Is CNA good experience for a future RN?

MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2009

It's great experience...you will have an edge unlike any other....you are used to handling and dealing with patients and medical staff. You will already understand some of the flow and needs patients require....and hopefully you will have good support from the nursing staff in your facility.

Good luck...

DeanaKay · Oct 24, 2009

Thank you Maisy! I was debating on taking a CNA course, along with the EKG & Phlebotomy (and CPR) course, to get a feel of the hospital atmosphere. I am in school for Nursing, taking my pre-reqs now. I think I'm going to do it all.

Thanks again!

elkpark · Oct 24, 2009

If you need to have a job during nursing school, CNA is probably a good one to have, but I would never recommend that someone take time and energy away from their nursing studies (or family, etc.) to work as a CNA just because they think it's going to be good "experience." Yes, you spend time in a hospital or other health care setting, but it's v. low pay and the work that you do as a CNA doesn't have much to do with professional nursing (it's a v. small part of the overall responsibility/expectations of an RN). JMHO.

november17, ASN, RN · Oct 24, 2009

Being a CNA teaches you good time management skills.

esthomprn · Oct 24, 2009

I was a CNA before I came a nurse and it helped me out a lot. It helped me because i saw some of the things that were talked about in school (because I'm a visual learner) and because the nurses knew I was in nursing school, they always showed me how to do things and the doctors were very helpful. The doctors would let me see them put in central lines and do bone marrow aspirations. The nurses would let me see them put in foley catheters, IV, wound care etc. It is also helpful so that you can see what type of specialty you would like to go into. Working as a CNA, i realized that I did not like geriatric or adults but peds was my thing. You also learn how to be a good nurse. There are going to be nurses that are going to be fantastic and you would want to be like. It was a great experience for me and think it would be great for you to do.

good luck

Inspired By Silence · Oct 24, 2009

Absolutely, but you could also work as a psychiatric tech or a nursing tech. Both probably pay better than a CNA.

DeanaKay · Oct 25, 2009

Thank you all for your responses. I'm just starting out in the health field, switching careers from Business to Nursing and wanted to know what it would be like to start out as a CNA.

Thanks again!

MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN · Oct 25, 2009

I worked as a clinical technician-ekg, phlebotomy, various testings as well as aide responsibilities. Of course it was the ER, but I think that provided a huge edge for me when I searched for a job. As for clinicals....I remember walking in on my first "train wreck" pateint and wanting to run out the door....one of my fellow students who was a CNA assisted me in moving, turning and caring for this patient top to bottom. I never forgot her kindness and realized that hands on was the way to go for comfort, experience and flow.

Also, I agree with the other poster who said CNA training should not take away from nursing studies....keep your eye on the prize. Many facilities will train on site and paid. It depends on the state..

M

CASTLEGATES · Oct 25, 2009

I did it; it helped me relate soooo much better (plus I had a job)

DeanaKay · Oct 25, 2009

I am pursing the CNA in the Summer while on break from nursing courses.

Laught3r · Oct 25, 2009

If you need to have a job during nursing school, CNA is probably a good one to have, but I would never recommend that someone take time and energy away from their nursing studies (or family, etc.) to work as a CNA just because they think it's going to be good "experience." Yes, you spend time in a hospital or other health care setting, but it's v. low pay and the work that you do as a CNA doesn't have much to do with professional nursing (it's a v. small part of the overall responsibility/expectations of an RN). JMHO.

I do not agree with your post. I was an CNA for 10 years before becoming an LPN and I will tell you that the very hardwork that CNA's do are the basic care of the nursing profession. It is by no means a very small part. Even now I like to do vitals on my patients because I can assess skin temp, pain level, mental status, airway, breathing, listen to heart tones with apical pulse all at the same time. I like to empty the foley so that I can smell and look at the urine. I like to assist or even change my patient to assess stool color, consistency smell and assess skin. I like to assist with transfers to assess strength. I am not saying that I always have time or that I do this with every patient but when I do I take full advantage of the extra assessment I can get in with my patients. JMHO