Pre-Nursing Student, Should I Quit My CNA Job?

Sour Lemon · Jul 30, 2018

Hello All!
I am a pre-nursing student and a CNA working in a long-term care facility for behavioral adults with dementia/psychotic disorders. I love my job and my residents so much, but lately my work is getting to me and i'm considering leaving my job. I've been debating this for months now, not knowing what to do because I'm afraid I'll be making a huge mistake. I've been noticing some changes at my facility lately and it's making it difficult to keep working there when I feel that I'm not getting the experience that I need for nursing school. I recently got my CNA 2 license and I am now qualified to work at a hospital. At the beginning of September, I will officially have 1 year of CNA experience and I have began to look at part-time jobs at local hospitals, however I'm extremely nervous to work in a hospital because I'm worried that my CNA 2 program didn't give me enough skills/clinical practice to master the new procedures I'm able to perform. I apply for my nursing program in T-minus 3 months and I couldn't be more excited, however, this whole work issue is seriously stressing me out and I just want to be in a situation where I know I can succeed. I want to become the best nurse I can be because I am truly in love with the nursing professional and I have dedicated my life thus far to educating myself, working hard, and being the best student/CNA I can be. I'm wanting to know your opinions: should I stay at my current job or should I go for a hospital position? I would love to hear your advice and any words of encouragement from fellow students or current nurses!

Apply for a hospital job if you want one. Until you get a job offer, there's no decision to make. A CNA job is not going to give you "nursing" experience, though ...no matter what kind of CNA job it is. Only a nursing job will provide "nursing" experience.

An important consideration, for me at least, would be how willing my employer was to work around my schedule. In some cases, an employer that you already have a positive relationship with is more willing to accommodate you.

rhannah145, BSN · Jul 31, 2018

Thank you for your reply! I guess I should have been more specific when I said I'm looking for a different experience... it's not nursing experience I'm looking for, I'm just wanting to get a feel for what working in a hospital will be like and I would love to be able to see procedures up-close and personal as a CNA before going into nursing school.

Thanks again!

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jul 31, 2018

Thank you for your reply! I guess I should have been more specific when I said I'm looking for a different experience... it's not nursing experience I'm looking for, I'm just wanting to get a feel for what working in a hospital will be like and I would love to be able to see procedures up-close and personal as a CNA before going into nursing school.
Thanks again!

Unlikely to happen. CNAs in the hospital are VERY busy with vitals, ambulation, hygiene, turns and the like. You are not going to be seeing procedures if that helps make your mind up.

caliotter3 · Jul 31, 2018

A hospital job could provide you with your first RN job, or not. That is one advantage. But as you seek such a position, you need to make certain you find a job that is not going to interfere with your nursing school schedule. Some employers cooperate, others go out of their way to make you choose between the job and school. Something to keep in mind.

roangie467 · Aug 2, 2018

The hospital job would get you better returns for your job experience. You could look to see if your hospital participates in a training program. (I can't remember the name of the specific program I'm thinking of.) But it had an application process, mandatory training meeting, and then you'd float through the hospital departments working shifts. That could help your concerns about lacking the experience.

And I would be honest with them! I asked my hiring manager for an extra day of training before they released me on my own. She partnered me with a CNA who had a great reputation as a teacher.

I would also listen to your feelings. If you're feeling conflicted about your job, that's important to acknowledge. I'd hate for you to get burnout or compassion fatigue. Maybe your teachers have advice of their own. I think it's great that you posted this question. Your patients will be well served by you. Best of luck on your decisions and let us know how it all turned out!

Scoutpeke · Aug 20, 2018

Having that CNA experience will help you TREMENDOUSLY through nursing school. Especially if you can get into a hospital, you'll see and learn so much first hand.