Working as a CNA while in Nursing School?

[Sammygrll]

Does anyone know how to become a CNA?

My sis-in law, who is now an RN did that while she was in nursing school. She said it was a great learning experience and that all she needed to do was take a certification test. They also counted her clinical hours as experience. I also plan on volunteering at a local hospital for now.

I might look into this while in NS.....anyone else?

Opinions?

Thanks in advance!

[IlliniBabyRN]

I obtained my CNA license and worked at a hospital in our community before I entered Nursing School. I actually worked on the medical unit that I had Fundamentals clinical on. It was a great experience and I would tell everyone to work as a CNA before if they could. It gave me confidence working around other health professionals before I started clinical and helped me with all the basic skills (blood pressures, blood sugars, etc.) It gave me a real leg up on the rest of my class who had to learn how to take a blood pressure for the first time. And if nothing else, it gives you experience of working with patients to see if nursing is really what you want to do. (thats the reason my mother, a retired nurse, wanted me to do it). The community college around our hometown offered the CNA class that I took over the summer. I believe a lot of community colleges offer the class. Hope this helps! Goodluck!

[4x4country]

I have been a CNA for a lil over four years ago , as soon as I turned sixteen. It has helped me learn a lot about nursing and help me decide what I wanted to do with my life. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to be a nurse. I obtained my CNA through a LTC however, I took my preq's at IVY Tech. community college and I know for a fact that they have a program. I got accepted at MVCTC for the nursing program and it is madatory that you hold your STNA or CNA before being accepted. Being a CNA has helped me learn the basic about nursing, blood sugars, blood pressures, charting, stocking the med cart, wound care, and watching nurses pass meds. You get to observe and learn a lot! Some nurses that I work with will even teach tricks and give pointers.

[Sammygrll]

That's awesome!! Thanks! I will deff try and do this before I get into the program.

I'll check my local CC and see if they have a CNA course over the summer...is that the only way you know of??

Thanks again!