Is it worth getting and working as a cna II prior to entering NS?

[RevolutioN2013]

I'm finishing my NA I in March and plan to find a pt position while I work full time at my main job. I won't enter NS until January 12 at the earliest and am working on pre-reqs. If I start the CNA II class in April I'll finish in July and would be able to work as a CNA II from the middle of July until the start of NS in January. This is, of course, assuming that I am accepted to my program of choice. So it feels like there is value in that experience. What do those of you who know what NA II's can do think of this idea?

Thanks!

[TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP]

Since you've not gotten a response, I'll ask: what exactly is a CNA II?

[RevolutioN2013]

Maybe it's a North Carolina thing but it is one level above a CNA and a level below an LPN. I don't know the full scope of practice but I'm sure it's on the NCBON site if you're curious.

[TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP]

Since it expands your scope of practice, I'd suggest doing it - you'll be a leg up on clinical skills. Just be sure you don't develop any bad habits.

[everlongRN]

It can't hurt. Some people do it because they need to work while in NS (the hours are flexible, you can work nights, weekends or per diem while in school). Some do it to develop a comfort level with the hospital and patients (some new nursing students are petrified to walk into a patients room!). Some do it in hopes to get a job as a Nurse in the same institution. I say go for it, especially since you have a while before you even start nursing classes.