How many of you were CNA's before you went into nursing?

skanded · Apr 11, 2004

I was a nursing student first, then started in float as a CNA II after my first semester. I think it really makes me appreciate things more.

Love-A-Nurse · Apr 11, 2004

i was a nursing assistance prior to becoming an lpn and have 5 weeks before finishing rn school.

msrn · Apr 13, 2004

I was a CNA shortly before and during nursing school. It made basic nursing skills (like making a bed with a patient in it) a breeze. Also, I really appreciate how hard CNAs work since I had the experience myself!

NCDiane · Apr 30, 2004

In NC you MUST be a CNA before you can be an RN!

pgrsctrn2be · May 11, 2004

Started as a CNA, started LPN school 8 monthes after becoming a CNA and now graduating from RN in 3 days!!! May 14th.

StacyKingRN · May 12, 2004

Nope. Was never a CNA. Graduating RN in June.

Gompers, BSN, RN · May 12, 2004

Worked as a CNA during college - took the test after my sophomore year intro to nursing class/clinical. Like other have said, it's a great experience. Not only do you get more comfortable with basic nursing skills and hospital routines, you also are able to put yourself in your CNA's place later on when you become an RN. Plus it looks excellent on your resume once you graduate.

pokey sn · May 13, 2004

Yes. I was a CNA for eight years. i had only planned to be a CNA until I finished my first degree but I found that I made more money as a CNA than in the Human Services field. Eventually I went back for my RN degree (officially recieve it on May28th) because I found the human connection was more more satisfying in the nursing role.

If you are considering CNA, work in a hospital as a tech. i think you'll learn more.

Pokey

luv your nurse, RN · May 13, 2004

[

QUOTE=Cryssi]Good morning...I am considering taking CNA courses in June, and I was wondering how many nurses on this board started out as CNA's before becoming a nurse?
Thanks,
Cryssi

I am currently a "TP" technical partner which is similar to a nurses aid..in job description at my hospital, and i have learned so much at the bed side, and the runing around, :uhoh3: and prioritizing and dealing with all sorts of patients, and how things work at the hospital and so on..the best part is that i am half way through my nursing school, and i get to learn so much since im working in the ICU, and it helped me realize that this is what i want.:)

Brendy · May 14, 2004

Was a cna for 10 yrs before becoming an RN...I have great respect for the good cnas Ive worked with..and never hesitated to lend them a hand.

Some nurses treated the cnas like crap and that bothered me alot, I knew first hand what the job entailed and I think that having been a cna helped me when I went to nursing school especially with basic assessment skills.

I also experienced being treated like dirt by some nurses and I vowed I would never treat my cnas like that.

Ive always had the respect of my cnas because I respected them.

Its a tough job and perhaps one of the most underappreciated of them all.

minnieme104 · May 14, 2004

I was a nurses aid for 4 years before going to LPN school

warhawk · May 14, 2004

I was a CNA for 4 years, HHA for 1 year, and an LPN 4-5 years. I will B officially celebrating my 1st year as an RN this coming July. I must say that being a CNA helped me w/ being a LPN and now RN. In my opinion... I feel that one must B a CNA B4 being a nurse. It helps establish a foundation and gives an idea if U would be interested in becoming a nurse.

I just want 2 say that I luv being an RN. It has its many stressful moments (working short, demanding/whiny pt's, demanding family members, and among other things. But the feeling that I'm helping someone is a "high" 4 me. I hope that all these new & upcoming RNs or LPNs feel the same way 'bout nursing as I do.

WARHAWK :)