To be a CNA or not to be a CNA (in nursing school)

caliotter3 · Jan 16, 2015

I would stay at the CNA job to keep my foot in the door for an RN job upon graduation.

graceful151 · Jan 16, 2015

What if I do not want to work in this area after graduation? I am hoping to apply to a residency program and move.

caliotter3 · Jan 16, 2015

Well, if you don't value the hospital job for your resume or prolonging your contact with your references there, then there is less reason to remain working at the hospital.

mrsboots87 · Jan 16, 2015

If say to keep the job, or at least PRN as you suggest. You may not want to work in this area when you graduate, but what if something happens between now and when you graduate? Life happens and plan sometimes have to change. Keep this door open until you graduate and have a job in your desired location. Plus nursing jobs are not as available these days as they were in years past. That's not to say things won't change, but they may not and having a good long employment record as a CNA will look good on your resume and help you getbetter references for future jobs. I work in LTC but all the hospital CNAs I know say that working a hospital job actually helps them in school because they see what is being taught used everyday and it helps connect the dots and solidify their learning.

NurseLatteDNP, MSN, DNP, RN · Jan 16, 2015

Working as a CNA has given me a huge advantage. Not only during school, but also during job hunt after graduation. I worked PRN on nights and weekends with no set schedule. When I was in the 4th semester, I already knew what areas I definitely don't want to work in because I was floated to those areas as a CNA and interacted with nurses who worked there. And for the same reason, I knew what areas I was interested in based on real life experiences. Another benefit was the ease of the transition from a CNA to a GN. The floors already knew my work ethic and I had my internship lined up before I graduated. Most hospitals in my area hire internal applicants first.

PVCCHoo · Jan 17, 2015

I'm not in NC, but close by in VA. I currently make considerably more than a CNA running my own business and working less than 40 hours a week, but I will be looking for a CNA job at our local university hospital after spring semester.

This hospital has been saying "BSN strongly preferred" for new grads for the last few years, but in their job posting for 2015 grads that was changed to "required", but with a note that internal candidates with an ADN would be considered. Like the OP, I already have a BS, but am currently enrolled in an ADN program, so that CNA job would be necessary to even get an RN job at this hospital.

Ndoht, BSN, RN · Jan 18, 2015

Wow, we are in the exact same situation! I also work part time at a local hospital while having another part time CNA job at a different place. I already have a bachelor's degree too and am going to start nursing school this fall. My plan is to keep working at these two jobs until school starts, then I will have to give up one job and work per diem at the hospital so I can focus on school while still having one foot in the door for a future hospital nursing job.

Bbett, MSN, NP · Jan 18, 2015

Absolutly keep the job. Does your hospital do a nurse technician position or some call it RN Extern? You can get a lot of practice starting IVS, foley, NG, You name it. Plus it's good money for during the program. I do two 12s through my RN program and it works out perfectly for me.

graceful151 · Jan 18, 2015

Bayliedynell you do 12s per week? Are they night shifts?

graceful151 · Jan 18, 2015

Thank you for the advice! I will keep it and go PRN when I start school. One foot in the door sounds like a plan.

Red Kryptonite · Jan 18, 2015

Being a CNA earned me the right to tuition assistance from my employer, also not something to be dismissed. The first step of my nursing education, LPN, will end up costing me nothing and I'll get help paying for the rest of my prereqs and then RN bridge.