Should a pre-nursing student get a CNA certificate/how hard is it to find a CNA job?

Kdrenee · Jan 18, 2013

My CNA class was $600, and I found a job before I was finished. BUT, it depends on your area how hard or easy it is to find a job. I do recommend becoming a CNA though, it is valuable experience. As far as helping with admittance to nursing school, it depends on the program.

gentlerain · Jan 18, 2013

Thanks for your response!

I have asked several nursing schools and they say it's not required. My other choice is to volunteer. The only thing about CNA is that I'm afraid of paying to get the training but then find out that I'm unable to use the training I have acquired because I can't find a place willing to hire me.

zoe92 · Jan 18, 2013

I say go for it. You can find a job, add something to your resume and get some experience under your belt.

Student Nurse_7 · Jan 19, 2013

Yea go for it

Dizzymoose · Jan 20, 2013

Thanks for your response!
I have asked several nursing schools and they say it's not required. My other choice is to volunteer. The only thing about CNA is that I'm afraid of paying to get the training but then find out that I'm unable to use the training I have acquired because I can't find a place willing to hire me.

I'm not sure where you live, but you might be able to find courses that aren't as expensive. I did a class through the Red Cross, which was about 2 months (I think), but there are weekend courses available. I think you would have luck finding a job in a nursing home or in home health and with some experience you could apply to work as one in the hospital. You could even apply straight to a hospital and see what availability they offered. It is hard work, so be prepared. This is not to deter you, but for you to be prepared.

You'll pick up a lot of information and if you're lucky to work with nurses that enjoy teaching, you can even gain some insight towards your future career.

owluhsin · Jan 20, 2013

I think CNA experience would be very valuable - it let's you see what nurses do on a day-to-day basis while learning basic nursing skills. Also, look into your state - my state (PA) requires long-term care facilities to reimburse CNAs the cost of their training if they are hired within 12 months of getting certified (so you get certified for free).

1983rn4me · Jan 20, 2013

I think that the experience would be invaluable, but from all the nursing schools I have spoken with, it does not increase your chances of getting in. They say that being a CNA first will make nursing school easier though.

Ednach · Jan 20, 2013

I say go for it. Over here in San Diego it is a pre req and I imagine they did that for a reason. I know someone who used it to volunteer at a hospital which will give him points.

friendlyjane · Jan 20, 2013

I am going to get my CNA so it will hopefully be easier getting a RN job. If I work for a hospital as a CNA I figure I would have more of an advantage then others who are going to be applying to that hospital without a job history with them. All this will be part time or PRN while in nursing school of course. That is my plan anyway. Go for it!

umbdude, MSN, APRN · Jan 20, 2013

I think if you have the time, definitely go for it. At least it cannot hurt.

onyx77 · Jan 20, 2013

Having a CNA certification was required in my state for nursing. There were several people that just got their certification and never worked as a CNA that failed our first clinical because they were still working on developing their basic care skills while the rest of us were working on our Nursing Skills.

So, YES, Take the CNA class! It will only benefit you!