Should i become a CNA first?

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i am taking my prerequs for the rn program at my community college. i should be done summer of next year and can apply for the spring 2012 program. but i was think about taking a cna class this fall. but if i take the cna class then it will push me back a semter which means i will be done fall 2011 and can apply for the fall 2012 program.

i can make up my mine as to what to do. i been looking for threads on allnurses but have not found one. i talked to my friends and family and they dont know what i should do.

so i thought that i should as nurses or nursing student. has anyone did it this way or is it better to just finish my prerequs and try to get into the rn program?

any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!:)

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In todays job market I would recommend becoming a CNA, just because having a foot in the door working at a hospital could help you in getting a RN job (no promises of course) but also you will make important contacts. Becoming a CNA will help more than harm you.

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I agree with what is said above. I am also getting my prereqs done and in my state being a CNA is REQUIRED before nursing school. I am taking it this summer and hope to do something in that field while on breaks, weekends, and summers.

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In todays job market I would recommend becoming a CNA, just because having a foot in the door working at a hospital could help you in getting a RN job (no promises of course) but also you will make important contacts. Becoming a CNA will help more than harm you.

That is one of the reason why i was thinking about going to CNA school. Thank you for your imput!

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I agree with what is said above. I am also getting my prereqs done and in my state being a CNA is REQUIRED before nursing school. I am taking it this summer and hope to do something in that field while on breaks, weekends, and summers.

Is CNA school a lot of work and studing? Do you think it is possible to take other classes while in CNA school?

Thanks for your post!

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Is CNA school a lot of work and studing? Do you think it is possible to take other classes while in CNA school?

Thanks for your post!

Oh yeah. I took my CNA course in high school thru a CC. I was also taking a college level Med Term, college level web design, and my high schools A&P class. I got A+ in all of them. I would say it is very easy to juggle

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Remember, you dont have to take a CNA class. All you have to do is challenge the CNA exam. Get a book, ask anyone who is a CNA to help you out, and then challenge the test. I think it's around $175 for the exam. I am a unit secretary and have a learned a ton from being on the floor that I would feel comfortable challenging it and am seriously considering it. Some knowledge of general pt care is required, which should go without saying.

Also, I know there are places around me that offer accelerated classes, like 40 hours (1 week) to prep you for the exam and guarantee you will pass or your money back. Here in FL, it's called beacna.com Try looking for something similar in your area.

Just a thought.

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Thank you all for you posts!!!

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DEFINETLEY!!! It helps you so so much! and CNA school is very very easy

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Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.

Your CNA will help you out so much. CNA's perform the very basic nursing skills. It shouldn't set you bac ka semester since it is a Continuing education class and not a curriculum class. CNA isn't very hard at all. Now its not neccessarly easy becasue you have to be patient, have fairly strong stomach and pay attention. In NC all nursing students are required to be listed as CNA's before entrance into a nursing program or within the first semester of starting school. Like it was said earlier, your CNA will let you "get your foot in the door". You may also be able to work as a CNA part-time while in school. Hope this helps.

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It will push me back a semter because the class is Mon. and Wed. sat. and sun. and I need to take bio 231 so i can take bio 232 and 223 but it is only offered mon and wed or sat. so i would not be able to take that class fall semter which will puch me back.

>>> do you think it is possiable to take human bio 2 and mico at the same time?

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Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.
It will push me back a semter because the class is Mon. and Wed. sat. and sun. and I need to take bio 231 so i can take bio 232 and 223 but it is only offered mon and wed or sat. so i would not be able to take that class fall semter which will puch me back.

>>> do you think it is possiable to take human bio 2 and mico at the same time?

Well ask the nursing director or one of the nursing instuctors if you can wait until your in the program to get your CNA or you can take one of your pre-reqs as a co-req when you enter the nursing program. If your CC is as competitive as most ADN programs and goes by a point system it is vital that you have your CNA, but you could move one of your pre reqs and take it during nursing school. Try to pick an easier course to take during the nursing program if you do decide to do that though. Am I making any sense.

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