As I said before, I am going to be starting nursing classes in the fall. A nursing home in my home town offers a free, short CNA certification program during the summer. Would anyone recommend working as a CNA before becoming an RN? I talked to one nurse and she didn't think I should...she thought all the tough work might discourage me. Also, I don't think I'd want to work in a nursing home...are there many job opportunities in hospitals (there is a small one in my home town as well)?