question about becoming a cna

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2008

HECK NO! You've got to go through the entire class, get through, and usually pass the state exam to be in the state rolls.......keep on trucking.

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 6, 2008

Some hospitals will hire students as a PCA after their first clinical rotation in Med-Surg. It is not an automatic, however.

To become a "Certified" Nurse Aide, you do have to take the state exam.

Best,

Diane

LadyJRN1 · Feb 6, 2008

DON"T DO IT!!! Take a position in a hospital where you are PCA and then you will have a foot in the door as a nurse when you graduate.

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Feb 6, 2008

Well it's not automatic, but yes you can get a job as a CNA after your first semester of nursing school.

But I wouldn't recommend a job as a CNA. I worked as one and I didn't learn anything to help with me nursing school or nursing itself. I got a job as a nurse tech in an ICU where I was able to start IVs (no meds though), foleys, NG tubes, labs, blood draws, art line and central line draws, etc. Plus I was able to assess patients, get a room set up, be in on codes, etc. Fantastic experience!

Even if you have to wait 2 semester to get a job as a tech or an extern, it's wayyyy better experience than CNA and worth the wait IMO.

vaness87 · Feb 6, 2008

Thanks everyone for the info! I have one more question whats a PCA and how do you become one?

PurrRN · Feb 6, 2008

PCA=Patient care assistant. After the first semester of NS our clinical hospital will hire students for these types of positions. It is a different name for essentially the same thing as UAP which stands for unlicensed assistive personel. Some places don't require UAP's to be certified therefore not every place uses CNA's. I think it's kind of confusing having alot of different names for people who assist nursing staff, but I guess it makes sense to someone.

At our hospital you just apply for the positions that are open and go thru the usual hiring process. If they know you are a nursing student, they will usually try and place you because they know that they typically will have an opportunity to hire you as nursing staff when you graduate (provided they like your work of course).

Now, I've heard some places are highly competitive for these types of positions (NJ being one), so realize that geting hired may not be so easy in all areas of the country.

Good Luck,.

PurrRN · Feb 6, 2008

NA = nursing assistant

CNA = certified nursing assistant

CENA = I've heard this one but don't know what the E stands for

PCT = patient care tech

PCA = Patient care assistant

AP = assistive personel

UAP = unlicenced assistive personel

These are the ones I've heard, I don't know if there are any more.

MoopleRN · Feb 6, 2008

Well it's not automatic, but yes you can get a job as a CNA after your first semester of nursing school.
But I wouldn't recommend a job as a CNA. I worked as one and I didn't learn anything to help with me nursing school or nursing itself. I got a job as a nurse tech in an ICU where I was able to start IVs (no meds though), foleys, NG tubes, labs, blood draws, art line and central line draws, etc. Plus I was able to assess patients, get a room set up, be in on codes, etc. Fantastic experience!
Even if you have to wait 2 semester to get a job as a tech or an extern, it's wayyyy better experience than CNA and worth the wait IMO.

Good for you that you got the experience that you did but I disagree when you say you don't recommend starting as a CNA. CNAs get lots and lots of bedside experience in any facility. They truly are hands-on care. I'm not saying you weren't but your post didn't mention transfers/toileting/ambulating/accurate accounts of I&Os/accu checks/comfort cares/basic hygiene.... Yes, your experiences were fantastic but CNAs DO learn stuff on their way to becoming a nurse. They learn basic bedside care. Patients know they need labs drawn/assessments done.... they also know they need (help) to go to the bathroom.

Quality patient care has LOTS of team members.