I don't want to work as a CNA during undergrad

[outsidegirl]

Hi all!

I just completed my second year in a 4 year nursing school. I hope to continue on to earn my MSN and become and NP.

Disclaimer: This is NOT meant to discredit the work of CNAs or anyone else for that matter, everyone's job is vital to enabling healthcare facilities to function smoothly and properly in order to keep all patients safe and happy.

My dilemma is: I don't want to work as a CNA during my undergrad. I currently work at a research lab (although I hope to pursue a career in the clinical aspect of things). I want to complete my last two years of college and then get my RN license and work as an RN during graduate school.

I know this is frowned upon. But during my clinical rotations, I do a lot of CNA work, and I'd prefer to skip that part and just wait 2 years until I become an RN. I know it'll get me loads of experience and help me in graduate school, but I'm willing to work hard to make up the defecit.

I'm wondering how much NOT working as a CNA will hinder my chances of getting into graduate school? How much will it hinder my chances of getting hired? Do you know of anyone who never worked as a CNA and got into grad school/got a job?

Thanks so much for your input!

[benegesserit]

Don't worry about it. CNA is a good option for getting experience and networking before/during nursing school, but it's definitely not required. I'd guess that most RNs don't have CNA experience.

I'd think working in a research lab would be much more of an advantage for graduate school.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Don't worry about it. Most of the new grads we hire in the children's hospital where I work have NOT worked as CNA's.

However, most of the new grads we hire have done either senior capstone experiences or externships in peds.

[HelloWish, ADN, BSN]

I did't work as a CNA. I was hired through my hospital because I did my last semester preceptorship through the hospital I wanted to be hired at. I made sure I made top grades and was able to pick my location and unit to do the preceptorship realizing that I would likely get hired at this hospital if I did this. They placed students in preceptorships based on grades and clinical performance at my school.

I did't have time to work while going to nursing school, so I focused on grades and my family rather than working. Of course if you need to work, working in the hospital system where you wish to be hired is optimal whether it is as a CNA or something else.

I don't think CNA work has anything to do with getting accepted into a graduate program. All the NP grad programs I have looked at require 1-2 years nursing experience and excellent grades to be competitive. ANy leadership withing your hospital or job would look good too.

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

CNA work can help you with the trials and tribulations of hands on in clinical, and some people say it looks good for nursing school acceptance. You're already in nursing school, so don't sweat it.

Cut yourself some slack and work as a nurse for a bit before tackling grad school- there's a lot to learn on the job (don't underestimate this fact) and graduate nursing studies will hopefully make more sense after you've actually been a nurse.

[loriangel14, RN]

" CNA work" is also RN work.

[RatchedAfterMidnight, MSN, APRN]

I never had a CNA job during nursing school. The two job offers I had were through networking at my nursing school and through my preceptorship at the end of my four years of nursing school. I agree with Jedrnurse wholeheartedly: get experience as an RN before jumping right in to graduate school applications. Do you want to be a CNS, NP? Administrator? Nurse Educator? You may think you know what you want to do, then get into your career and find a different calling. Your most relevant preparation for graduate school is your experience as a nurse. You will quickly find your strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes.

[verene, MSN]

It is not necessary to work as a CNA before or during nursing school. Many of my nurse coworkers never worked as CNAs. This includes our new-grad new hire, who I think given a little time to grow and learn will be a very successful and competent nurse.

[VerticalHorizon]

Do you think working as a CNA is a requirement to become a NP or something? Just worry about graduating and working as a RN before going for your Masters.

[Julius Seizure]

I never worked as a CNA. Never even considered it. Got multiple job offers after graduation, and multiple grad school acceptance letters now as well. CNA or not made no difference.

[BSN16]

Working as a CNA will have no effect on you getting in graduate school. It really comes down to your state and school. Some schools may want you to have so many hours worked as an RN.

THAT being said all CNA work are ALSO NURSE work. you absolutely do not have to work as a CNA...but if you could not bear doing total cares as a student, i think you will hate your career as a nurse. Nobody is above basic patient care, not even an NP.

[cocoa_puff]

If you don't want to work as a CNA, then don't. It's not a requirement to become a nurse, although I personally think it is helpful. I worked as a CNA on my current unit, and was hired as an RN before I graduated. It really helped with my confidence, time management, communication skills, people skills, customer service skills....and I also got to see and do a lot of cool (and not so cool) stuff. It's also a great way to network! But it's not for everyone, and there are excellent nurses who never worked as CNAs.

Also, being a CNA has nothing to do with graduate school or becoming an NP. However, you should definitely work as a nurse for a few years before becoming an advanced practice nurse.