Hi!! Welcome to the Board! I worked as a CNA for six years before I became and RN, and personally I suggest it to anyone who wants to become a nurse. (IF they can take the probable paycut!! :) ) Aside from the fact it'll expose you to the area that you want to be in, and from the fact that you'll probably learn so much just from what you see and from any friendly nurse who's willing to teach you what they're doing and allow you to see certain procedures, etc. (and it sounds like you have time for things like that!), you also learn how to interact with the patients and their families. That's what I feel the big advantage is. I think it's wonderful that you float within a hospital, you must see so much!! I only worked a nursing home and rehab, which gave me some great wounds to check out. LOL Anyway, I wouldn't take my CNA days back for anything, I loved 'em!! And, I truly understand how hard they work, I never push them for anything, understand if I want something done NOW, I may have to do it myself if they're really busy! I wish you the best of luck in school, and I'm sure you'll be a better nurse for your experience now!! Sorry, I get long winded!! :) LOL
P.S. I'll admit I can't find them sometimes, but usually one CNA will know where the other one is, and there's always someone covering the unit! :)
