Should I work as a CNA before starting Nursing School?

HConway214 · Apr 1, 2016

There are lots of options for CNAs, in home health care, staffing agencies, etc. it helps with your comfort level interacting with patients, and when I worked for a staffing agency I was placed in a children's hospital. There are lots of options, but the experience is invaluable, helps you get hired as an RN, and is a great learning opportunity. Go for it!

umbdude, MSN, APRN · Apr 1, 2016

CNA experience matters especially if you're in a highly competitive area.

Not all CNA experiences are the same. If your goal is to work in a hospital, try your best to get into the hospital you want to work. This way you build connections. A lot of my classmates already work as CNAs in hospitals, and many of these hospitals will choose from this pool for new grad programs; they don't look externally for new grads these days.

You don't necessarily have to find something in the next 2 months, but just keep in mind to look for a summer or PRN job while in school.

DeborahAnneBoory · Apr 1, 2016

Hi there. I was a CNA for 25+ years when I started nursing school. I realize that is in the extreme, but believe me, it helps. You learn how to manage your time and how to interact with patients and their families. In school you have one patient at time with plenty of time to do what you need to. It is not realistic to be honest. Having the experience under your belt may or may not get you a job faster. I cannot speak to that. All I can say is you will not regret working as a CNA while learning to be a nurse. You will be "practicing what you preach" so to speak. Best of luck with your future career.

Banaltracht · Apr 1, 2016

Yes, work as a CNA. When I went to school (30 years ago), those of us that had worked as CNA's had a much easier time in school. You just 'pick up' a lot more practical information working as a CNA, than you realize. And when your nursing co-workers know you are heading for or in nursing school, they tend to interact differently with you and explain the rationale behind tasks that you may do. Plus, you'll make contacts and earn some money. Good luck.

BertG77 · Apr 1, 2016

There are many medical staffing agencies throughout the country that will help you get per-diem shifts at local hospitals. I found one here in the bay area that took new CNA's with little experience and got me into one hospital here. The fact that I was in a BSN program was what gave them the confidence to staff me with less than a year of actual CNA experience. I would say, look for agencies like these and market yourself, tell them about your clinical skills learned in school. Now, one year later they've gotten me into several other big hospitals here and my network has grown exponentially. In regards to your question about whether there's value in being a CNA during nursing school I would ask, "what do you expect to get out of being a CNA?" Some responses to your question said things like, you don't NEED to, but went on to say how much it helps. I agree, wholeheartedly. You don't need to, but once you've had CNA experience and you go into your clinicals next to your classmates who have little to no patient care experience and they are stiff, uncomfortable, stumbling over their actions and words, you'll be grateful for your patient care experience. So will your patients. They'll respond more favorably to you than to someone who lacks confidence.

RunBabyRN · Apr 1, 2016

One major benefit, if you haven't worked in a similar capacity before, is getting used to touching people intimately in that "patient care way." It can take awhile to get past that in nursing school, and it's hard to learn how to really care for a patient when you are still getting over the hump of having to really make sure you clean between the folds of the skin, if that makes sense.

rfrishe · Apr 1, 2016

I'm in the same boat- I start nursing school in June. I've been working as a CNA for about six months and I think it's helped me develop a sense of caring for patients and it's also given me practice with passing medications (I'm certified through my facility to pass meds here). I don't have to do med calculations but it has given me experience in documenting and using a MAR. I wanted to work from the ground up and keep myself humble as a nurse by having done the jobs 'under' me. I'm also trying to get a foot in the door for geriatric care as my first job- I've already had a hospice nurse give me her info and tell me to call her when I get licensed because they hire new grads. There's a hospital in my area that hires new grads, but it can sometimes be difficult to compete for those jobs so at least I have somewhere to start when I'm done. It has been helpful to me, especially where saving up for books is concerned, but it is definitely not required.

Pricker · Apr 2, 2016

I wouldn't because for LPN school there are a lot of dates you have to attend beforehand and so forth. It's hard to get off because everyone that is a CNA knows they're always short handed for aides and it's hard work. You won't have time nor energy to spend with your family.

andielbc · Apr 2, 2016

When I first expressed interest in nursing school, the nurses I know highly suggested I get a job as a CNA so I can get an idea of what kind of work I do. I work at an SNF and have not only become comfortable with dealing with patients, but I've picked up so much that I know will help me with school. (I had my orientation today and we were told that the first few days of clinical would be about learning the basics, i.e. hand washing, turning patients, transferring, etc. Those are all things that I not only know how to do, but I'm comfortable with.)

I wouldn't because for LPN school there are a lot of dates you have to attend beforehand and so forth. It's hard to get off because everyone that is a CNA knows they're always short handed for aides and it's hard work. You won't have time nor energy to spend with your family.

Yes, some facilities can be short handed, it happens to the best of them, and work can be very exhausting. But if you manage your time you can spend some with family. Especially if you work PRN. If you don't need to work for financial reasons I highly suggest going part-time or PRN. You'd get the experience while still keeping your energy and having extra time.

chricrai · Apr 2, 2016

Hey

I think that you have a benefit simply by taking the CNA training course.

I found it very helpful to already know how to aid in ADL's, make a hospital bed, hand off concerning information, clean a colostomy, and take vitals (manual ofcourse) before ever hitting nursing school clinicals.

That being said I didn't start working as a CNA until after nursing school started and it has still been a great source of exposure (I am float)

I say go for both if you can!!!!!

Sixtyseven · Apr 2, 2016

Of course do it! It is great experience that will give you confidence and insight into the nursing profession. You will understand and appreciate the responsibilities of everyone on the nursing team and it will make you a better manager. If time is limited, do it part time. Have a great summer!

MaroseRecto-Dris · Apr 2, 2016

Having a CNA experience is a PLUS. I just graduated and passed my LPN boards and when i applied for a job as LPN, i was interviewed by a DON who worked her way up, from being a CNA to LPN to RN and now DON... We talked about our experiences as a CNA, before my interview was over, she hired me on the spot.