So you think you want to be a NURSE

AspiringNurseMW · Apr 25, 2015

Eh. You will find that many will disagree with you. Being a CNA is a LTC is not going to give you an accurate idea of what a nurse in an acute setting does. Different responsibilities, different environment, different people, different patients. However I think there is a lot to learn from being a CNA, time management, dealing with different types of personalities, etc.

You will also find many people who HATED being a CNA and loved being a nurse. One is not a reflection of the other. However, I have been neither, I start nursing school this summer, but I have been stalking AN for years and that has been determination from the probably thousands of posts I have read by now.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Apr 25, 2015

I don't necessarily disagree but I never became a CNA before becoming a nurse. I worked in a deli at the time because it was easier and paid better to get me through nursing school. I love nursing and am an excellent nurse if I say so myself

nlitened · Apr 25, 2015

I worked as a PCT at two different hospitals before I started nursing school, and I'm grateful to have that insight going into nursing school. Working along side nurses and seeing everything they do and all they are responsible for and the knowledge they have, made me want to become a nurse that much more. I worked with some awesome nurses who allowed me to see the good, the bad, and the ugly. And maybe I am just that kind of person...but I saw way more good than bad or ugly. Yes, I saw them at their most stressed, and I even saw some cry. But I also saw a lot of compassion, outstanding advocacy, and tremendous knowledge.

I can see why some who work as CNA/PCT get discouraged and start to dislike nursing. It is tough! But I used it as a learning experience and really enjoyed it. That is how I know I made the right choice in going to nursing school. So I agree that becoming an aide before nursing school is a good idea. Is it a must...no, but a good idea if one really wants exposure to patient care and an idea of what nursing is like.

dedicated_2b_RN · Apr 25, 2015

I am not discouraged just more informed to the realities of a career in nursing .

what I'm saying is that being a CNA for me is very enlightening to the responsibility , dedication and

compassion that is needed to be an NURSE the nurses I work with are awesome at what they do

I don't think I would have the opportunity to see nursing in a real life situation as I do as a CNA .

I feel privileged to see nursing first hand at such a low cost to me ( three weeks training about $1000)

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 25, 2015

I am not one of those who thinks that being a CNA is necessarily the best start to a nursing career. That type of work is nothing like the type fo nursing I have done (over the past 30+ years). Being a CNA would have turned me off completely to nursing and I would have missed out on a long, successful nursing career.

I agree with you, though, that it can be beneficial for some people -- particularly those who aren't fully aware of what might be involved in nursing ... or those who might turn and run when the going gets tough. My father was a small town country doctor and I had grown up seeing the type of commitment required. I was also a "candy-striper" in high school and was able to participate in actual patient care while helping the nurses in my local hospital. I am also the type of person who "doesn't run" from things that are challenging. Finally, I went into nursing knowing that I did not want to be a general med/surg nurse.

Each person must find his/her own way. Being a CNA can be a good thing ... but if it is not the kind of nurse you want to be, it can be better to start your career on a more positive note. Some people are better off using their time and energy preparing for the type of nursing that THEY want to be.

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Apr 25, 2015

Do you have evidence that this is the "best advice" you can give someone? Majority of nurses I work with were never CNAs. Do you have a peer reviewed journal article supporting your claim? There is absolutely no evidence that being a CNA will make any difference in whether someone should or should not be a nurse.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Apr 25, 2015

I wouldn't make someone become a CNA or PCT to see if they want to be a nurse. I think if I did that I wouldn't have become a nurse.

Mavrick, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2015

Of course the CNA experience doesn't reflect all the possible choices of nursing careers but it is a good start for MOST of nursing in that it gives undecided (or clueless) people a small peek through the window. And many people who took that advice decided NOT to become a nurse and saved themselves hours of turmoil and thousands of dollars.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Apr 26, 2015

I do not believe you need to be a CNA. I am not one. But after getting ready to finish up my third clinical rotation, I know I love nursing and all aspects. Honestly, if I had wanted to be a CNA, that is the job I would have. I wanted more critical thinking and to help manage the patient's care. I like doing the teaching and assessments. I absolutely do mind toileting someone or getting them their food and doing the basics but I want to be more involved.

I'm happy with the path I chose. Not everyone is the same and some people want to be a CNA first. I am one of the ones that didn't and like I said I'm perfectly fine with the route I chose.

BecomingNursey · Apr 26, 2015

I tend to agree with OP. Now do I think being a tech first is for everyone? Nope. But if you have doubts because you're not sure what nursing entails getting a job as a tech and taking the time to speak with other nurses and helping them can enlighten you as to if you would want to pursue nursing or not.

I, personally was a PCA then started doing unit secretary work because I was pregnant. Then I became a nurse tech (student nurse position) and then finally graduated and I am an ER nurse and don't feel like I would have been as prepared for nursing if I didn't have that experience as a tech. That's just my experience and my opinion. As others have stated, to each their own way.

I'm not telling you it's going to be easy, I'm telling you it's going to be worth it.

Author: Art Williams

Conqueror+, BSN, RN · Apr 26, 2015

I think people who believe nursing is about cute scrubs and even cuter doctors could benefit from time as a CNA.