CNA while in nursing school?

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2009

Well, brother, let me be the first to congrats u on the idea!

Many nursing schools require your CNA before admittance to the program, or possibly as a bonus point for admission.

Now, money-wise, what is your situation? I ask, because having a BS probably means you are out-of-luck student loan wise....check with financial aid.

also, CNAs average 10-15 bucks/hr....I made 11.25 a hour and maybe around 1400 a month...had to stretch it with loans to get expenses paid....

more than welcome to see more men around....always a welcome minority...

NamasteNurse, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2009

Great idea. My school requires a CNA before LPN. I have been working as a CNA all through NS and it was so great to have that patient care experience once I got into clinicals. It put me far in front of the students who had no experience. I could do my cares in 15 minutes or less where it took them an hour. Also just walking into a room and working intimately with a pt was second nature by clinical time. It is way worth it. Don't know the pay scale down there but up here in NY we get anywhere between 10 and 20 an hour depending on where the place is and what shift you work. Good luck

sophie<3 · Dec 23, 2009

i know in my area (kentucky) if you complete your first semester of clinicals then you can sit for the state CNA test without taking an actual class..i think the test is around 75$ and the classes can be anywhere from like 500 to 1000 (yea!) so you might want to consider waiting if your state is the same way! but i think working as a cna is a great idea! i am looking to do that next semester..not only do you get paid (not much, but better than no job at all) but you get hands on experience that makes clinicals a little less stressful. but keep in mind that some hospitals will not hire as a cna unless you have prior expereince..sometimes when starting out nursing homes are all you can get. i, myself, am not a cna yet and have ZERO hospital experience. i start clincals next month..i am a nervous wreck! patient interaction scares me! good luck to you!

CNA2day · Dec 23, 2009

yes to it it is worth it.

My job paid to put me through the class and get the licence

stelon · Dec 23, 2009

Do it, especially if you're unemployed and need a job. My LVN program required CNA be done for admittance. But only some of the students actually used their CNA and worked as one.

You could definitely tell who was working and who didn't bother using it. As someone said above, those of us who had CNA done were way ahead of the game. My basic care/activities of daily living were done in no time flat so I had more time to focus on the new nursing stuff I was learning, ie assessments, med pass, charting, etc.

It was a HUGE help too because my nurses at work knew I was in school and really went out of their way to show me neat things during work and to teach me while they did their job. They would often times explain to me why they did things the way they did where as they would just do them and not mention it the other aids because they knew I would be in their shoes one day.

I've been working as a CNA for two years now and just completed my LVN program. I plan on bridging to the RN soon and don't regret one bit doing my CNA first.

Lillian2515 · Dec 23, 2009

I'd skip the CNA and go right for the patient care tech. They can train you on the job. Also, since you already have a BS.....did you find a nursing school with an accelerated (2nd degree program)..you'll be done in a year.

I'm in a BSN program and have a CNA. I got the CNA after starting the nursing program so I just took the test, did not have to take a special course. Learning basic nursing skills is no big deal, just jump in and start doing it.

laxxrickLPN · Dec 26, 2009

Get the CNA.

I went into nursing school straight out of a business/sales job and had a really hard time. I actually failed the class. So... I failed, took my CNA, took a few more academic classes, and then went back into nursing school and am passing comfortably with a high 'B'.

The work experience of being a CNA helped me ALOT.

kelsey.kristine, CNA · Dec 31, 2009

Thanks for posting! And I'm so glad to hear all the responses! I'm actually starting a CNA class while I'm getting my pre-reqs for my ADN...and was starting to worry that it wasn't the best thing to do(time wise). But you've all convinced me! :yeah:

Neese80!, LPN · Jan 3, 2010

Thanks for asking this question I want to do the same thing! I want to do it for the experience as well ; so that I am not a nervous wreck when its time for clinicals.

L&DWannaB · Jan 3, 2010

I am entering my 2nd semester NS and I am working in Ortho/Neuro as a CNA this experience has helped me immensely. I was able to jump into clinicals w/o hesitation. I was familiar with the layout of a hospital room. It gave me a huge boost of confidence that other students did not have. If you are going to work i would get a job in MED/Surg area because this is where the first few semesters of school will focus and you will be ahead of the game. This is just my :twocents: on the issue. Good luck. I am a 33yr old going back to school and it is intimidating but, well worth the challenge.

amanda2lynn · Jan 5, 2010

You should get your CNA sooner than later. I got my CNA before nursing school to make sure that I really wanted to get into nursing as a career and it has helped me a lot. I will be starting clinicals this semester spring 2010 and will probably be ahead of the other nursing students who don't have any clinical experience dealing with patients or working in a health care setting. Good luck!!