Where do you start?

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Nov 4, 2013

I didn't get my CNA first. I'd say go visit the school you wish to go to because you may have a couple years of pre reqs to get done before applying to the RN program. And those you can work around your schedule so you won't have to leave work.

Melissa92H · Nov 4, 2013

My first class was my CNA class. I took it in the summer so the course was shorter. I was working full-time. I would say the CNA class was one of my easiest class looking back, but at the time it was stressful. I also worked around my work schedule so I could take the class. If there is a way for you to work and take the CNA class at the same time I would go for it. It will help you understand what you are getting yourself into, and if you like it you can get a job as a CNA.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Snowbebe26 · Nov 4, 2013

Thanks for the advice! I have looked at schools and there are no CNA classes that don't interfere with work but there are also less night and online classes available at community colleges now for my prereqs. I hate my job and would rather try to start from the bottom as a CNA because I figure they are more accommodating to those looking to learn more than a regular job would be. So i guess start from there?!

Graduation2016 · Nov 4, 2013

Did you look everywhere possible? There are usually night time programs for people who work during the day. Also you could look up into getting the book CNA's use for class and maybe challenging the state exam. (Make sure your state is one that allows this). I have a few friends that have done this successfully. Many schools provide a day of an intensive review for the skills part and that seems to help tons. Good luck!

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Nov 4, 2013

You can usually take the CNA cert test after your first semester of NS too.

ChristelF · Mar 12, 2014

You could check if on-line CNA courses are allowed in your state. An on-line course would allow you to work full time while you learn. In my opinion, starting as a CNA is a good idea if you've envisaged becoming a RN later on.

There are special CNA to RN bridge programs that will let you use your CNA credits towards your RN certification. You’ll find these programs online, at your local community college, or you can take things one step further, and do your RN studies at a 4-year university. No matter which option you choose, though, you’ll be able to cut down dramatically on your study time by being a licensed CNA first.

Graduation2016 · Mar 12, 2014

I have never seen programs that make you go from CNA to RN. That sounds so hard to believe. Let see, where is am this program at. How can we get in touch with it?

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Mar 12, 2014

You could check if on-line CNA courses are allowed in your state. An on-line course would allow you to work full time while you learn. In my opinion, starting as a CNA is a good idea if you've envisaged becoming a RN later on.
There are special CNA to RN bridge programs that will let you use your CNA credits towards your RN certification. You’ll find these programs online, at your local community college, or you can take things one step further, and do your RN studies at a 4-year university. No matter which option you choose, though, you’ll be able to cut down dramatically on your study time by being a licensed CNA first.

Cut down on study time dramatically by being certified in basic pt care? That seems like a stretch. I worked as a CNA all through nursing school and besides helping me with ADL's and become more comfortable with pts it did nothing to cut down my study time. Once you get past the first semester in nursing school you are learning things well beyond a CNA's scope.

ambitiousBSN · Mar 12, 2014

Once you get past the first semester in nursing school you are learning things well beyond a CNA's scope.

No kidding! I'm wondering if it's a location fact as that person seems to live in Sydney. Regardless, I've also never heard of a CNA to RN bridge program, nor does that even make sense. While obviously working as a CNA would help and provide experience, it certainly wouldn't make nursing school any easier, nor would it cut down on study time "drastically."

Graduation2016 · Mar 12, 2014

You could check if on-line CNA courses are allowed in your state. An on-line course would allow you to work full time while you learn. In my opinion starting as a CNA is a good idea if you've envisaged becoming a RN later on. There are special CNA to RN bridge programs that will let you use your CNA credits towards your RN certification. You’ll find these programs online, at your local community college, or you can take things one step further, and do your RN studies at a 4-year university. No matter which option you choose, though, you’ll be able to cut down dramatically on your study time by being a licensed CNA first.[/quote']
I'm thinking this poser is confused between CNA and LPN. There are no CNA credits to transfer.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Mar 13, 2014

First, I would get started on prereqs. Some of those can be done online and many cc offer night courses for those who work during the day. You can get your CNA cert. after your first semester of nursing school, and to me paying the hundreds of dollars for something you can get in nursing school seems pointless. Just because you are a CNA does not mean wherever you work will work around a school schedule because you are trying to become a nurse. It's a job just like anywhere else and they need you to be there if they hire you. I would start with the prereqs doing night classes and go from there.

Also, there is no such thing as a CNA-RN program and you will not get any credits for being a CNA. A CNA and RN are two completely different things.