Is Getting My CNA Certification A Good Idea Before Nursing School?

[techraider77, ADN, BSN]

I am probably going to start nursing school in Fall 2009 or Spring 2010. I think the experience I would get as a CNA would be good for school and wouldnt look too bad on my resume after school. Anyone who did this, did this help you? Thank you

[rn2bn07, BSN, RN]

I did the same thing. I had to wait for a year before nursing school started and enrolled in a CNA class, I finished it but did not get certification. I found myself not liking being a CNA, at the time I felt they didn't pay CNA's enough money for the work they were trained to do. Plus the class I went to was for three months, so I just waited and once I finished my first semester in nursing school I started working as a nurse tech, making good money and enjoying the role of nursing. But, I say go for it, because it will get your foot in the door even though being a nurse tech is doable in nursing school.

[mdcp]

it will give you experience in the hospital setting. i become an sna which is the same thing as an cna except you can easily enter into the hospital position without the cna classes upon completing two medical/surgical quarters at your nursing school (each hospital system is different so check to see what they require). taking the sna job was the best thing i did while in nursing school it helped me feel more comfortable in the hospital setting, got me in the routine with patient care (which nurses have to do too). i was able to ask nurses questions about stuff i was learning in school. i saw the same procedure of nursing care i was learning about in school which helped reinforce my learning!

i say go for it!

there are draw backs like not getting paid as much as you would like etc.. but i thought it was well worth it.

[tiggerdagibit]

I think it's a great idea. My school requires us to have our CNA before starting the nursing program. I didn't work very long before starting, but even if you don't actually work, the training will definitely come in handy. Some of the working CNAs in my class understand some of the procedures and equipment better because they are around it all the time.

[diane227, LPN, RN]

Yes it is a good idea and get some time in a hospital under your belt. It will really help you in school.