Should I be a CNA to pursue an RN degree?

Published

hi all,

i have a previous bachelor's degree, and currently work in the field. however, i want a career switch, and nursing seems to be a more stable field in terms of future prospects than my current profile. however, i am currently taking my science pre-reqs (have just started), and reading all the posts in this forum, it seems like it would be better if i work in the field and have prior experience in order to attain a job after being an rn.

as a result, i am thinking of going ahead and getting my cna certification. by this process, i will get some experience of patient care, network with rns, and also can earn some money on the side. however, do you think the route of being a cna to be an rn a good one? or should i consider being a surgical tech, or a ward clerk?

i am very new to the field, and don't have much experience or knowledge..so any suggestion/feedback/experiences will be very much appreciated!

thanks in advance!

bidisha

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Since you're wanting to go into the nursing field, why not pick a job that's already in it?

Go with CNA.

It will give you better experience than any of the other positions you mentioned.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@coffeemateCNA: Really appreciate your suggestion. I had been thinking about it lately, and it certainly is a more relevant field in terms of having nursing experience.

Where are you located? I am in the Bay area, and I spoke to a school that offers the program, but they said that right now due to the economy it's kind of hard to get a job as a CNA.

I do have a part-time job currently, and would like to work as a CNA part-time as well...but just wondering if spending more than $1000 would be worth or not if I don't get a job eventually.

Will really appreciate you can let me know what kind of duties you performa as a CNA, and what are the rates (per hour) offered for an unexperienced CNA?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The school was right, it is extremely difficult to come by nursing jobs in CA (or so I've heard). Some areas in the country seems to have jobs growing on trees, others have none.

You might go ahead and get your CNA certificate -- it may even be required for entrance into the nursing program. If not, it will at least give you a head start on your classmates.

After you get it, you can look for a CNA job. If none comes up, you could try to find work as a ward clerk while continuing to search for a CNA job.

Surgical tech positions would be even more expensive to get than CNA. And I don't think job prospects in that area are hot either.

I still think CNA is the best if you can go for it.

Here is a link to a thread regarding CNA salaries:

CNA hourly pay rate? - Nursing for Nurses

As you can see, it varies greatly across the board.

The duties we perform are to "assist residents with their activities of daily living." While the tasks vary from hospitals and long-term care (LTC -- i.e. nursing homes), the basics include dressing people, getting them into wheelchairs/bed, taking them to the bathroom, changing them if incontinent, assisting with meals, etc.

If you want to get a feel for what it's like to be a CNA day-to-day, spend time browsing some of these forums.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Most schools require that you have your C.N.A before entering the core classes

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in none as of to date.

I have to agree. Get your CNA cert. Its the best way to see if being a nurse is really what you want to be. There was a girl in the nursing class last yr that dropped out in her 3rd week of the program. she was extremly brilliant, but she said to the instructors " I didn't know that I would have to touch people! This is not for me!" had she been a CNA before all her hard work doing her pre requ.'s, she would have come to understand all the physical interaction involved. Now this yr, you cant get in without a CNA cert..it just makes sense. If you do not want to spend $$ on a course, many LTC facilities will pay for your cert if you work for them..and many will train you in house, but you have to work for them for a certain amount of time. Plus, when you apply for the nursing program, you have the experience of working somewhere..you arent just someone with a CNA cert w/ no experiience..it can truely give you the edge in a very competitive prgram. Our school had over 400 aplicants for the RN program, and took only 45. In addition to my good grades, CNA cert, my volunteering postion at the hospital really helped me get in for this coming fall! We'd love to see all your hard work help pay off as you aspire to achieve your dream of becoming a RN :yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you all for all the information...really appreciate it!!

@coffemateCNA: thanks for all the info!! Yes, CA is certainly one of the worst places right now to find jobs, so hoping for the best. Do you know where the CNAs are getting hired? Where are you located at?

@Shirt: Thanks for your input...never knew that most core classes would need a CNA certification!!

@dream & achieve: Thanks a ton...your words are really encouraging:)) I just hope I can be a good RN someday like you. If you don't mind, which university are you starting in fall?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in none as of to date.

Hi Bidisha, glad we could help.. I loved being a CNA, and I know that nurses really depend on us for alot, as do clients/pt's. As for my ADN, I am attending Cape Cod Community College...can't wait..and I hope to share all my trials a nd tribulations to help others here. I love this forum..can't get enough!:redpinkhe

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@dream&achieve: Congratulations for getting into a Nursing program:) Yes, allnurses rocks, and couldn't have sorted things out without the help!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics.

Definitely get your CNA. It will benefit you in the long run when you begin school for your RN. I'm so glad that I became a CNA before starting nursing school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion