Getting a CNA before becoming an RN

Published

I am going to school to become a RN and just starting my general classes Aug. 23. I didn't know if I should get my CNA when I am in the process of getting my RN or if when I get to nursing school I am already a CNA. Or is that something you have to do separate. Basically I am wondering if any of the classes you take to become an RN make you a CNA anyway!?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

OK... Let me see if I can explain it sorta :) Just b/c you are in nursing school that doesn't make you a CNA.. However some nursing programs and hospitals allow it that once you make it through Nursing 1, that you can work as a Nurse Aide or Patient Care Assistant.. But you cannot become a CNA unless you take the CNA course and take the test for the Certification.. If I am wrong someone correct me please :)

But I do think that you getting your CNA before school is a good idea, any experiance is good... For some people it makes the transition a lil easier...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Check with your school's director of nursing- in my state, completion of the first semester of nursing lecture/lab/clinicals allowed you to apply for CNA licensure by "like education" (that may not be the correct wording, but it was similar). All we had to do was fill out a form, attach a check and the school provided the documentation to the state that we had met the educational requirements.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in hospice.

they had a CNA class in nursing school for those who werent already CNAs.....in WI at least.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I had been in an RN program and completed fundamentals of nursing. We learned bathing bedmaking toileting and how to do vitals and general communication skills. Upon completion, in Pennsylvania at least, a person can go to Pittburgh to take their test. There is a written exam and skills portion. It certainly helps in getting a job at a nursing home. You still have to learn their ways but having that little bit of experience helps. Every state is different. Call your state nursing board or dept of eduaction and see what they have to say. I'm shy and needed some organizational skills desperately and just being timely will help you in the clinical setting. Best of luck:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.

After our first quarter of nursing school (we were on a quarter system) all we had to do was fill out an application and pay a fee and we could be a CNA without any extra courses. So no, you aren't automatically a CNA, but it should be fairly easy to become one. Check with your school. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... completion of the first semester of nursing lecture/lab/clinicals allowed you to apply for CNA licensure... All we had to do was fill out a form, attach a check...

Believe the above is generally how it goes.

But not mentioned is the fact that you must still pass a verbal and skills test.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Personally I would get my CNA now. But that is just me. It can be a great learning experience to work as a CNA first. However, you don't have to get it at all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Believe the above is generally how it goes.

But not mentioned is the fact that you must still pass a verbal and skills test.

no, we didn't. Completion of the semester with a passing grade essentially allowed us to opt out of that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello there! While I was in nursing school, I was able to get a job as a patient care assistant at a local hospital. It did me a world of good. It boosted my confidence. I'd always been kind of bashful and not really sure how to really work with people well, and this helped me a lot.:rolleyes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... Completion of the semester with a passing grade essentially allowed us to opt out of that.

Curious... what State?

Not allowed here.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion