CNA then on to RN...Good Idea?

[Carmen29]

I want to go into nursing. But inorder to get into the 2-year programs I need to A & P, and microbiology first. Those are classes I don't want to attempt in summer school. I can however get my CNA this summer. Do you think that getting a CNA will help me with my nursing classes? Does being a CNA help you to get a higher paying job after you get your RN (as opposed to not having your CNA and going right into RN work)?

Any word of wisdom would be great.

[ds23]

i definetely agree with getting your cna first, i am an aide now for 3 years, and it is helping my through my clinical rotations to be comfortable with the patients. but you do need to remember to lose the "bad habits" you learn as a cna in clinicals, the shortcuts are not taken well by the instructors....i am in school right now and the people in my class that have not been in the medical feild before are nervous about the procedures, the atmosphere, and the patients, at least you will have a jump start on patient care before you have to do it in front of an audience:) i believe it has really helped me get the basics down so i can focus on other things...i recommend it totally

[DusktilDawn]

Nurses who have "WORKED" as CNA's tend to be better nurses. THose who have not tend to think they know everything and a CNA is beneath them.

This is the only statement I disagree with on this thread. I have three CNAs on my unit going back to school to become RNs and I don't see them being any better as RNs than they currently are as a CNAs, in fact I'll wager they will treat CNAs like crap if they ever become RNs. It boils down to personal work ethic, initiative, and professionalism. Working as a CNA will give you experience dealing with patients in a health care setting. It can certainly be a benefit.

[SarahtheRN]

I was a CNA for 4 years before attempting nursing school. It was the best decision I could have made. I graduated in August this year. I learned alot because I worked it the field and I was not "lost" my first day of clinical. It also taught me to respect the CNA and not to be a "lazy" nurse. I am capable of taking a pt to the bathroom and answering a call light. Unlike many other nurses I worked with when I was a CNA. I think it would be an excellent decision. GOOD LUCK! If I can make it through the pre-req's and nusring school I think anyone can:rotfl: