Question about CNA...

[Nursingmom25, ADN, RN]

I just got accepted into Nursing School and start in Spring 2013. My college is offering a CNA class this summer. ( I do NOT have to have this class as part of my Nursing program)

Should I take it? Would it be beneficial to to have this class under my belt if I have already been accepted? I may or may not work with this certification. I will try but but who knows. I just remember someone saying that it will give me experience and help me not to be so scared of patients...LOL

Anyway...let me know what you all think, I register next month. :) Thx!

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

I wouldn't take it. The first class in your nursing program should cover all the CNA stuff and you should qualify for a CNA license sometime during the first year. If you take it during the summer and they don't give you any credit for it, then you'll be paying for the same thing twice. Save your money.

[chinadoll88]

I wouldnt take it either. When i was going to school for my LPN, it was a requirement to take the CNA courses. I actually enjoyed it, got my certification and started working right away. But it really took away from my focus and drive for school. I ended up struggling to work full time and school full time and I missed LPN program admission by 0.2 points on my GPA!!!!! I still enjoy working as a CNA but I still wish I would have just continued schooling until i got through.