How many of you worked as CNA?

roser13, ASN, RN · May 7, 2016

No, a CNA is not a nurse intern. CNA experience will help you observe part of the nursing role. It may also give you avenues in which to network upon achieving your license. But CNA experience does not count in any way as nursing experience.

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/does-being-a-1050806.html

LARPingRN · May 7, 2016

I worked for 7 years as an STNA before finishing nursing school and transitioning to the role of RN. I do feel like my years as an STNA were helpful, though as PP said, the work is NOT counted towards nursing experience and it is not like a nurse intern. It was helpful in my first semester of nursing school, as those of my classmates who were not already CNAs/STNAs had to get used to things like cleaning up BM, dressing patients, feeding patients, taking vital signs, toileting and providing other ADL assistance. I was the go-to helper for transfers or particularly difficult to handle patients, as I already had nursing home experience and knew how to navigate that particular aspect of the field.

This was helpful because I'm not afraid or above helping my STNAs now. I'll dress a patient, toilet a patient, or clean up a patient without hesitation (time allowing). It also was helpful in getting used to some of the lingo, and allowing me to network. My LTC experience opened the door for my job now, as the DON of my current facility had worked at the facility where I was an aide, and the parent-company is the same for both facilities.

Working as a CNA will not prepare you for working as a nurse. But it won't hurt. Good luck to you!