Published
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.
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.
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).
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!
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!
gentlerain
89 Posts
Will this improve my chances of being admitted to a nursing school?
Or is it likely for me to find a part-time job if I have to spend $800 or so dollars on such training?
Any advice? Thanks!