How likely is it?

[EricD]

I was thinking about getting a job as a CNA while in school going towards my RN license... How likely would it be that I would get put in to the ER, OR, or ICU as a CNA if requested?(for experience/work while in school for RN) because I will be able to work around my schedule for classes.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

It's possible to be placed in the ER, OR, or ICU as a CNA if requested. However, be cognizant that those areas are highly coveted, so you'll be competing with a multitude of other applicants for those spots. Moreover, some ICUs do not use any CNAs because nurses are expected to perform all personal care on hemodynamically unstable patients.

If you could get a CNA position in med/surg, ortho, renal, telemetry, cardiac stepdown or any other less 'desirable' specialty, you nned to take it to get a foot in the door for some experience. Also be mindful that some new CNAs are never called by hospital HR staff, so some end up getting experience in nursing homes, private duty or hospice before reapplying to the hospital.

[mluvsgnc]

I have seen the benefit of students who worked as CNAs in a hospital then get hired on by said hospital- at least three people in my cohort got in that way. If I could go back and do it again, I would work as a nurse tech, patient care tech, or something similar to get my foot in the door. The title and job description varies by hospital, and I think you have to have some (nurse) schooling under your belt. But yeah, I would think working as a CNA would be helpful (just make sure you can work AND be successful in school!).

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

The CNAs who are nursing students where I work, have a job on graduation if they want it. No matter what dept they work.

Of course they have to have a good record, but usually they can expect to move right up to nurse on graduation.

The bad thing about that is, you probably would be offered a highter starting wage at a different hospital.

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

Major hospitals have Summer student nurse employment programs or even nurse extern programs that pay your tuition and provide health insurance with a two year commitment.

ED techs come and go all the time, many are nursing students. It is very likely that they will find a place for you in the hospital, especially if you are willing to work nights and weekends or as a pt safety aide or sitter. ICU hires a lot of nurse externs. The ASU has techs but they tend to stay in those jobs for a long time so it may not be very likely to be hired there.

Good luck!

[EricD]

To be a nurse extern or tech do I have to have a CNA certification?

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

Someone at your school should know the regulations in your state. Completion of nursing fundamentals used to be enough, no CNA certificate was needed. You might need to take the CNA exam but not a class. You could also check with your state board of nursing. My state accepts a certificate of relevant training completed by the director of the school of nursing and a criminal background check.

[schnookimz]

My hospital does not use any CNAs in the OR. We have a couple nursing students working there but they mostly put supplies away and carry specimens down to the lab. It really wouldn't be a valuable patient care job if you're trying to get experience .