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

AlabamaBelle · Jun 10, 2016

I didn't work as a CNA while in nursing school. I was already employed as a Unit Secretary. I was advised by my then managerial staff to stick with the secretary job.

NOADLS · Jun 10, 2016

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.

You got to it before I did :nailbiting:

I've never worked as a CNA. Will not ever work as a CNA. And I am currently in school for my NP!

CNA experience is something that you might get pressured into during the early stages of your career / education, but certainly does not bear much weight up at the masters level.

cayenne06, MSN, CNM · Jun 10, 2016

Yep, I have never worked as a CNA and it has been a non-issue throughout my career/educational path. While I deeply enjoy direct patient care, I do not enjoy spending a large part of my time providing ADLs, housekeeping duties, toileting/incontinence care etc. It's not about the body fluids; I am up close and personal with those all day every day. It's just that working as a CNA was never an appealing idea to me. In fact, working as an RN outside of LDRP/OBGYN has never been something that has appealed to me, and I have somehow managed to never stray outside of that specialty. I like my patients primarily healthy and independent in their ADLs (not counting babies of course). That way, when I do have a patient that requires extensive assistance, it doesn't feel like some sort of chore. That doesn't diminish me as an APRN, and it doesn't demean the incredible work of CNAs.

But don't get me wrong. As a CNM, I do a ton of "CNA/MA" type stuff on the regular. I empty trash cans and turn over rooms and do lab collection all the time, if I don't have work of my own to do and the clinic is busy. I just don't want that to be my primary job.

sjalv · Jun 10, 2016

I never worked as CNA prior to becoming a nurse, and there was a slight learning curve when I became a nurse. It was embarrassing not knowing how to change linen with a patient in the bed and other things, like tricks for easier clean up when pt has used a bedside commode, things like that. However, you will get these things down easily if you didn't get enough exposure during clinicals, so don't worry about it.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 10, 2016

I never worked as a CNA, nor was I ever certified as one.

However, I did briefly work as a direct care worker at a group home for IDD/MHMR adults about three years prior to starting nursing school. The experience did not make a difference either way.

Jedrnurse, BSN, RN · Jun 10, 2016

" CNA work" is also RN work.

I agree, albeit a slice of it. Maybe it would be better to say "work as a CNA" as opposed to "CNA work."

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jun 10, 2016

I know this is frowned upon.

By whom?

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Jun 10, 2016

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!

It depends on how many hours of patient contact you need for your graduate program. I didn't do CNA while I was in nursing school. Instead, I opted for phlebotomy. I was able to keep working in the lab and do blood draws. The phlebotomy position counted as direct patient contact hours.

Quo Vadis · Jun 16, 2016

I was someone who did work as a CNA while studying. But mainly because I did not have the money to pay my studies and had to work during the weekends and holidays just to be able to pay my entrance fee and the books. Like everyone said before, it is not required to work as a CNA while you're studying to become a nurse. But I think it can be really useful to have some experience outside of school and clinicals (and it doesn't necessarily have to be as a CNA).

A friend of mine who works in HR for a hospital once did tell me that not seeing any experience outside of school on a resume can be a reason to not being called in for an interview. He said it can make the difference between two potential hires.

pixiestudent2 · Jun 16, 2016

If you don't want to be a CNA, then don't. I didn't Enjoy being an aide.

sammiesmom · Jun 24, 2016

I didn't work as a CNA. You are fine.

Nursified · Jun 27, 2016

I am currently a tech at a hospital while in nursing school. While there is much more to nursing than just what a tech does I've noticed a huge difference between new nurses that were techs first and nurses that weren't. And honestly to me it is more about the time management than the skills. As a CNA or a tech you learn early to juggle multiple things, which is so important when you are starting a job as a nurse. I have noticed the ones that were techs tend to be much more patient and not so stressed out. Maybe they're used to the setting or maybe it's time management or both! While you don't necessarily need to become a CNA, it is helpful. And like some other people have said "CNA work is RN work". Starting at the bottom makes you much more appreciative when you're managing your own patients. Just my two cents.