Work vs School

I was never a CNA, ward clerk or anything else before going to nursing school. I had worked in gas stations, hotels and offices before becoming a nurse. I did not have any trouble getting hired and I had applied only 3 places and was offered interviews at all three. I went to two interviews (decided not to go to third) and was offered a job at each. Good luck to you and don't sweat it if you decide not to work as a CNA.

I remember having the same concerns. I even looked into getting my LVN after my first year of nursing school.

As it turned out I did not work in healthcare during school. But, I was a pharmacy technician going into nursing school. (can't express enough how helpful that turned out to be)

You will find a job upon graduation. I was accepted into an awesome critical internship (my first choice).

I had done the CNA course a few months ago, but am unable (and somewhat unmotivated) to work as a CNA, primarily because I want to concentrate on school (accelerated BSN), make good grades,prepare for the NCLEX, etc. BUT at the same time I am also concerned as to how much of a disadvantage I will have upon graduation without any health care work experience??? Would hospitals consider hiring new grads who have not been on the floor, except for their clinical rotations?? Would love to hear from other new grads who were in similar situations and still found employment!

PS - New to the forum and am loving the abundance of information, support and advice!

Welcome! You will find a lot of information and support on these boards!

I didn't have any clinical experience prior to becoming a nursing student. I had worked in MD offices handling insurance and billing matters, but nothing in the clinical arena.

Other than being intially more comfortable in the clinical enviroment, I don't feel like my counterparts who had experience were at an advantage. Sure they were maybe more familiar with some equipment, etc, but at an advantage? No.

Honestly, I think going into nursing school as a clean slate helped me. I wasn't able to compare what I was learning with how I had seen/experienced things before. Not saying that those who had clinical experience were less successful, because they weren't, just saying that sometimes it helps to pursue things and learn the right ways initially.

I just graduated in May and have a wonderful job working in a burn center/ICU in a major pediatric hospital. I had several other job offers in addition to this one. So, no, I don't think I suffered one bit by not having other experience.