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

[jewelgirls]

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

[keepingmycool30]

I work as a NA in a hospital. The reason I took the job was to see if I had the makings of a nurse. I believe that nursing is a career in which you like it or you hate it but at least get your feet wet. Not to mention alot of hospitals well pay for your education. I would give it a try what do you have to loose?

[emmybsu]

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

I never experienced that at all. When you sign the contract and start working at the hospital, or where ever it is, I started at the same scale as all the other student nurses. The benefit of working for the hospital as a student nurse with the experience will also look good to the manager showing commitment to the field. As the other posts stated, gaining confidence and learning from other nurses in the field will be an invaluable experience during clinicals and helping other nursing students. I think it would be very helpful to you. I would go for it!!!!!!!

Good luck!!!!

EMMY