program start/end dates in this area.

Are NP residencies common?