Should I get CNA prior to nursing school?

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Should i get my CNA prior to nursing school? Or try for a clerical job at a local hospital?

I'm working full-time now. I'm starting my pre-reqs online at the end of next month. I've decided to quit my current collections job when school starts for various reasons. It's not going to work with my schooling, and I want experience in the medical field.

I've applied to lots of jobs at local hospitals. I want to get in the door and get experience and time in so that I can qualify for tuition reimbursement once I start my BSN program in January. I'm hoping to land a part-time position or a full/time position that is only 3-4 days a week.

I have two clerical interviews scheduled for the next two weeks at a local hospital. I have no previous medical experience and no CNA license. One hospital requires CNA before hire as a tech. I can pay $600 and take the class through our local Ivy Tech. The other will train you and provide CNA training, but it's a longer drive. And no one has called to schedule an interview yet.

I'm just hoping for a job to get me through, but I'm not sure which route I should really focus on!

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

If you're just looking for a job, just go with a clerical position. I was not a CNA before nursing school and I don't believe I have been at a disadvantage because of it.

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I personally think that any potential nurse, doctor, or health professional should be mandated to become a CNA. I say this, because you will respect the CNA's and realize once you are a nurse how difficult their job is. I also believe that working "from the bottom" up will encourage nurses and doctors to not only understand the process more, but respect it.

On that note, CNA's work hard and are paid minimum wage in most places. It's back breaking work and very physical. If you are just doing the job for money then I agree with the clerical job. Just keep in mind that everyone plays a vital role in the medical field from the janitor to the hospitalist. :)

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