I'm going to college for nursing. Should i get my CNA?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello! I'm planning to go to college to get a masters degree after I graduate high school. I was wondering if it would be worth it to get a CNA's license so I can get a job at a hospital in the mean time? I will probably end up getting a part time job anyway and I thought it might give me some experience in the field, but i dont know if it would be worth it or if I could find a job as a CNA in a hospital. What should I do?

Thanks!!

Specializes in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Volunteer Nursing.

You should totally get your CNA! CNAs usually make the best nurses.Can you tell I was one for 7 yrs before I became a nurse:D:D:D

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Specializes in MICU/SICU.

Yes!!!!

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Some nursing schools require that the prerequisite for admission is CNA training. So, it wouldn't be a bad idea to get the training and get certified, yet once you get into nursing school, it's very hard to maintain a job and study. If there's anyway you can be supported without having a job for at least the first two years you get your associates (ADN), don't work. The rest can be on you, but as for starters into nursing, I recommend you go straight into your program without work. Get used to the transition first. Good luck with whatever your decision may be!

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Specializes in pulm/cardiology pcu, surgical onc.

Even as a nurse you will use these basic skills so I think it's better to take a CNA class before nursing school. Being in nursing school can help you get a job in the hospital as a CNA even if it's only per diem while in school.

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YES! The experiences are great! It will show you what you will be in for as a nurse... lol

And it is relative work experience. Who would you rather hire a new grad who had never worked in the health care industry or a new grad who has been a CNA for a couple years!!!

IT might be the difference between you getting a job and not getting a job after graduation!

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Almost all the new grads who got hired into our ICU worked as a CNA here.

A CNA is a useful student job with flexible hours.

If you want to work in a specialty unit, it allows you to meet people who can help you find a job.

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