Working as a CNA help with RN employement in future?

NurseDRolle · Mar 1, 2014

The only thing CNA will help you with is the foundation of nursing, therapeutic communication, assessing, monitoring etc, as far as a job no because they are gonna say we want you to have "nursing experience". The only shift that is stress free for a CNA is the over. Night shift, otherwise you will burn out. Overnight you'll gave time to study because the residents are sleeping. I say go for it as long as you stay away from the morning shift which is the most hectic shift ever and will cause you to almost breakdown sometimes because they demand so much form the CNA. Your also lucky if you get nurses who actually enjoy helping, they are slim to none.

RainbowHead · Mar 1, 2014

There are many RN's/LPN's who wish they were a CNA before they dived into the nursing program. Being a CNA helps you decide whether or not nursing is right for you and teaches you all the basics which will give you an edge during school and when you get your first job. When my grandpa was in the hospital, the RN told him not to worry if a CNA came in there, because she/he probably knew more than she did!

Alfi_srq · Mar 2, 2014

I would def try to get a cna job. If you want to work at a hospital as a rn then get cna job at that hospital. You may have to work at a nursing facility to get experience as cna and then start at the hospital. Everyone in my class who worked as cnas during school had rn jobs lined up before nclex passing

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Mar 2, 2014

To answer the question about whether a CNA job will help you land an RN job down the road, the answer is "no". However, having CNA experience can be extremely useful in the early part of your nursing program, during beginning clinicals (I posted on this topic on another thread).

As for the idea that nightshift is "stress free", well, perhaps you might just find that glorious nursing home where all the residents sleep, LOL, but for the most part, the confused are confused all night, the ones who get up to pee every half hour do that during the night (or need frequent changes), and on and on. I don't think I'd count on as much study time as you'd want....unless, of course, you aren't doing your job.....?

wonderchic24 · Mar 4, 2014

I would argue there is no easy CNA shift as they all have their demanding moments. Day shift is hard but so is evening. Night shifts are often short staffed and the resident to staff ratio is often steep (in our facility, you may have up to 60 patients when short staffed).

CNA work will give you a good idea if you want to continue in the medical field. It will also teach you the basics of nursing. It can also help you hit the ground running when in nursing school because you will already have that experience with basic patient care.

Good luck!

Brook

pinkiepinkPN · Mar 8, 2014

The only thing CNA will help you with is the foundation of nursing therapeutic communication, assessing, monitoring etc, as far as a job no because they are gonna say we want you to have "nursing experience". The only shift that is stress free for a CNA is the over. Night shift, otherwise you will burn out. Overnight you'll gave time to study because the residents are sleeping. I say go for it as long as you stay away from the morning shift which is the most hectic shift ever and will cause you to almost breakdown sometimes because they demand so much form the CNA. Your also lucky if you get nurses who actually enjoy helping, they are slim to none.[/quote']
I'm a nurse in a LTC facility and my CNAs do not study during a night shift. They have plenty of work to keep them busy...not every resident sleeps soundly. Many are up and down all night, and night CNAs have even more paperwork to do than day shift.
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Stephalump · Mar 8, 2014

I'm going to go against the grain and say YES, being a CNA can help you get a job. It's March, I graduate in May, and I already have a job lined up at the facility where I work.

I was speaking to a director of a different unit, and she mentioned that one of the new grad weeding out criteria they've been using is whether or not they have hospital experience (outside of clinicals).

To be fair, there are no guarantees. I know plenty of CNAs/Techs who were laid off after graduation without even an offer of an interview. But you never know!

Nurseeverywhere, CNA, LVN · Mar 9, 2014

I am currently working as a CNA while attending a cc. I work the NOC shift and anyone tells you it is easier than they have never worked a night shift. We get up to 22 residents (17 is the norm) ranging from rehabilitation to long term care with many residents who have dementia. Guess what, they don't sleep. I have never found time to do hw so I have given up taking my books to work. I am now switching to AM shift as I see them a little more relaxed because they are rarely short staffed. I love what I do and am happy to do it. I believe if you want an easier experience as a CNA you might consider home care because I have several friends in the field and they claim it to be easier and better pay. I chose working in a facility because after a year it will help me get into acute care CNA.

Nurseeverywhere, CNA, LVN · Mar 9, 2014

Excuse any grammar errors as I am sleep deprived :dead:

lilredrunner · Mar 9, 2014

Don't think it helps one way or the other getting a job, but I am of the firm belief that nurses, ALL nurses, should be CNAs first, and have the experience, because it builds the foundation of knowledge and appreciation for all aspects of nursing. Also helps with teamwork as an nurse when it comes time to delegate and coordinate efforts.

I was a CNA for two years before going for my LPN, and honestly, that experience helped me more with perspective and appreciation than any of the clinicals that I did training as a nurse.

OCRN3 · Mar 15, 2014

It helped me, but working as. CNA in a hospital because they needed a lot of RNs. Since they knew me, they just promoted me. I think it will help you, not hinder you. I know done hospitals like to hire within, with others it doesn't matter. Good luck to you