Is it worthwhile to become a CNA before going to nursing school?

RunBabyRN · Feb 28, 2014

Absolutely! Having those basic skills down will be really helpful. That way you can really focus on how to assess a patient without stressing over how to properly take a blood pressure or change linens, etc.

sjalv · Feb 28, 2014

I got my CNA before I applied to nursing school. It helped me get in because our school goes off a 'point' system and being a CNA/EMT/HHA gave you a point. I did not work as one, but I feel like just the classtime instruction and clinicals helped me. I was familiar with cleaning patients, giving baths, and changing beds which are things you will learn in first semester of RN school. In hindsight, I am not sure if I would have spent the money if I had known I wasn't going to end up working as one. However, I can attest that my clinical mates who have worked as a CNA are more comfortable with patient interaction and basic skills such as putting a bedpan under a patient, changing beds, taking vitals, etc, but it is just a minor benefit. Even if you do not become a CNA, you will eventually catch up and be on the same level as those who did.

little_lily4 · Feb 28, 2014

Most nursing programs (now days) want you to have your CNA finished before you apply, some wont even let you in if you don't have your CNA already. Plus the experience will give you a good idea of what the nursing world entails (patient care, etc). It's a great idea to get it done NOW if you can:)!

pinkgeek · Feb 28, 2014

So I'll be the devils advocate. I was told specifically not to bother by one of our RN instructors, but this example is specific to my situation NOT a generalization so read on. FYI: the programs I was applying to did not give any preference to CNA's.

In my case the CNA advantage would only last through the first 1/2 of the first semester ie bed pans etc. I have already spent time with really difficult patients needing navigation and intakes covering multiple diagnosis, lots of boundaries to care etc.. Her experience is that the students most struggled with things I'm already experienced in so I was better off studying more and making sure my GPA was solid.

Again this is my situation, I've been working in public health for 2 years now so I know what nursing is, being a CNA isn't going to introduce me to anything I haven't already seen/done/assisted with.

Your mileage will certainly vary, but if it looks similar to mine you might consider skipping the CNA unless you get points for it. If I would have been awarded points I'd have certainly done it.

knnyz · Feb 28, 2014

I've always thought about this too. Currently in my last round of prereqs before applying to clinicals, and I'm really hard-pressed to just take a CNA course (for a $1000) and work ASAP, just to get that work experience in early and have a leg up on acquiring a job after graduation. Also doesn't help that I'm sooooo broke now. :dead: But then I'm expecting to get into the clinical portion (4.0 on all prereqs) and after completing one rotation (after fall 2013 semester), I could actually work as a CNA and/or challenge the CNA exam. Just have to be somewhat patient... we're on the same boat.

Hmarie12 · Feb 28, 2014

I think it is a good idea, it can only help you. I was also told not to bother by a current nursing student, but I am glad that I did become one. You may not get much experience in that timeframe, but even the clinicals required for your cna class will be great experience themselves. You will learn how to communicate with a patient and get an idea for what nurses "really do", giving you a leg up once you start nursing school. And if you don't get into your first choice program (I hope you do!) you will at least be gaining even more experience working as a cna in the meantime. You could also continue working as a cna while you are in your program (perhaps you could talk to your employer about going on-call/per diem once you start nursing school). I know many hospitals allow nursing students in their second semester to become nurse techs. Just a couple things to think about...I personally think it's a great idea and could only help you.

Alfi_srq · Feb 28, 2014

Our school only gave preference to cna from certain programs. Not any of those weekend 300 bucks courses. Plus you may want to check. After first semester of ADN or third semester of BSN you are eligible to sit for a cna exam. So our local hospital hired nursing students as cna without you actually taking the exam and getting the license. You just had to submit your nursing school transcripts.

BusiestBSN · Feb 28, 2014

I agree with pinkgeek. My school did not require it, so I did not get it. There were some CNAs in my nursing program who said it only helped with the beginner standard tasks, so either way not having it did not make a difference. So it may help you but it don't hurt you by not getting it.

I did get it after my first semester of nursing school by sending the Board of Nursing my transcripts showing I had completed fundamentals. This is what most of the students in my program do.

stratus93 · Feb 28, 2014

If the program doesnt require it I would say dont do it. It gave me such a head ache with financial aide. You can volunteer at the hospital and be recognized in the point system for it.

but if you are not sure if nursing is for you I would say do it, doing the grunt work was a real eye opener for me. I loved it personally.

joyla163 · Feb 28, 2014

I'm not sure where you live but if you are in the New York area the answer is YES! Hospitals no longer hire LPN's and if you are a nurse with your associates you better already be a hospital employee or you will have to move out of the state to get a job. With a BSN you have a better chance but these places like to hire from within. It may also help you with certain nursing skills. Trust me you want to at least have your foot in the door somewhere and have some clinical experience before you graduate.

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Feb 28, 2014

I took the CNA exam after my first semester of nursing school so I didn't have to take (and pay for!!) the CNA course. I have an interview Monday with a big employer that manages two hospitals in the region and several nursing homes and urgent care facilities. I will be an "internal applicant" when I get my RN and start applying for RN jobs. I say winner winner chicken dinner.