thoughts on becoming a CNA first

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Hi there!

I failed my NCLEX RN twice..and that failure is delaying my future. I really need to earn money soon because I have a daughter to support. I plan to take night classes so my parents can watch my 18 month daughter at night..

I thought that I would get into the 5 week class for CNA before getting into the RN I think If I started out working as a CNA i have a background in the hospital setting. And I think its faster for me to get money and start working already..

what are your thoughts on this? I need advice on this.

thanks!

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Statistically, the longer you wait to take the NCLEX, the less likely you are to pass it. Don't stop studying the material, not even for a day. You NEED to keep it fresh in your mind.

Perhaps you can redouble your efforts to studying NCLEX material while still working at becoming a CNA as a back-up plan? You are most likely eligible to at least challenge the CNA exam in your state without taking a CNA course first (usually just a nursing fundamentals course is all that is required, which can be verified by submitting a copy of your school transcript). You already know all of the skills that a CNA does since you have already graduated from a nursing program (so you should have to do little or no studying). Becoming a CNA is just a temporary Band-Aid for the problem. Being a CNA will not help you pass the NCLEX. RN and CNA are 2 totally different things.

Better yet, why not try for a temporary job outside of healthcare? You'll probably end up making the same amount, if not more money (not to mention less physical work) than you would get working as a CNA.

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Statistically, the longer you wait to take the NCLEX, the less likely you are to pass it. Don't stop studying the material, not even for a day. You NEED to keep it fresh in your mind.

Perhaps you can redouble your efforts to studying NCLEX material while still working at becoming a CNA as a back-up plan? You are most likely eligible to at least challenge the CNA exam in your state without taking a CNA course first (usually just a nursing fundamentals course is all that is required, which can be verified by submitting a copy of your school transcript). You already know all of the skills that a CNA does since you have already graduated from a nursing program (so you should have to do little or no studying). Becoming a CNA is just a temporary Band-Aid for the problem. Being a CNA will not help you pass the NCLEX. RN and CNA are 2 totally different things.

Better yet, why not try for a temporary job outside of healthcare? You'll probably end up making the same amount, if not more money (not to mention less physical work) than you would get working as a CNA.

hi there!!

how do i go about challenging the CNA program?? do you know how? i really don't know what to do. i've heard about that challenging it but don't know more info about it. your reply will be much appreciated.

thanks a lot!!!

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It depends on what state you are in. First, you need to find your state's CNA registry (try Googling "(your state)" + "CNA registry"). They will have instructions and the proper forms. Usually there's some paperwork you will need to include, such as your transcript in your case. You send it in to the provided address and, after being approved, they will give you the details of when/where you need to go (or however your particular state handles it) to take the written and skills exam.

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