Is being a CNA beneficial?

CNA1991, CNA · Feb 29, 2012

Yes, it would be VERY beneficial to sit for your CNA. You can work part time and keep the job you have if you feel like you wouldn't make enough money. Being a CNA gives you experience and is very good to put on a resume. Seeings how there's a million new grads who can't find jobs it would be a good idea for two reasons:You will be able to find a job right away when you gradute as a nurse because facilties love hiring internal canidates and because of the experience that will give you a little favor amoungst employers as compared to other new grads without any healthcare experience. I wouldn't rule out something only for the money because if you think about it, the more experience you have=the potential to make more money, and starting out at the bottom and climbing up is how a lot of people end up with great jobs.

nguyency77, CNA · Mar 5, 2012

I think it would look nice on a transcript, and also give you some additional experience. Best of luck! :)

RedRaiderStudent · Mar 6, 2012

I think it would look good. I know a lot of people say it doesn't really matter, but my personal opinion is that it can give you some experience.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Mar 6, 2012

As a former CNA, I think the best nurses are those who have done the "grunt work". Not only do you learn the profession from the ground up and develop those critical prioritization skills, you know what your own aides go through in the course of their day and appreciate them more. It's often a thankless job, but well worth the time and hard work.

nursenthemakin · Mar 7, 2012

I am looking to get my CNA as well but i am also planning to start the nursing program in January...I figured the experience would be great and i can work part time on the weekends while in the nursing program. This feedback is definitely helpful and i feel confident that im doing the right thing....

nguyency77, CNA · Mar 7, 2012

As a former CNA, I think the best nurses are those who have done the "grunt work". Not only do you learn the profession from the ground up and develop those critical prioritization skills, you know what your own aides go through in the course of their day and appreciate them more. It's often a thankless job, but well worth the time and hard work.

I wish I got to work more with nurses who used to be CNA like you. They can usually give me really good advice, and if they're in a room with a patient who's on the toilet, they're not going to go check every room down the other halls looking for an aide to take the person off the potty-- they'll do it themselves! I am always so grateful to those nurses, and so are my patients. Safety first. :)

boisern84 · Mar 8, 2012

I went through nursing school without being a CNA, however I did do home health which involved alot of personal care. There is no right or wrong way to start your nursing career. Of course you want an edge but there are lots of ways to stand out, do research during the summer or volunteer in your preferred specialty. Organize a food drive or blood pressure screening, these are outside of the box things which will look great to future employers. You should appreciate your CNA's because they are people, no matter how much or little they do.