Published Jul 10, 2013
DesiRenee
2 Posts
I would really like to be a CNA for a few years before I go and get my RN.
I found a place that takes regular NAs and trains them to be CNAs. It is a nursing home.
I am just worried that I wont get the job, as I have no work experience.
I did, however, take care of my grandfather when he had cancer. I had to bathe him, wipe his bottom after using the bathroom. Move him in the bed etc.
So how do I go about this?
CAllen44
108 Posts
I don't know what the difference in an NA and a CNA is. If this facility is willing to train you, they probably don't expect you to have much experience.
But your real-life experience is certainly equivalent to the duties of a CNA, so that should show them you are at least willing to do those tasks and learn more as well. Good luck! :)
NA is just a Nurses assistant that isnt certified, but they would train me to get me certified.
Poochiewoochie
178 Posts
I don't know what the difference in an NA and a CNA is. If this facility is willing to train you, they probably don't expect you to have much experience. But your real-life experience is certainly equivalent to the duties of a CNA, so that should show them you are at least willing to do those tasks and learn more as well. Good luck! :)
Most places don't accept taking care of a family member as experience, they want 6 months to a year of PAID experience. At least that's what it said on several applications and ads that I've seen.
MoopleRN
240 Posts
Get certified. And why in the world why you want to be CNA for "
a few years before I go and get my RN"?!?!? CNA experience is crucial to nursing IMO (and should be a requirement for nursing school but that's another whoop!) but why you'd want to do that for years before becoming a nurse is beyond me. Get where you want to be as quickly as possible!
mvm2
1,001 Posts
From what I know of na vs cna is that you are a na after you pass cna class. You become a cna after you pass your states exam. Does this place train you and give you classes before you work and get paid as a cna. Or are you working as a cna even though you haven't had classes yet. Most places do not just hire people off the streets and have them work as cnas without being certified. Though I have heard of companies having classes and then after you are certified are garenteed a job afterwards. Good luck and congrats on starting the road to a nursing career.
sgort201
4 Posts
It depends on the state and the level of care. In MN you do not need to be a CNA to work in assisted living. I am a CNA and I work in assisted living and my company gives a slight pay increase.
More importantly, most (maybe all) nursing programs in MN require that you are a CNA before you start nursing classes.