ive been accepted to nursing schoom for fall should i take a CNA program in the summer????

CamillusRN, BSN · Apr 12, 2015

I don't know how the job market is where you're from, but I would say go for it! It'll give you some exposure to healthcare before you hit clinicals and will also give you an appreciation for what the CNA's do once you're an RN.

It's a learning curve, and you'll have to juggle learning a new job on top of a nursing program, but in my experience it was completely worth it!

futurenurse93_ · Apr 12, 2015

I don't know how the job market is where you're from, but I would say go for it! It'll give you some exposure to healthcare before you hit clinicals and will also give you an appreciation for what the CNA's do once you're an RN.
It's a learning curve, and you'll have to juggle learning a new job on top of a nursing program, but in my experience it was completely worth it!

Do you think its possible to get a one day a week CNA job. ? Im in Illinois.

futurenurse93_ · Apr 12, 2015

Do you think its possible to get a one day a week CNA job? Im in illinois.

tabby092 · Apr 12, 2015

Im not too sure whst the position is called but u would be helping the RN's with their patients charts. They love to hire RN student's. The pay is great and u can do ur homework. Its a desk job. Good luck. Just make sure whatever u do it doesn't take ur focus away

NorCalKid · Apr 13, 2015

Several people in my class were working per diem one day a week as CNAs(NA) during school(more over breaks). The CNA class will really only help you get a job 1^st semester. We were able to work as a NA after 1^st semester without taking a CNA class. Might ask if it's the same at your school.

As far as I know every person in my class working as a CNA got a RN job shortly after graduation at their hospital.

futurenurse93_ · Apr 13, 2015

So your saying i could possibly be able to work as a cna while in nursing school without taking the cna class?

CamillusRN, BSN · Apr 13, 2015

So your saying i could possibly be able to work as a cna while in nursing school without taking the cna class?

At my acute care hospital we still hire and train aides without any certification beyond basic CPR. LTC or SNF aren't options at least in my area d/t the requirement of an actual CNA certification. Just got to show that you're willing to learn and don't have a problem with taking vitals or providing personal care. Taking a PRN or per diem position could keep your schedule to one day a week.

Nibbles1 · Apr 13, 2015

When i was in nursing school, I worked as a cna on the weekends. I did sitting. It wasn't stressful. I got to study in between taking care of my client. I still did work but only with one person not a hallway of people. Plus, I felt like I had an upper hand in nursing school. If i had hard assignment, a nurse on duty would guide me in the right direction. Good luck!

brandiep1982 · Apr 14, 2015

I live in MO. In my area CNAs can easily get PRN positions in residential care facilities. It is much more competitive in hospitals. If you really need the money it is probably smart to take the class, but look into places of employment... some will pay for the CNA schooling. Also, here a lot of hospitals have CNA positions specifically for nursing students, and will hire you after your first nursing semester (that semester replaces the CNA license).

guest798886 · Apr 17, 2015

I agree with @NorCalKid, nursing students can work as nursing assistants or student nurse tech's or some kind of internship after first semester of NS. So we don't have to pay money for CNA. Look at the websites of hospitals in your area. Almost all of them have info for nursing students and they should be free.