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CNA before RN or skip it?
CNA before RN or skip it? / Career / 7:57 PM - Wednesday July 05, 2006
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(Female, 26-28) asked:


I'd like to start a career as a nurse, but since I have no medical background, I thought I would try to do a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) program first. This way I can be introduced to the career of medicine and get experience before I try to be a RN. But I'm having difficulty finding a CNA program.

Should I just skip this and try to work on an RN degree or is it worth my while to get the CNA first?

Any advice is definitely appreciated.


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A Married Girl (Female, 26-28, Medical / Dental) answered:

Screenname: happy1981


I am a Nursing Assistant and I can tell you first hand that you should get your CNA first! I personally wanted to be an RN for a long time but after being in the medical field I have decided that this is not the right avenue for me! Not that I do not like my job, I do! I just do not think that I could do this forever! It breaks my heart every time we find cancer or something else devasting in a patient!
Good luck!
:)

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A Trendsetter (Female, Miami, 18-21, Student) answered:

Screenname: luvli214


I would go for the RN...you could do it in 2 years and your job opportunities will be better.

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An Alternative Girl (Female, 36-45, Financial / Banking) answered:

Screenname: floridagirl


My friend was a CNA. She said that a CNA's job is to do all the dirty work that nurses don't want to do. She had to clean alot of nasty messes and you can imagine what that entails in a nursing home. So it's up to you. I think I'd rather stay in school.

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A Guy Critical (Female, Seattle, Who Cares?, Political / Government) answered:

Screenname: stargazr39



There is one certain health profession in my state, and it may be a CNA, where you work under a certain type of credential practitioner (like an MD, for example). You can apply and get a credential, and then you get the training on the job while working under the practitioner.

If you got a basic credential, you could work while going to school. The more education you got, the higher credential you could obtain (and work at that level and make more money).

Just goo gle on "health professions licensing" with your state's name after it.

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A Cool Mom (Female, Charlotte, 46-55, Medical / Dental) answered:

Screenname: 4thebettergetter


As an RN that was NA for years prior to getting my degree I believe it is sooooo important to have a good idea of what you are getting yourself into. Nursing is hard! Good luck!

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A Cool Mom (Female, New Orleans, 56-65, Who Cares?) answered:

Screenname: cattiewards


I was a Medic in the Army then CNA and went on to Surgical Tech. I loved the patients but it got so hard for me to lose one that I had to get out. I moved on to do hair so if there was anything that was bad it could either grow out or we could change the color. Oh no took on a whole new meaning. I am glad I tried it before putting the time and money into becoming a RN. CNA's do all the grunt work but the also get to be one on one with the patients. If you are not sure of what you want then I would try CNA first.

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