I think it's a good idea I am a Medical Assistant and applying for the RN program next year. The college I'm going to require's a NA certificate as part of the pre-reqs my course starts next week which the hospital I work for runs. The reason I think it's a good idea is you get exposure to not only the "gross stuff" but it also exposes you to basic bedside skills that are needed to be an RN and saves class time. You also get a "feel" for the type of environment you're going to work in so you're not just thrown in on your first day of clinical's not knowing what to expect.