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

chemo9103 · May 15, 2004

was a cna for 4 years while working toward my rn:)

busyrninva · May 20, 2004

I was a CNA long before I was a nurse. It helped tremendously! I took classes while working, and it helped me so much. Plus I know what it's like for the CNA's on our floor.

Don't really recommend you work as an aid where you want to practice as a nurse though. Alot of times people will always see you as the "CNA" and too more pressure will be added on you and you might feel as they are watching you more closely. But then again, don't worry about others, just shine in your career and enjoy all the benefits.

rnmaven · May 22, 2004

I was a CNA while I was in High School and my first year of Nursing School. It was in a nursing home and I got this very strange idea that nursing was easy because we CNA's did all the work......BOY did I learn that was NOT the case!

Then I became a unit secretary in the hospital where I was going to nursing school.

Thank GOD I did all these jobs because now, when nobody's doing their job I can just do it ALL!!!! (Said sarcastically!:rotfl: )

mimi190 · May 22, 2004

I hear you. I also was a CNA. I worked in a nursing home as well. That is one reason that I did not persue being an RN and went with Medical Billing.

Betty_SPN_KS, LPN · May 23, 2004

Were we to guess the right answer?

Betty_SPN_KS, LPN · May 23, 2004

Count me in. I am a CNA. Now a graduate practical nurse. Waiting to take NCLEX-PN.

FROGGYLEGS, LPN · May 23, 2004

I applied for a CNA job that provided training when I was 18. Then I found out what the job really entailed and what it paid so I ran away.

I started nursing school and eventually had to quit my job because it was impossible to do both. I needed a job with really flexible hours due to clinicals and such. The only thing I could find that would work around my school schedule was as a CNA. They let me "test out" of the CNA training to get the certificate.

Lol, I don't know if I'm a "yes" or a "no". I worked 6 months or so as a CNA, but I wouldn't have chosen that field if it weren't for the circumstances.

SmilingBluEyes · May 23, 2004

nope ....went straight for my RN w/o any medical background. Had a lot of catching up to do, but it worked out great. I wanted to be an RN, and knew it for years, so I went straight for that goal, all the way. no regrets.

zenman · May 23, 2004

Yep, started as a CNA.

debbiemig · May 23, 2004

I was a Nurses aide before I went to nursing school. I was not certified, that was way before certification was started. I personally don't see why certification is needed! I remember when the kids used to work after school and on holidays, during the summer and winter vacations. Many kids did it to see if nursing was what they may want to do. Now it costs too much money to go through the course. I also think the quality of CNAs has deteriorated since starting to require certification! There are some GREAT CNAs where I work, but there are more terrible ones who are angry and resentful!This is only my personal experience. I have worked in Long term care, the same facility for over 30 yrs. this is what I observed! I value those that enjoy their job and take pride in how their residents are cared for.Also having been a nurses aide, I wouldn't ask anyone to do something that I wouldn't do or haven't done. Respect is key!

TBLPN, LPN · May 25, 2004

I was a CNA and then a QMA before I went to Nursing School to become a LPN. It definitely helped getting through nursing school and all those clinical hours!!!

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

Chaya, ASN, RN · May 25, 2004

Yes, was a CNA briefly my last semester in school so I could get more clinical experience. It also got me my current job!