Question for nurses, nursing students, and CNA's.

U.S.A. Oregon

Published

Hello everyone,

I'm looking for some opinions based on sound experience in the nursing community. I was going to apply to a few nursing programs this Fall for the following year, but recently had a conversation with an admissions advisor at what will remain an "unnamed" school. In any case, they said that in spite of the 14 As and 1 B I have completed for the prereq courses that I stand a snowball's chance in Hell of getting into a nursing program because I have absolutely no medical experience; for instance, volunteering, pushing a broom in a hospital, working as a "CNA", a receptionist, etc. They suggested I get a "CNA" and go in the trenches for a year, then apply. So....my questions.

  1. Do you think this person is correct in light of the overwhelming amount of applicants for nursing programs?
  2. I've read nothing but horror stories about CNA jobs. Duties entail the worst of the worst of the worst. Moreover, pay is not a living wage.

Thanks,

K

I was able to get in nursing school without western medical experience (background in acupuncture and massage). But everyone who had CNA or unit clerk experience at our local hospital got a job after graduation. I just graduated in May with a very high GPA and cannot secure a job ANYWHERE! My advice is to get a unit clerk job if you don't want to be a CNA, but do something. Also, consider another career if you think you do not want to be a CNA. All great nurses I observed were aides first. You will be better organized and clinicals in school will be much easier.

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Specializes in Wilderness Medicine, ICU, Adult Ed..
From the OP,

Wow, for so many days this topic attracted very little attention, then bang! For the doubters, I come with a very diverse education and work history. For example, a BA in Humanities, and BS in Computer Science, and a MA in East

Asian history. I graduated with honors in all of them. I have worked at the legislative level writing Bills; have lectured; owned a company; lived in other countries, etc. I could go on. The point being is that I don't consider myself, nor do my friends, an idiot. The long-term goal is to become a NP with a specialty in Psychiatry. I have lived with anxiety and panic disorder my entire life and have received fabulous help along the way. I want to give back. It's something I've wanted to do for many years. When I mentioned horror stories about being a CNA, it's that I've never heard anything good. I've asked other nurses and practitioners and they've offered a variety of descriptions, but typically dismal. I'll have to see for myself. I will enroll in a CNA class. It's only about $1500 and three months. I'm sure it won't kill me. And hopefully, I'll find employment someplace to get hands on experience.

Thanks for all your input. :-)

Kamaboko: no one is questioning your intelligence or your ability. I am sure that you are a very capable person with a lot to offer. The question is, do you have a passion for the work nurses do, or are your talents better invested in other endeavors. My suggestion, for whatever it might be worth, is that you find out before making the commitment, and doing the hard work, of going to nursing school. I know that you are smart enough to succeed in nursing school, but that is not the question. The question is, will you be happy doing the work nurses do?

I wish you the very best in whatever path you choose.

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The nursing school I am currently attending has approximately 300 applicants per year and accepts only the top 24. I did quite well on the "entrance exam" and I did NOT have any of the co-requisite classes completed, nor did I have any healthcare experience. While I was only accepted as an alternate because another applicant was unable to accept the spot, this shows that I was in the top 30 of 300 applicants. I believe that if you have good grades, and otherwise fully meet or exceed the requirements for the program you may still have a chance.

On the other hand, CNA courses are as little as a few weeks and you could do the job part time in addition with keeping another job if you wanted. Most of the CNAs I have had opportunity to work with enjoy their jobs. Nearly all of them were pursuing further nursing education.

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At the college I go to about 1/3 of us (including myself) have absolutely no experience in the health field. I guess it depends on which college you plan to go to. Ask some of current or past students how they feel about the nursing school. Mine has some major problems! I bet they fail over 60% of the students!

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60%? I thought it was pretty sad that we had 5 people (about 20%) have to repeat a semester because their test average was below 75% (a requirement to be "passing") Sheesh... 60% ... I wouldn't even apply. LOL

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Specializes in Critical Care, ER, Sedation Nurse,.

You mean the school doesn't pass them, or they can't pass the b oards. Thats a big difference. If over half their students can't pass the program, or the boards, then they do have major problems.

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I didn't even think to ask that question! I automatically assumed they weren't passing the program.

Passing the program then failing boards would be indicative of poorly prepared students.

Failing the program could be from any of a number of reasons.

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Our passage is even worse. You have to have 80% and above to pass. In our handbook it says the school's goal is to pass 50% of the 95 students. Last years class started with 95 and it down to approx. 25 students. It's a self taught crash course. Instructors only lecture ( they recite power point slides ). Talk about a money maker for the school.

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Specializes in long-term care.

I have been a CNA for ten years I just passed boards for LPN. Honestly the first thing u will learn in nursing school is how to be a CNA!! Its all patient care!! Horror stories... its called life maybe this kind of work isnt for u.

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My Nursing school did not even ask me about my previous medical experience on my application. I know that another University near me (which admits on a "points" system) also doesn't ask.

If you can't get into the nursing school of your choice- I think there is always the option of getting an ADN at your local community college and then completing an ADN-BSN bridge. Most employers will even pay for the bridge.

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I have no actual nursing experience, and I am pursuing my dream of becoming a nurse. I have plenty of life experience. I think your comment was VERY rude--probably your personality as a nurse too.

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I have no actual nursing experience, and I am pursuing my dream of becoming a nurse. I have plenty of life experience. I think your comment was VERY rude--probably your personality as a nurse too.

Hi, Who were you directing your comment to? I guess I am confused.

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