Should I become a CNA at 19 (pre-nursing student)?

allnurses Guide · Oct 20, 2011

If this question was just about whether being a CNA is helpful towards what kind of nurse you will be, I usually say no.

I asked the same question when I was a doing pre-reqs - should I take the CNA course in the summer before nursing school started?

My mentor, a wonderful MSN nurse who taught at a university nursing school in Chicago said no. It wasn't worth the extra expense because the first part of nursing school is partly to teach you CNA duties. Taking vital signs, giving bed baths, making beds, etc. Plus she told me to just enjoy that last summer off and be with my family because the next two years were going to be very busy.

One of the issues that seems to come up all the time is that if you don't become a CNA, you won't have any appreciation for what a CNA does and will treat your CNA badly. I disagree with that. I think if you are the kind of person who treats co-workers badly, being a CNA does not change that. Plus when you start your clinical time, most of the things you do are vital signs, bed baths, making beds, etc.

I didn't take the class. Neither did my friends. We all turned out to be great nurses who care very much about our patients and have a team work attitude where we help the CNA's and they help us. At my hospital I go with the CNA for first vital sign check and do my assessment then. If the CNA takes the patient to the shower, I make the bed. I don't ignore call lights when a patient is on a bedpan or in the bathroom - if I have the time. The focus is we are a team and good patient care is our goal.

Now, if you have to work to put yourself through school, then being a CNA is not a bad idea. I don't know where you work but CNA's are highly sought after where I live and our hospital has 3 CNA classes a year.

Have you done any checking about how many CNA jobs are out there? It is mostly LTC in our area although we do have CNA's on acute as well.

I'm proud of you for being so organized and focused on getting an education by the way!

tech1000 · Oct 21, 2011

It is $700, but if you CAN find a CNA job, it would be worth it. Working in healthcare as a tech makes you a more considerate nurse to the techs working under you. It makes you more comfortable with patients in clinical. The money would be better than $7.50 too... But that's a decision you'd have to make. After a semester in nursing school, you can usually apply for CNA type jobs, so if you can get by with $7.50 an hour now, maybe you can work as a CNA/tech later on.

SqualsKnight · Oct 22, 2011

I got my CNA certification at 18 and started working as a CNA in an ICU/ Step-down unit soon after. I am currently in my 3rd of 4 semesters for my nursing school. I graduate this may at the age of 21. The experience you gain as a CNA really helps with nursing.

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Oct 24, 2011

My nursing school requires you to have your CNA certification before you start classes. After the first semester you can apply for CNAII status. I'm planning on working as a CNA through school. Around here, I hear it's the best way to get a nursing job after you graduate.

sweetTnurse2b · Oct 25, 2011

I say if you can spend the money to take the course go for it!! It will defenitly introduce you to the medical field. You can learn your likes and dislikes, as well as deciding if you really think nursing is what you want to do. However, it may be best to only work part time so it is not so overwhelming with school as well. I would not worry about not being able to get hired any where. My last job hunt every place I put in an app as a cna called me back for an interview. Thats even with less than a year of experience! CNA positions are typically not hard to achieve. You can really learn from becoming a CNA, it will also look good on future resumes having experience in the health field. Not to mention you may get your foot in the door of a place that would like to hire you as a nurse. A lot of companies like to hire within. Good luck with what you decide. One last thing, I will warn you that CNA work is hard. So make sure you understand the type of work they do and wether or not you could do it before you pay the money to be trained.

chevyv, BSN, RN · Oct 25, 2011

Absolutely go fo the CNA! Many schools require their students be cna certified these days. Having pt contact and getting the whole routine down will help you so much in clinicals. Good luck!

Everlasting904 · Oct 25, 2011

If u believe in it go for it:yeah:..I was 18 when i became a cna just had graduated highschool..now im 19 2nd semester of Nursing school && really loving it..will be 20 when i graduated and gonna' work myself to the top! you can do it! && find out if your state lets you challenge the cna exam..Here in Florida i challenged it & only payed $100 for a week worth of clinicals..got hired a month later..anythings possible

deannadesign · Oct 27, 2011

Wow, thank you everyone for your replies!! They were all very helpful and I'll definitely consider everything that everyone said!!

THANKS!!!!!!!! :)

SkylerW · Oct 29, 2011

Hi I am 17, and I also dual enrolled while I was being home schooled. I am now finished with high school. I am now currently in a CNA program, even though I have no intention of working as a CNA my college adviser insures me that it will look very good on my application when I apply to the actual BSN program.

yousoldtheworld · Oct 29, 2011

Being a CNA is always a good idea if you are planning on nursing. While it's true that a nurses duties are very different from most aide duties, do not underestimate the benefit of being comfortable in the healthcare setting before you are a nurse. If you are used to working in the setting with patients/residents, you're going to be able to focus better on the more advanced nursing tasks like meds and treatments instead of feeling awkward or uncomfortable. I have never met a nurse who told me she regretted becoming an aide first.