What should I do?

[kelly75]

I am a new accelereated BSN program starting from May, 2008. I heard that the CNA will expired if you do not work during two years. I wonder if I need to find a CNA job while I am studying in the BSN program, or just let it be expired. Is there anyone have the same experience like me? THANKS.

[TigerGalLE, BSN, RN]

You could always work PRN somewhere. Not only will you make some extra money, but you'll also get great experience. If I was you I would try to get a job in a hospital setting. You'll get to see some cool stuff and learn at the same time. I worked as a patient care tech when I was in school. I'd only work like once every 2 weeks and then more when I was on a break from school. I wouldn't replace that experience for anything.

Tiger

[Wendy_RN]

My CNA I certification expired while I was in college. I did not work either. I am not sure how it works in your state, but in NC I was not only able to renew my CNA I certification, but I was eligible for CNA II certification due to clinical rotations. I went with the CNA II certification, of course. You should be able to renew your certification if you are in clinical now.

[heavenly14313]

In most, if not all, states you can work as a nursing assistant after passing your first clinical (foundations/fundamentals) with no certification needed. Hospitals actually come to our school towards the end of our first semester and try to recruit us as nursing assistants!

[towntalker]

school is rough, accerlerated programs are rougher, if you can manage w/o working probably for the best

but working and going to school is doable evident by many many people

[medsurgrnco, BSN, RN]

I worked an average of 16 hrs a week while in an accelerated BSN program, and still had a high GPA. I found work a nice break from studying and liked having some income to reduce the student loan debt. I suggest you get a PRN CNA job where you can work as little as a shift a week, and think the hospital experience would be helpful while you are learning. The additional CNA experience also might be helpful when you're trying to land a new grad job.