Should I tell the truth before I begin my program?

[tambat]

So I'm in a bit of a pickle, and am very nervous to begin my nursing program. I begin nursing school in approximately two weeks and it is freaking me out. The reason being is that in my program, we must have our CNA license prior to applying to the program and be competent in those skills as well as anatomy, physio, and micro.

I did well in all my pre-reqs, however My issue is, I did my CNA licensing when I was 16 and did not take it seriously what so ever. I passed my state boards honestly by a fluke. (I got really easy skills: ROM lower body, feeding pt with NAS diet, and measuring HR.), However if you asked me, "Please make an occupied bed, or closed bed, do peri care, or put a gait belt on this patient. I would probably be a lost puppy. The school that I went to, honestly did not care if we did things right or wrong, and when we did check offs, our instructor wouldn't really check to see if we did things 100% correct, we would just go up to her and have her sign a paper.

I worked as a CNA for a bit and found out just how badly I was struggling. Doing things textbook perfect vs in the nursing home setting is different and I really could not do much without another CNA's help. I am competent in some skills like vitals and dressing a pt with an effected limb etc, but I struggle with basic skills ESPECIALLY bed making. I am worried because I did not take the CNA course at the college, I do not know what to expect, and I do not know what they expect us to know?

So finally, should I email my professor letting her know this situation prior to beginning the program? What would be the repercussions? Also, HOW should I phrase this email?

I don't want to get kicked out of my program before it even begins, so please help

EDIT: My nursing program expects us to be competent in CNA skills prior to beginning the program. I looked at my clinical guidelines and just started freaking out a bit :/ I have not gone to orientation yet, so maybe I am wrong, but just seeing that check off list really scared me

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

My school required, before even applying, that you had "successfully completed a CNA course". I didn't sit for the exam, but I did complete the class. Nursing school doesn't teach patient transferring, proper peri care or bed bathing---too busy focused on nursing skills...

You are not being clear. What type of nursing program are you starting? LVN or RN?

also I never heard of as school that expects you to have CNA schools, Normally if you're doing LVN or RN you just do without needing CNA

[mzrainydayz, BSN, RN]

First of all don't be so negative on yourself, that was then and this is now. Practice cna skills before entering the program. Don't set yourself up for failure because once you're in the nursing program you will have harder skills to be checked off on. Some skills I had to practice several times before I had it down pack. Always think positive and believe in yourself.