Should I work as a CNA while working towards my RN?

Nurses Career Support

Published

Hi all. I'm new to this site and was hoping to get advice from those in the trenches. I'm 39, mother of 2 small kids and recently went back to school to get an Associate RN degree from my community college. I've been taking all of the PreReqs and basic courses and now have mostly nursing courses left to tackle. My question is, given the time table of the program I have almost 3 years until I graduate and I need to get a job now as $$$ is tight. I would like to work at something that will benefit my future as a nurse and was wondering if completeing the CNA training program and working as a CNA would be a good road to take or would it have little benefit. If anyone could suggest any ideas or comment on employment/training/etc to fill the time between now and graduation it would help a lot. I feel a little lost. :) Thanks, Nicole

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

If you have to work because of finances, then definitely I would recommend getting a job as a CNA. You might even find that they will help pay for school. Most employers are willing to work around your school schedule. Besides that you'll get some valuable experience in patient care, becoming comfortable with patient care and communication. This will get you a heads up that first sememster of school.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks Tweety. It looks like you really know your stuff. 16 years! Do you still love it? Thanks for taking time to reply to my thread. You made my morning! Nicole

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

You're welcome Nicole. Best of luck to you. And yes, I still love what I do. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Check out the position of unit secretary as well. Some community colleges have short training programs similar to those for CNAs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, substance abuse, MR-DD.

I would highly recommend it. I worked as a NA for the second half of nursing school and it was SO helpful for my learning.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCRN, TNCC SRNA.
I would highly recommend it. I worked as a NA for the second half of nursing school and it was SO helpful for my learning.

I worked for me when I was going for my ADN

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would agree that working as a CNA would help you in many ways.

And there are programs out there, especially through government facilities, such as a VA hospital or Psychiatric hospital, that pay you a salary, with benefits, and pay for your college tuition and expenses, while you got to school,. All you do is promise to work for them after you get out.

It's a good deal.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I would agree that working as a CNA would help you in many ways.

And there are programs out there, especially through government facilities, such as a VA hospital or Psychiatric hospital, that pay you a salary, with benefits, and pay for your college tuition and expenses, while you got to school,. All you do is promise to work for them after you get out.

It's a good deal.

If I sign a contract to work for a hospital (company), will I have to worry about being railroaded into a lower pay rate?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I highly recommend working as a CNA during school. I recently graduated and passed my Boards. I worked as an NA for the last 2 years of school. Not only did I benefit from the experiences of the job, but I am now working on the same unit. I have the support of the staff and have wonderful hours.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology, Hospice, Research.

Jewelgirls,

ABSOLUTELY! One of the students in my nursing school class had worked a couple of years as a CNA and I was envious of her skills and confidence. It can be hard work and the pay won't be great but it is a great training ground. Plus, when you are working as an RN and supervising CNAs....you will understand their role in the healthcare system....not mention be a great role model. :) Good luck and welcome to nursing! :nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiovascular/Telemetry/Stroke.

If it is at all possible for you I would. I worked full time as a NA while I was in nursing school. There was so much invaluable training that I gained. I found a confidence that helped me get through my clinicals. The nurses that I worked with were awesome too. They went out of their way to give me opportunities to see procedures as well as educate me on why things work. They never forced their opinions on me or said that when I was a nurse, I had to do things THEIR way! I was one of the lucky ones in my class who got to work as an NA. I could see a definitive difference in my confidence level compared to those.

So, if there is even the slightest chance that you can work, take it. I had no choice. I was a single mom, toiling through nursing school full time while working full time to make sure my child had everything he needed.

GO FOR IT!;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment