Is it worth it to get CNA or phlebotomy certified for a part-time job?

[gentlerain]

I just got accepted into nursing school for next semester. However, in my spare time, I would like to have some hands-on preparation for my future career. My program track is not accelerated and I have summers off.

Should I pay for the training now or can I expect to find a job after a year or two of nursing school? Also, what kind of jobs do you recommend for a nursing school student and usually how easy are they to find?

Thanks for your input.

[sbaker935]

Usually you can sit for your CNA boards after your 1st semester of nursing school, thats what im planning to do! So maybe look into that instead of paying for a program. But i think its a good idea to get a part time job if your able to with the school workload :)

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

There's really no need to pay for CNA training. Many hospitals will hire nursing students who've completed their first clinical rotation into a nurse's aide role... without taking any exam. I worked as a nurse's aide and never took any CNA class or test.

[Stephalump]

Most of the hospitals in my area are starting to require a CNA cert, even for nursing students. However, there are some that will still hire after the first semester or two.

Those would be nurse tech positions. I wouldn't day they're easy to find (lots of competition around here ) but it's really depends on your job market.

Personally, I wouldn't go the CNA route. I did the program as required by my nursing program and thought it was the mind-numbingly boring thing I've ever done and the work is underpaid, underappreciated, and overworked.

A good CNA is worth their weight in gold to the nurse working with them but it's not for me and it was of no benefit to learning to be a nurse.

Caveat: My opinion on this is in the clear minority on this board.

[gentlerain]

Personally, I wouldn't go the CNA route. I did the program as required by my nursing program and thought it was the mind-numbingly boring thing I've ever done and the work is underpaid, underappreciated, and overworked.

A good CNA is worth their weight in gold to the nurse working with them but it's not for me and it was of no benefit to learning to be a nurse.

Caveat: My opinion on this is in the clear minority on this board.

Thanks! Were you able to find a part-time job in a hospital/clinic during nursing school?

Thanks! Were you able to find a part-time job in a hospital/clinic during nursing school?

Nope, nor did I want to... I did it the old-fashioned way... debt up to my eyeballs :-)

Seriously, I had/have no interest in working as a CNA... I'm just not that tough.

I did have a classmate who stepped into a job immediately upon graduation because she was working there as a CNA but it's no sure thing these days.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

There's really no need to pay for CNA training. Many hospitals will hire nursing students who've completed their first clinical rotation into a nurse's aide role... without taking any exam. I worked as a nurse's aide and never took any CNA class or test.

This. I also never paid for training and worked as a tech for 2 years while in school. My hospital provided the training as a paid 2 week training class I took, and no state certification was required.

Something I have been seeing more nursing students doing in my area is being EMT's. While most rigs are volunteers, you do get some great hands on front line experience, and it would help you to get comfortable dealing with emergencies.

[gentlerain]

Nope, nor did I want to... I did it the old-fashioned way... debt up to my eyeballs :-)

Seriously, I had/have no interest in working as a CNA... I'm just not that tough.

I did have a classmate who stepped into a job immediately upon graduation because she was working there as a CNA but it's no sure thing these days.

Gotcha. I'd just like to do everything in my ability to help land a job right after graduation. Also, experience always helps.

Other things being equal, I'd give the nod to EMS experience over CNA experience were I in the hiring seat. Of course, I work ED so I'm biased but still. EMS folks have solid assessment experience and are used to dealing with sketchy situations.