Getting CNA if not required?

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I thought getting my CNA was required to be in the nursing program, however I just talked to the head of the nursing school here and she told me it's not required.

I am curious if it's a "smart idea" to get your CNA first anyway! I have 3 semesters worth of pre-req's before I get into the nursing program anyway... but wonder if the CNA class and all it intails will be worth my time?

Thank you in Advance!

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Specializes in Telemetry, ICU, Resource Pool, Dialysis.

It depends on whether or not you are planning to work during school. If you're not going to work as a CNA, and it's not required, why bother. There's nothing in the class that you won't be taught in your basic skills class in school. I found working as a CNA (part time) was helpful just to get comfortable with the setting and routine. It was my little window into nursing.

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I'm not sure that I'll work while in Nursing school, but since it will be at least a year and a half until then, I thought working as a CNA would beat working in retail since I'm going to nursing school....

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Specializes in Telemetry, ICU, Resource Pool, Dialysis.

It certainly won't hurt you. The only problem is finding a job where you aren't completely overworked. I don't mean to seem cynical. I was lucky, I found a couple of really good CNA jobs. I don't recommend a nursing home, just because your experiences will be limited. A hospital setting will give you more of an idea of the nursing you will experience in school. Lots of luck to ya!

At some hospitals, you don't even have to be a CNA. Some places offer PCT (patient care technician) training at no expense to you. CNA classes can be expensive, then you have to pay and take the exam.

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Specializes in Neuro, Critical Care.

I took the class and never became a CNA. It was still REALLY helpful though. I started my actual nursing classes and the skills I leared in my CNA course were basically my first few skills in my actual nursing courses...I have to say I was at an advantage than the other students in my class who did not take the class. The class also sets the tone for nursing school..teaches you to always wash your hands, etc....

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I'm definately thinking I'll take the course, even if I never use it... every little bit of help is great!

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where I am, all you need is three months of LPN class to be eligible to take the CNA certification, you don't have to do a special course or anything. It's always cool to have it, if you're interested in health care and you need a job while in school, it pays better than waiting tables (usually) and it does give you some insight into health care profession.

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At my school the CNA class is one month worth of four hour classes 3 times a week... not too bad if you ask me :) So I may as well go for it!

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It is not required but will be here in Missouri. It really gets your feet wet for what health care is really about once you start on the floor somewhere. I think it may also look good on your LPN application:)

Maxine

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I got my CNA even though it wasn't required. My school gave me points in the interview for getting it. BUT I don't think that's the best reason to get it. The best reason is the experience. I learn how to interact with patients, sterile techniques, how to deal with staff, time management, prioritization of work, how to deal with people I have nothing in common with, and what I don't want to do when I am a nurse (working in a nursing home).

If they know you're going to nursing school, nurses on the floor will spend more time with you teaching you. The other thing: It taught me how to check off skills which is a BIG thing in nursing school. It was worth $75.00.

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.
It depends on whether or not you are planning to work during school. If you're not going to work as a CNA, and it's not required, why bother. There's nothing in the class that you won't be taught in your basic skills class in school. I found working as a CNA (part time) was helpful just to get comfortable with the setting and routine. It was my little window into nursing.

Wonderful advice and I agree. I do plan to continue working during nursing school, therefore I am taking the CNA course in August. Just want to move from a non-health related job to one that is.

Good luck :)

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I was always pretty certain I wanted to be a nurse, but never 100% positive til I became a nursing assistant. I love being around the nurses and hearing the terms and coming home looking them up to see what they mean, and a couple of nurses don't even care if the techs ask ignorant questions out of curiousity. Although I don't get to spend much time around the nurses, because I do work in a nursing home, it has helped to give me some insight to what they do and how time management will really be an issue. And whomever said you won't get as much experience in a nursing home is right, it's mostly the sicknesses and wounds over and over, but I still love it. If I have to work while in school, it may as well be the field I want to go into.

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