Working as a CNA while being in Nursing School

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Hi everyone,

I am going to be getting my CNA license after this upcoming semester. I've finished all but one semester of nursing pre-reqs and I know I'll be getting into Nursing School this coming Fall semester (my school allows you to get in w/ your last pre-reqs still being in progress as long as you get a C in all of them). I'd like to earn some money of my own, and I think being a CNA would be great experience and I'd love to do nursing-type work. However I'm worried about being a CNA while in Nursing School. Many people have told me if I want good grades in Nursing School (as I really do) I shouldn't work during Nursing School. Does anyone else agree or think disagree. I'd love to hear your advice! :)

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I will be graduating in May 2010. Like you, I was told that I should not work while in school because it would be too stressful. Personally, I could not afford not to work. The first year of RN school I worked full-time (3- 12hour shifts) as a unit clerk in a hospital, now I work part-time (2 -12 hour shifts) as a nurse-tech. At my school you have to earn a 80% or better. I have been able to maintain my grades with minimal problems. If you could find a part-time or contingent CNA position it could benefit you greatly. For me, the work experience made clinicals easy because I already knew the inner workings of the hospital. Also, it is easier to land an RN position after you graduate if you already have some CNA/PCA/PCT experience. In this ecomony hospitals can be a little picky about who they hire and you need to make yourself more marketable if you can. So I say if you can find a position go for it.

BTW...While going to school full-time and working I also have a husband and three kids ages 3,6, and 12. But I also had to work every weekend to for everything in my schedule to fit. In nursing school you have to sacrifice some things. But remember its just temporary!!!

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I worked part time and went to LVN school full time. I couldn't afford not to work, so I had no choice. All my other classmates had husbands that could support them so they had it easier. I had to work very hard for my good grades in nursing school but it's very doable. If you don't have kids as the previous poster and I have, then it will be much easier, and as D&Jmoms stated, there were sacrafices that were made. Good Luck

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Specializes in school RN, CNA Instructor, M/S.

I did work as a CNA on an adjusted schedule so I could attend clinicals. i worked 9PM to 5AM fri through tues and went to school M - thurs. mon and thurs were clinical days and tues and wed were class days. we added Fri as a class day after the first year. I was in a two year straight program. you just have to work hard and take care of yourself health-wise, but it can be done. plus CNA work counts toward experience and you can learn alot on the job. let your coworkers know you are in school and most will help you aspecially around exam time!

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I'm in the same boat as the rest of you :D I start clinicals next Monday, a semester earlier than I was expecting! I have to work too, I'd be living in a box pretty quick if I didn't work. I'm a CNA at an LTC facility now and while I love the work aspects of the job (ok, most of them ;) ), I'm not in love with the administration. But they are working with my schedule and that counts for a lot right now. I do one 12 hour night and three 8 hour shifts each week.

Since I don't start til next week, I'm not sure how it will go but like someone above said, it's temporary and some sacrifices get made. I don't have kids or an SO, so there is just me. Which is good in that my outside responsibilities are less but also there's no net if I find working too much in addition to class. I give huge props to you guys who do this with a family, job AND school!!!

I do find the CNA work to be a big benefit to me. I've never done this kind of work, so the patient care practice and skills were all new to me. And being in a medical atmosphere is good experience too. Many nurses are really good about sharing their knowledge. Some are flattered to be asked and it did help a lot during pharmacology last term, to be able to ask about various drugs people are on. You will find nurses who you want to learn from and those you learn how-not-to from ;) It's all good experience.

Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Thank you all so much! This has given me serious food for thought. I know CNA experience will make a difference on my resume when I graduate. At the same time, I think I would need to become more efficient in managing my time to do well in school, while being a CNA... definitely something to thing about.

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Specializes in LTC.

Well, being a CNA definitely forces you to learn time management, which you will also need as a nurse.

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Specializes in CNA in LTC, Hospital.

This was an encouraging post.I just had 2 interviews..one at a hospital and one at a LTC. the teaching hospital kept stressing how i can't work and go back for nursing and that they wont lower me to part time if i needed for school. The LTC knew i was going back but didn't make a big deal about it. i know i will need to work and go to school and you guys have shown me it can be done

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