Should a PCA get CNA certified just for future RN resume?

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Specializes in Telemetry, Observation & Med/surg.

I've been a PCA for a few months while starting school for RN BSN. After this semester, next month, I can get a waiver to sit for the CNA cert test. At my hospital, all UAP are labeled as PCA, regardless of certs. 

My question: is it worth it to get CNA certified to just do the same exact job I already do? If I get a raise, it would probably be minimal (1$/hour, guessing). But would CNA certification look better on a resume than just a PCA? Or is it pointless to worry about when applying for RN position  1-1/2 years from now?

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Certification as a CNA usually gets higher point assigned for purpose of acceptance into a nursing program for those programs that have a point system for enrollment consideration.

I haven't heard of that cert independently helping the RN resume. Nursing assistant and tech work can both help with landing an RN job though. Direct patient care work. If you don't need the cert to do your work then it isn't as important.

It isn't going to hurt anything, it just probably won't be something that helps much in your case.

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