Pre-Nursing Student considers CNA before school

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Hi All,

I am currently finishing up prerequisites for nursing school as I just applied to Direct-Entry programs. I already am doing some volunteering as a research assistant in a hospital for 4 hours a week in the ER, but I am looking for a full-time job that will hold me down until school starts (either Summer or Fall 2009) and I'm looking into the CNA track as I hear it is in demand now and I'd be able to work per diem (hopefully) and put in as many hours as I can before I start school.

Has anyone done this that would like to shed some light on the situation? I figure it would be a great opportunity to observe and see how things are done in hospitals but I also want to make sure it's a job where I can work more hours than what may be required for a regular 9-5 job.

Also, would the CNA track be the most helpful in this situation or would Pharmacy Tech or Medical Billing be more useful?

I want to start a class and start working as soon as possible but I want to make an informed decision about this.

Thank you to anyone who is able to shed some light on this!!

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Specializes in Surgical/Trauma ICU.

A lot of students do this when they are taking prereq courses because it is great experience and makes clinicals in nursing school a little less scary. I am going to take a course in december-february, but I still have a couple semesters left before I apply for NS.

I think it is a great idea. I'd go for it. Its good preparation. I've asked the same question and many people say either they are very glad they did it, or that they wish they had done it. A Nursing Assistant job will probably be better than pharmacy or anything else because it is direct patient work and you get to see how a healthcare facility works and how the nurses do their jobs.

Good Luck

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+1 on the CNA - I feel this would be much more beneficial then med billing or pharm tech...

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Thank you both so much for such quick responses. I also wonder how quickly I might be able to start working. What does the job market look like in the CNA world?

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Specializes in Obstetrics.

I totally agree that taking a CNA course is the way to go. I did it my senior year in high school through the college in my city. I have been working for 2 years in the maternity ward as a tech (aka CNA) and absolutely love it. I am getting hands on experience before I have to endure nursing school clinicals. Plus I always ask nurses questions when I don't know something so I'm a little more knowledgeable as well. That is for my own benefit. But I'm sure it'll help in the long run.

You may want to check out the hospital's policy on education, once you apply somewhere. Some hospitals reimburse your tuition for classes/nursing school. Some require you to sign a contract to work there for x amount of years but for them to pay for your school? I think it's totally worth that, if you enjoy your area of work.

As the previous posters mentioned, Pharm Tech and Billing might be nice to see how things work within the hospital but ultimately a tech (CNA) is going to give you more direct patient care. The techs on our floor do basically everything except pass meds (and the initial assessments and teachings). I have learned a ton. I definitely recommend it. :) Good luck to you.

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Thank you both so much for such quick responses. I also wonder how quickly I might be able to start working. What does the job market look like in the CNA world?

it really depends on where you live...

look at a local job search engine and type in CNA..

go to a local hospital / elder care / clinic and search for CNA or patient care provider, etc..

search your local state gov for guidelines on becoming a CNA..

also go in this forum to STUDENTS and look for the forum that is for CNAs.

v/r

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Specializes in Surgical/Trauma ICU.

Many hospitals don't hire new CNAs. It depends on where you live. Most want you to have at least a year experience, so you might have to settle for a long term care facility. Which is still good experience.

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I'm not sure about other areas, but I got my certification Saturday and put in a few applications over the weekend. I had two calls yesterday about potential jobs. One was in a LTC facilty and the other in an emergency/outpatient clinic. There is a really high demand here.

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Hi,

I have been a CNA for 7 years working with Alzheimers residents and I love it!!!! I have a BS in Finance and realized that it is not what I want to do with my life and I am now going to school for nursing. All I have left is A&P2 and I can then start nursing 101. Being a CNA is an excellent way to get a feel for nursing and I think it makes you a better nurse. All the nurses that I have worked with that use to be CNA's are the nicest and most helpful ones!! They really understand the hard work that the CNA's go through because they use to be one. Oh and the demand is pretty good..there are soo many CNA options..home health care, hospitals, private care, convelescent homes and the list goes on!! Good luck and if you have any question feel free to ask me!!

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