Should I try to work as CNA before I get my RN?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hello-

I'm hoping to get accepted and start nursing school (BSN) Aug. 2011. In the meantime I'm holding a full time job in an unrelated field while I take a few pre-reqs. I am wondering if it might be a good idea to get my CNA certification and work as a CNA before I start school to become an RN. Some nurses tell me not to do it because the work is "awful", others seem to think its a good idea because it will give me that experience and may help with applying to schools.

Please send me your thoughts on this if you have a moment. I would greatly appreciate it.

Best regards,

Lili

I always think it's beneficial to start out low on the totem pole and work your way up. At my prior job I started out as a line associate and worked my up to supervisor. This made me do a better job as a supervisor because I knew how hard the associates worked and would help out as much as I could so our days would go easier. The other supervisors who where just hired on as such had no clue and viewed associate work as beneath them and would not help and felt that what the associates did wasn't that hard. This caused a lot of resentment between the two groups.

I think RN's who have been CNA's are willing to pitch in more because they know firsthand how hard the Aides work and this in return makes great teamwork. I have seen firsthand and I'm sure many of you know of RN's (and even LPN's) who feel a CNA's work is beneath them.

PS. I understand a persons work ethic is according to an individual and not what their title was/is now.

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I just finished my first week of nursing school. I already thought it was probably a good idea to be CNA certified before starting nursing school but now I know it. There are sooooo many people who have never had any kind of experience whatsoever with the medical field and they have no clue! None.

My school will be requiring it starting next year...

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Specializes in CNA, Nursing Student.

I actually just started the class to get CNA certified this week, and boy am I glad I did. From my understanding, most of the work you do as a CNA is work that the nursing students will be delegated to start while they're in school anyway. Even if you don't work as a CNA(which is understandable, if you have a better paying job) why not take the time out earlier to learn the basics, it will give you a leg up later on. At least that's how I'm looking at it. (Plus I am one of those people who has a job that pays less right now, so that did influence my decision).

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Specializes in Forensics, Trauma, Pediatrics,.

I 110% agree with ctmed. Being a CNA before going into nursing school does many, many good things for you. A few of those things being introducing you to the work, getting you a head start on patient care, and giving you perspective you will not get in any other way, anywhere else. I was a CNA for just short of three years before I started the RN program. It has helped me tremendously when it comes to blood pressure, bed making, and general patient care (MANY skills I did not list here are taught in the first year of nursing school.) They certify you to work as a CNA in many programs after your first semester of the RN program, so that shows you that it will help if you were to get it now and get some experience. Plus, it is extremely rewarding. I highly recommend it!:redpinkhe

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I'm a pre-nursing student right now and still need a years worth of pre-reqs before I can apply for my bachelors in RN. I'm planning on getting my CNA in a couple of months and hopefully I'll be able to work part time while going through school. I think it can only help with finding a job after school & help get into school.

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The university nearby does not require CNA experience. However, it requires 3.25 overall GPA and 2.8 GPA in science. Though, if you let them know that you have a year or two experience as a CNA, that would be a plus.. a more higher chances to be accepted. I think 2.8 GPA is pretty low.. I am a B+ student.. which is 90-92. I am going good so far.. 3.35 overall GPA at the moment. I expect 3.45 at the end of this semester. I am in a nursing assistant program right now (6 credits) and it is straightforward.... probably harder when doing it physical. I have to go clinical ... clean patients, etc.. :|

I know you have to clean perineal area and buttock and toes.. That's OK, I will get used to it. That's how they will feel comfortable by being clean which it's our job.

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I'm a pre-nursing student right now and still need a years worth of pre-reqs before I can apply for my bachelors in RN. I'm planning on getting my CNA in a couple of months and hopefully I'll be able to work part time while going through school. I think it can only help with finding a job after school & help get into school.

Same! I am in a program and they will help me find a job really quick. I will let them know that I want a part-time job..like working only on the weekends.

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i am going to recommend that yes, you acquire the cna training and work as one for 1yr min. this not only allows you to become confident in your skills, but also allows you to test the waters- so to speak, and learn as you go. i worked in ltc for 1yr post cna class, then moved on to an acute care hospital (25) bed capacity for 9yrs.

in between, i worked various private duty and agency jobs. currently i work for a level 1 trauma center in my area. my role here, is msfp- med surg/float pool. this means, that i function as an cna, with the ability to work all over the hospital, on different floors and around many new and exciting things.

i am currently working as we speak, doing a 1:1 with a patient that requires observation. so, not only am i working, i am also studying while working. since this is a teaching facility, they do not frown on students studying as long as your work gets done.

so, to end: yes, i would highly encourage you to obtian your cna and function in that capacity for atleast a yr.

good luck

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Specializes in Geriatrics/home health care.

I think it's a good idea because you can get to know nurses and observe what they do and decide whether nursing is right for you. It's good to find out early on if a job is right for you so you can save your time, money, and an open spot for someone who really does want to do it. Plus, from what nurses tell me and from what I read on hear it's good experience to put on a resume and you have an "in" for when you graduate. It's hard to find a job as a new nurse in some areas and it's good to have your foot in the door.

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why did you want to become an CNA? besides looking good on an nursing school application. any personal reasons? how has being an CNA changed you?

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Specializes in Geriatrics/home health care.
why did you want to become an CNA? besides looking good on an nursing school application. any personal reasons? how has being an CNA changed you?

I wanted to become a CNA for many reasons. I have always wanted to be in the healthcare field, and I wanted an entry level position where I could care for people and learn basic skills. It actually has no barring on the nursing schools I am applying to and they don't count your CNA (or even ask for it) when applying. I think it has made me more patient. Previous jobs were always about how fast you did your job over the quality of your work, as a CNA, I feel that more emphesis is put on quality and not always a time race. I have a little more understaing of the medical field than i did before as well.

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i think its a good idea to do a CNA program and work a little before! as mentioned before, its good to find out before wasting time and money if a career is right for you! plus it'll better prepare you for nursing school, helping you learn the basics :)

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