Pre nursing student needs advice

[ldm2484]

I have recently been accepted into a nursing program, BSN program at Kennesaw State University, and I really need some experience. I have looked at CNA, which requires education and more money. I know some ppl become ER techs and hear this may not be as good as CNA, but I really cant go and pay $700 more for CNA training. also I know some are patient care techs but usually you need at least 1yr of nursing school. I really want some experience and need some direction in this area. I cant really volunteer because i need to make some money, so, long story short, what is my best option? Thank you for the advice and I cant wait to really "get into it" and out of pizza delivery! :)

[Five&Two Will Do]

I became a CNA in order to dtermine whether or not nursing was for me. I did that job through school and it actually helped me greatly during school. Also it seemed like people who had never cared for patients before were kinda uncomfortable when it came time for clinical. Good luck

[LouisVRN, RN]

How about unit secretary? It would give you a good idea of the pace of the floor, how to input orders and if you're good at it you are sure to make some good contacts who would be happy to help you transition into different roles. Transport is another option. While nothing will give you an idea of what nursing is or isn't. I don't think being a CNA neccessarily does either, you just see one facet of care.

[Five&Two Will Do]

I guess it depends on where you work. It also depends on how selfmotivated you are. If you believe that you want to be an RN, being a CNA allows you to work under the direct supervision of RN's thereby giving the opportunity to observe them in their practice and ask questions. It was invaluable to me in my learning experience. Not only, but many nursing programs now require CNA cert in order to be accepted.

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

I think just getting your foot in the door of a hospital anyway you can would be good. I work with a newer nurse that was an ER tech prior. You still have to wipe poopy butts in ER, take direction and multi task.

[astethescope&aplan]

i agree that getting your cna will help on your journey to becoming a nurse this experience cant be paid for. i speak for the stand point of a current lvn student in cali... i am working my way through. my CNA experience helps me to manuver on the floor with patients as well as staff. if you cant pa for it consider possible appylin for aid... they will send you to school for free! i kno the idea of GR or food stamps is not appealing but it is a means to an end and will begin your journey. good luck! from one student to the next:yeah:

[wee_oneRN]

Most community colleges and adult schools offer CNA classes at far cheaper prices than $700. You can also take EMT courses at a community college for the ER tech position. You do not have to work in a hospital however, to be successful in nursing school. I worked full-time retail while in school, and let me tell you, I felt that I had far better customer service and time-management skills than many of my classmates. I was usually the first to have my charting done and my list of tasks ready. Yes, I was awkward during bedside care at first. But, that soon disappeared.

Customer service skills are highly valued in the hospital setting now, and they just don't practice those in clinicals!

[kool-aide, RN]

I think becoming a CNA will be invaluable experience. Save up and shell out the $700, it will be well worth it.

[jillianbeans]

Getting licensed as a CNA was actually a prerequisite of applying to the nursing program I'm starting in August. The community college I attend has CNA courses and I believe they cost about a third of what you were quoted. Check into your local community college and see if they offer a class. You might also see if there are any nursing homes or ltc facilities close by that offer CNA training as part of the job. That is how I first started working as a CNA (about 15 years ago, in Florida). Good luck- and congratulations on getting into a nursing program!

[mindlor]

After first semester of your BSN program you are then eligible to work as a PCT, no lic or further training needed...

Check with your school to verify this.

Cheers

[sillypuddy143]

I would also maybe check around nearby facilities.. and see if they are even hiring CNA's. I got my CNA license last year for basically the same reasons, to get my experience in and make sure nursing was really what I wanted to do, only to realize that the job market is dismal, and after tons of applications I've had 1 Interview and zero job offers because they are only taking people with experience.

I'm hoping after a year in nursing school that will be enough experience to get my foot in the door, and like someone else mentioned a lot of places will consider a semester of Nursing school clinicals to be equivalent experience to CNA license (depending on your area)

[33762FL]

It's not the end of the world if you don't become a CNA before nursing school, in fact most nursing students don't have CNA experience. A summer student-nurse externship is MUCH better experience than CNA. Externship programs are competitive and selective, where CNA jobs basically need a GED and 6-week course. I personally would concentrate on researching externship programs in your area and applying to those when the time comes rather than a CNA job (unless the reason for the CNA job is that you really need the $12/hour 24 hours per week).