I'm a student finishing my nursing pre-reqs--CNA program worth it?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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A little background: I'm currently finishing up my nursing pre-reqs; I will apply to nursing school for Fall 2010.

I've applied for retail, fast-food, and typical teenage jobs (I'm 19), but no luck. I want some $$ of my own, but I'm just so discouraged with my (no) job situation. I've recently become interested in joining a CNA program; this way, I gain valuable experience in the health field, and earn. (even if it's minimum age, I'm OK with it)

So... I've read that the CNA program lasts a few months and you can find work right away after that. Is that true?

Should I enroll in a CNA program while I'm finishing up my Microbiology & chemistry classes so I can start working and earn some money?

Would a mere student like me, one that has no job experience, be OK for the CNA program, and will I get hired by nursing homes/hospitals, realistically speaking?

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Specializes in LTC, Rehab, CNA, HHA, Nurse Mentor.

If Nursing is for you then I recommend you give the CNA program a shot. Not only will it allow you to gain hands on experience working with patients/residents but depending on where you live, you can find a stable job that can be flexible with your schedule.

Good luck! :typing

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Specializes in LTC.

I can't tell you if you'll find work right away, since you seem to be having trouble finding other jobs now- maybe it's just tough in your area right now. But it's worth a shot. I wouldn't expect to get hired in a hospital, but nursing homes are a viable option.

Everything you learn in CNA class is what you learn during your first semester of nursing school, so that should make you a lot more comfortable with patient care than the students who didn't start off as CNAs. A lot of people would argue that working as a CNA will make you a more understanding nurse- CNAs can usually tell which of their nurses started off as CNAs and which ones did not.

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Specializes in LTC.

I am a nurse 3 yrs now...I was a CNA for 6 yrs....here in my area it is required that one be a cna before they are considered for the nursing programs...both RN and LPN. I would suggest you go for it..get your cna ..then go on for your cna2...it will help you tremendously when you apply for your nsg program. When I was in nsg school..it wasnt required for entry but the year after I graduated it became required and with good reason. Once you do the cna work for a while it will essentially make or break you....you will be able to see if nsg is what you really want to do. Alot of people dont like cna work and think that if they become a nurse then they never have to do it again...so not true. My first year of actual nursing...I missed the cna work so much I couldnt stand it. The cnas that I have to supervise now....they know what they need to do....like changing people, transfers, vitals..etc.....but they dont understand WHY they do it....to prevent sores, to detect changes, to provide comfort and better life quality. That is a huge issue with my cnas. Some of them...esp the younger newer ones want a paycheck without the hard work it takes to earn it. And you will see both sides of this once you are all the way finished. Good luck to you :)

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I am also applying to enter the nursing program fall of 2010. I started my CNA classes a few weeks ago and I can really see how this is going to prepare me for what's ahead. I've always heard that the best RNs have been CNAs first. I will finish my CNA classes at the end of September. And while trying to go to college full-time and take CNA classes two nights a week and somehow fit in 100 hours of clinical work is overwhelming to say the least, I will feel so accomplished when October gets here. Hopefully my confidence will carry me through. Wish me luck!

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I would always recommend a nursing student to take the CNA course, it will give you an indication if nursing really is for you. Some nursing students leave nursing school because they found out it wasn't what they expected and what they really didn't want to do.

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Thanks everyone, I appreciate the help. My decision has been made easier by your posts...

I checked up on the Red Cross Nursing Assistant program, and I plan to enroll in it next summer. It's $950, but I've heard very good reviews about it, so I hope it's money well spent.

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Absolutely! My adviser told me it looks really good if your a CNA when you apply to the Nursing Program. The programs through the Red Cross only take 3 weeks in MA. I just finished my CNA and I am working on my prereqs which will take me a year so in the meantime I am going to work as a CNA.

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MA, students are luck!!!! The Red Cross in Los Angeles area is charging $1500.00 for the 22-day CNA training. Take advantage of your short and unexpesive training. I'm on my first week and taking physiology and chemistry with the CNA.

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Wow $1500! I paid $700 in Fall River,MA.

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Specializes in LTC, Rehab, CNA, HHA, Nurse Mentor.

There is a free CNA/HHA program that is offered by the Goodwill Industries of Southern Los Angeles County and ROP Long Beach, in Long Beach, California.

They will help you find work, continue your education AND the CNA/HHA credits that you receive is worth 30 credits towards Long Beach Community College for the RN program even though there's a waiting list.

Good luck everyone!

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Wow $1500! I paid $700 in Fall River,MA.

...and the instructor is always in a bad mood! Rolling her eyes when quetions are asked.

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