Why would a nurse reccomend NOT becoming CNA?

jb2u, ASN, RN · Jun 17, 2008

I can't answer for that person, but, if I had to guess,....I'd say she probably doesn't like doing the adl's(activities of daily living). Or, cna work is just tough. Maybe she just didn't think you would like it. The point is you would need to ask her. Some nurses hate the "basic care" part of nursing. I went into critical care because I don't mind it and use it as a chance to evaluate my patient better. What their skin looks like, and what can they do for themselves?

I do not see, personally, how people can do something so important and so demanding for so little money as a career, but many do. However, for someone wanting to make nursing a career, I think it is a great idea.

Pretty in Ink · Jun 17, 2008

If your ultimate goal is to be an RN and a CNA is required for 2 programs then don't listen to her!! CNA's are a valuable part of the healthcare team and what if you don't go through with it then you will be limiting your choices for getting into a nursing program. I had no previous hospital experience before I started my VN program and several of my classmates had already been a CNA for awhile and let me tell you they helped me out sooo much!!!! I do not think it would be a waste of your time, you know what you want to do and what it takes to get there so I feel the more experience you have the better off you will be :)

Plagueis · Jun 18, 2008

My guess as to why someone would not recommend becoming a CNA:

We deal with BM, urine, and vomit.

We sometimes deal with combative and screaming residents.

We deal with 5 call lights going off at the same time.

We deal with another 3 bed alarms going off at the same time.

We have to dress contracted residents, which is very challenging.

We give showers, which can be exhausting if the resident requires a lift, for instance.

We do these, and other things on a small salary, which often requires many of us to work overtime to support ourselves and our families.

sistasoul · Jun 18, 2008

Hi Hausfrau,

Love your name. Is this in German? What does it mean?

I was an aide while in school and worked in a hospital. I really enjoyed my patients and liked my job most of the time. I think being an aide teaches you how to use your communication skills as well as understanding how valuable aides are to RNs. I would recommend being an aide if you have never done it before, but in a hospital setting if you want to be a nurse. Working in a hospital gives you a bird's eye view of how busy nurses are.

The only down side to being an aide while in school is role confusion. This happened to me. I was so used to going to the RN and saying patient so-and-so has a BP of 82/56 or a fever of 101 that it was hard for me to take on the responsibility of the RN role while in school. If you can keep the roles separate I would say go for it.

Since you have already been an aide how about a unit secretary? In this role you get used to the Dr's orders and the charts. Just a suggestion.

Good luck to you.

stelon · Jun 18, 2008

I'd go for your CNA again. I feel like some of the things I've seen and dealt with in my job will definitely be beneficial when I start the nursing program. I'm very comfortable at the bedside, and it makes me laugh remembering how terrified I was during CNA clinicals.

I also personally feel that some of the best RNs were aides first. This has held true with the RNs I enjoy working with the most. They actually appreciate the work we do and if they have the time, they're willing to get in there and help you if you need it.

I'm not saying the other nurses don't--but most of the ones that do used to be CNAs. :)

sashamay · Jun 20, 2008

My opinion? She is one of those lazy nurses i hate working with that have NO idea how to do my job and refuse to help THEIR patient!....

I've worked at a alot of different hospitals as a CNA (agency work =) and have been working full time at one hospital for the last year+...the nurses i think rock the most, help the most, and are the best nurses...have prior CNA expierence. And everyone has told me that having the experience will make the program somewhat easier, i'll be one step ahead of everyone w/out exp. and it'll make me that much better of an RN..

My main hospital is notorious for hiring bran new grad nurses.. from a college that doesn't require a CNA cert or exp.. and i've seen numerous nurses NOT MAKE IT (even after they are an RN) b/c they can't handle it.. they dont know how to change an attends, they don't know how to lift/transfer.. i've seen one even start balling her eyes out in the hallway...they don't know how to handle patients in general! They don't know how to deal w/ combative patients (or give medications to someone who won't willingly take them..), they don't know what to do when a pt falls etc...

Being a CNA will make you comfortable with the job. and I'm sorry but every RN should know how to do my job. I'm their assistant afterall correct?

heh sorry.. i feel rather strongly about this topic =)

ensru011 · Jun 20, 2008

I agree with all of the above. Being a CNA gives you the experience you need and should want in order to go further into nursing. I just started 2 jobs as a CNA and I am more excited than ever to start my program because I'm finally getting the insider's view.

I was talking to a couple of co-workers during orientation and they were talking about our RN's. They said that the one RN that hasn't had previous work as a CNA is nice, but she just does NOT understand what we go through every day. When they ask her to do things, or if something that we see as serious is happening, she just shrugs her shoulders and expects the CNAs working for her to pick up all of the pieces.

I really think that the experience will help you to respect the CNAs working under you when you become an RN one day :).