Should I become a CNA while in Nursing school?

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I am currently finishing my first semester of Nursing school. I have the entire summer available to me and I want to make good use of it. I am planning on volunteering at a hospital, but I want to do more. I am getting mixed messages about becoming a CNA while in school. Some people say don't bother b/c I will be learning these skills while in school. Other people say that it is worth doing to help gain experience and exposure within a healthcare facility. Thus, showing my potential employers I have experience. I feel like I should be getting as much experience as I possibly can. Most Technician jobs require some sort of certification. Intern/externships would like students to have clinicals under their belt. I am so new to all of this and I want to get my foot in the door as soon as I can.

Another reason I am curious about becoming a CNA is b/c I am currently working part-time in a restaurant and I want to work in a healthcare environment.

I am just wanting to know if it is possible to juggle working part-time as a CNA and going to Nursing school.

Also, is it a smart decision? Or any suggestions as to what I can do to stay involved during the summer.

Thank you for reading!

:confused:

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Lots of people work and go to nursing school at the same time. Work can be a GREAT learning experience (and the money isn't bad, either :)).

Since you are first semester, have you completed a Fundamentals of Nursing or Med/Surg class yet? If so, most states will allow you to skip taking a CNA class and go straight to the certification exam. It would save you both time and money.

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Heck yeah! You don't have to support yourself, and can get another job for that. It will give you an edge over other students not in field; and more importantly, it shows BON you have already been scrutinized whether you have or don't have a shady past - you already have a previous BON stamp of approval!

So clinicals at any hospital will have much less reservations with that background. A lot of hospitals give full time status to just 16 or 20 hrs per week, and may qualify you for educational reimbursement and full bennies too. A hospital CNA would be hard though, but all of their jobs require CNA to do anything. But you are going to have to talk to HR, since most won't advertise all the benefits so unqualified scammers don't bother them.

I've been through CNA school last September and am looking for about 3 weeks to study in between semesters. I want the stamp of approval above all else. BON's are tough but fair with their newfound power of God, but it is a HUGE hurdle and may open other opportunities. Just watch breaking your back and other negligent workers hiding when the lifting is needed (look in restrooms, which is hard for me to do as a guy!). :nurse: :nurse:

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

I did the CNA first (we were required to) but I really see no benefit in having done so. To do it in the few weeks between semesters seems of very little value to me.

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Specializes in Rehabilitation.

I highly recommend a CNA job. Some of the best nurses I know where CNAs before becoming RNs or LPNs. I know that my CNA job has help to reinerate many of the skills I'm learning in school as well as given me the opportunity to get receive support and see many other nurses skills.

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab.

I say 'go for it.' Getting the experience in basic entry-level nursing wouldn't hurt.

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Specializes in acute care/orthopedics.

I became a cna before I finished highschool. I didn't intend to go to college for nursing. Now that I am, I am so thankful that I became a CNA first. Aside from the clinical skills of a cna (because you will learn that in school) learning to work in a hospital was completely beneficial to me. You have to learn to communicate with other members of you team. And when you graduate and you are the nurse, knowing how to work WITH your CNA is a complete benefit. On the floor you(as a cna) always know which nurses were CNAs before and their reputation at work always seems to be better than those who haven't. It helps you to withstand the pressure of the job before someone's life is actually in your hands!! I'd say go for it and make it work for you

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