What would you do? CNA-->RN

MB37 · Aug 7, 2008

I just finished NS, and I have still never worked in a hospital. I'm at the top of my class and have always gotten excellent reviews from my preceptors and clinical instructors. It's not necessary. However, I do have 10 years of bar/restaurant experience, so I am extremely comfortable interacting with all different kinds of people. In my area, after you complete Fundamentals (1st semester at most schools), you are eligible to work as a PCT without taking an expensive course. Keep that in mind before you spend the money. I think working in a hospital does help the people that do it, especially in Fundamentals, since they already know how to take vitals, make beds, give baths, check blood sugar, etc. By med surg I though, we were doing stuff that's out of the scope of practice for a CNA or PCT. If you don't have a lot of experience working with people or are unsure if you really want to go into health care, take the class. If you feel you'll be comfortable walking into a sick stranger's hospital room on your first day and interviewing them about their entire medical history (including questions about drug/alcohol use, religion, and sexual history), don't worry about it. You won't actually have to do that as a CNA, of course, but if you need the experience of interacting with people and seeing them naked, it might be helpful. It really depends on you and what you've already done in your life.

wannabeRN2010 · Aug 7, 2008

I decided a couple of years ago after 5 years in retail that I wanted to be a nurse. I quit my job as a store manager, moved back in with my parents, and took a $5 pay cut to become a CNA and further pursue my dream.

I have been a CNA for two years while I completed my pre-reqs and will be starting the nursing program August 26th... YAY!! Being a CNA has truly helped me to 1) realize that nursing is what I am meant to do and 2) to feel more prepared for what is in store.

Do I think it is necessary? No... plenty of people go straight into nursing without any medical experience and do great. If nursing is something you're unsure about then maybe becoming a CNA could help you decide, but if you know that you are called to be nurse then go with whatever you feel is right.

Good luck and I hope I helped!!!

myhalo · Aug 7, 2008

You should find out from your nursing school what is required. I have heard of nursing schools requiring CNA license before you can start.

At the school I go to one of our nursing prereq classes was the equivilent of a CNA course and we were able to apply for our license after completing the course.

Good luck whatever you decide!!

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Aug 7, 2008

If you know that you will be attending NS soon, it's possible that many of the hospitals will hire you after 1 semester of NS expierence.....however, I do believe that being a CNA first is invaluable to expose you to the medical field. I would not be as comfortable being a RN if I did not have my patient care exp. first.....

I've seen some of the newer nurses avoid doing patient care, and really get themselves into a hole with the CNAs....I don't walk out if a patient needs to get to the bathroom, or if they need help to be set up for meals, etc....and I don't shy from that because "I didn't get a degree to do tech work..." (actual statement by one of the new grads)...and I asked another one over the phone to bring me a commode, since I was gowned and masked in an ISO room.....waited 5 minutes, then I had to strip down and go get it myself, cause they weren't even moving....and as I came back around the corner with it..."Oh, I was going to get that..." yeah, sure you were....

Being a CNA gives you an edge, in my humble opinion......as long as you aren't cocky about it...

michigansstudent · Aug 7, 2008

The above posts seem right on, but a few more advantages to the cna gig are the willingness of your managers to work around your school schedule, the tuition reimbursement offered from almost all hospitals, and the ability to use the nurses knowledge that you work with. They have all been through school and have insight that , at least in my experience, they are more than willing to share. I would do it.

booklovinrn · Aug 7, 2008

Hey,

I just happened on this thread and then realized it was you. I'm the one who is planning to go to UAMS next summer too. It is really funny because I just (in June) took the CNA class at White County Hosp. in Searcy. I did it mainly for the experience. I'll tell you more about it if you want.

casi, ASN, RN · Aug 8, 2008

I took a CNA course because it was required for my nursing program. I'm so happy I did. I love being a CNA and would probably be content being a CNA for the rest of my life if my back could handle it.

I've finished one semester of nursing school and I have found that being a CNA is very helpful. I can ask nurses at work random questions and get honest answers especially from the ones that love to teach. I can't tell you how many times they've heard. "The nursing student in me is curious...."

I also found it was a huge help for me in clinicals. I've never been a super out going person. So as a CNA I've been able to get over the 'OMG! It's a patient and I have to help them with going to the bathroom which is super personal! I feel so weird getting in their bubble like this!'. It's great because I can walk into clinicals confident that I know how to interact with the patient when it comes to most basic cares which allows me a little bit less stress.