Suggestions on taking CNA courses.

[BreannaGray]

Hi everyone! I will be starting my nursing program in the fall of 2012, and I am currently thinking about taking courses to get my CNA and working at a hospital in the area the summer before my program starts. However, I have read from some that you are able to take the CNA exam after your first semester of nursing school. Is this true? And if so, would it be worth spending the money for classes just to have a job a few months earlier? Or should I wait and just take the exam after my first semester?

I would really appreciate the advice. Thanks!

[oklahoma~dreamin]

I'd look at it this way...do you already have a job right now that you will stay at until you begin school? If yes then I would not spend the money on a CNA class now.

But if you need a job sooner rather than later, it may be worth it.

[mermcm83]

I agree ^...if you already work, I would wait and save the cash, believe me, you will need it in the nursing program

[BreannaGray]

Thank you both for the advice. I dont have a job lined up for that time. But I will be moving to that area around May or June so I have the time to look for job opportunities in the area. Even if it isn't what I'm looking for at the moment, at least it will be a steady paycheck while I'm in school. Just wanted someone else's opinion. Thank you!

[workingcna]

dont go to school to get an as degree as a cna. If you want to work as a cna look in the ads in the paper for a short cna class. I took my cna in a month and got certified through pearson vue. Then go to school to become a nurse. They tend to place cnas higher on waiting lists when getting into a nursing program. plus the experience will help you understand what you are learning in nursing school better. You also will get to know nurses who have been through it and other cnas who are going to nursing school too.