On the path to a RN Studies. Is CNA the right choice?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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So I am at a job I truly hate, and have made the decision to go back to school to become a registered nurse. I have applied to CUNY schools, and am waiting for a response. I have been thinking it may make sense in the to become a CNA, then a patient care technician (which pays a bit more) so while I go to school (full time) I can work as one part time (I still need to make a living). It would also give me the opportunity to get a taste of this field as I currently work as a secretary. Does anyone have any feedback, suggestions on this path?

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I would say that would be a great idea. I was a CNA for about 10 years before returning to school to be an RN. You will have a better understanding of what they do when you become a nurse and have to delegate to them. They seem to understand better from a person who has worked as a CNA compared to a person who went straight to nursing school. Hope this helps.

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Thanks. I will definitely take this under consideration.

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Specializes in Infusion.

Sounds perfect. My community college requires a CNA to get into the nursing program. At the very least, you will be making a minimal investment to determine if this is the right field for you.

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I think its a great idea! CNA training and the clinicals will let you know right away if nursing school is right for you. There was a girl in my class that wanted to be a nurse, went to CNA clinicals and then decided she wanted nothing to do with it. I think working as a CNA while in school would be great because you can get a variety of schedules (not just 9-5 stuff) that will allow you to go to school at the same time. You'll probably have a leg up on your fellow student too!

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Great, thanks for the reply. I had someone tell me I may not want to be a CNA, and should go straight into becoming a Registered Nurse. They said I may be turned off by some of the grunt work the CNAs do, that a REgistered Nurse would never do.

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My schools requires that you become an STNA (same as CNA I think) to get onto the waitlist. It is grunt work and not for everyone. I don't think that because you may or may not like the CNA work means that you may or may not like nursing. Where I live, CNA's work in long term care facilities. I have no interest in geriatrics as my main focus, so I do not plan on working as a CNA. I have considered becoming a PCA so I can get into a hospital and work, Children's by me hires PCA's.

I have a friend who is an LPN and was an STNA for 5 years. She does not do anything that she used to on a regular basis. She still does some things every now and then. She hated the STNA work, but loves the elderly. She absolutely loves being an LPN.

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bmarrero,

I was thinking of doing the same thing. As long as my schedule will allow it, I'm thinking of doing a weekend CNA course while I do my summer semester. Good luck!!

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Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate it.

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Specializes in Infusion.

I trained as a CNA in a hospital. I was certified as a CNA I. In order to work at the hospital, another 2-1/2 weeks of training is required and if the hospital hires you, they sometimes pay for the training. A hospital is going to be a little more fast -paced and with a range of care needs. A nursing home or long term care facility is going to have more residents that require a lot more help with basic needs. When you become an RN, you will have a better idea what you can delegate to your CNAs and you will also have a lot of respect for the job they do.

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Thanks. It sounds worth pursuing.

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