Job Hunting/ Do I become a CNA?

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So I am a "pre-nursing" student...only have one more class after this semester before I can apply to the program!:nurse:

But, as we all know, it seems like forever away!!! I'm very eager to get out of my retail job and into something more meaning and helpful on my resume towards a future career in nursing...so I am considering doing a CNA course or even Phlebotomy to get my foot in the door at a hospital while I wait to get into the nursing program/work my way through the nursing program.

Have any of you done this? Would you recommend it? Any other suggestions? :confused:

thanks,

jamie

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I'm a pre-nursing student too (still have to finish a couple gen ed/start nurs. pre-reqs this fall). Since I'm going to have to work FT while I'm in school, I'm doing what you're thinking about. My CNA class starts on the 18th of this month, and I'll be able to work 2nd/3rd shift or weekends while going to school.

I'll be making less $ as a CNA (ouch) than I am now, but I hope the benefits of getting patient care and hospital experience plus interaction with working nurses will be a great help in learning and in getting a nursing job after graduation. Plus a hospital may pay for some (or all??) of my nursing classes. A lot of listings I see for CNAs in regular hospitals are for unit coordinators and/or monitor techs, so the EKG skill training would probably be good to have going in, too.

Good luck in however you decide to get there! :)

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Cool thanks for the input! May I ask where you are taking your CNA course at/what type of facility?

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No problem. I'm taking it at a local medical training center (Advance Medical). They were listed on my state's board of nursing's approved training list and their class schedule worked out best for me.

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Thanks! Good luck to u!

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I'm admitted to the nursing program starting this Fall and I work as a student nurse tech at the local hospital.

I love it because my job lets me float to all the floors in the hospital (minus ER and ICU, bc they like their techs to be regulars and familiar with the floor) The nurse manager I work for told me that when hiring RN's they like to see tech/CNA experience because you can teach someone skills on the job, but you can't teach them patient communication.

Secondly, when its time to start looking for internships I'll have a better opportunity to get on a floor I want. The nurse manager said that if they know you have a interest in a certain area they will try and get you an internship on that floor.

The pay isn't amazing, and I don't work often enough to really be making tons. But end the end this is going to benefit me in getting an RN job, especially if the economy is like this when I graduate.

As long as you don't over work your self I think you can't go grow working as a CNA/tech while in school.

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Your local Red Cross should offer CNA training.

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Great! Thanks for the heads up! :up:

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Specializes in CNA.
Have any of you done this? Would you recommend it? Any other suggestions? :confused:

I highly recommend this for many reasons. The hospital tech route will be far more lucrative, but as a CNA in a nursing home or med surg floor, you will get exposed to a lot more nursing. I would have loved have been a hospital ER tech, but those jobs are hard to come by in my area without experience. Either way, you get invaluable experience in healthcare, something employers are taking into account a lot more these days.

So far, I have two years experience in a nursing home as a CNA and Rehab Tech, a year as a Home Health Aide for a hospital, and am currently a CNA on a Med Surg Trauma Specialty Care Unit. In every one of those jobs, I gained excellent experience and make solid contact for employment when I graduate.

Good luck!

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Wow that is exactly what I am hoping for...unfortunately it has been extremely difficult to get a hold of information at some training facilities and even the phone numbers listed seem to be incorrect?! So strange. I will continue my search and post my results in case they can be of use to anyone else :)

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Oh one more thing. . . what are you thoughts on doing a phlebotomy course instead???:confused:

I was considering this as well is mainly because it seems to be available at community colleges for which I get the BOGFWaiver (pays for my classes) and would still get me into the medical/patient care environment...Money is a little tight so the thought of paying $1500 for a summer CNA course makes me cringe!

let me know your thoughts :)

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I would like to get additional feedback on this subject matter. I am starting my pre-nursing journey in August. My Jr College's CE Dept is offering CNA and Phleb. Unfortunately Phleb will not be an option for me this fall since it will conflict with my AP1 & Lab class. Is it best to get the CNA 1st then try to hook on Phleb spring semester or at a later time? I am applying for my ADN program in Feb 2012 for Fall 2012 start date. I should have my requirements met. Also, does it reflect positive on your ADN program application to have already become a CNA?? (hopefully to be working in a facility as well?)

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