Comments on: I am currently a Nursing student. Should I get CNA certification to gain experience and build my resume?

By: RNinProgress

RNinProgress — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:03:59 +0000

CNA or a tech who is trained on the job make the same amount of money because it is mainly based on prior experience working. I do have my CNA and it never made a difference in pay. If it did, then your looking at a quarter or perhaps fifty cents so I wouldn’t put out the expense to become a CNA. Its not worth it!! Once you become a nurse, that when you’ll make the money!!
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4th yr nursing student, 6 more months…yeah!!!

By: Robert W

Robert W — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:48:59 +0000

Yes, you should definitely become a CNA first. Nurses who were once CNAs do a much better job (in my opinion) and have a better understanding of what the patients and other workers are going through on a daily basis. I once was a CNA, and you could tell a difference in the care given by the former CNAs and the ones who just went to school.
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By: Valnes

Valnes — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:30:59 +0000

YES! You definitely want as much work experience as possible. It will make you more attractive to prospective employers and you will have higher feelings of self worth.
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By: JE

JE — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:54:59 +0000

It certainly won’t hurt, especially because the process for being accepted into BSN programs is so competitve. But be careful! If you notice your grades slipping, leave the job if you’re able to do so and still support your child. In your case, having the experience won’t do any good if you have less than satisfactory grades in your prerequisite courses.
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By: Peace (SFCU)

Peace (SFCU) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:09:59 +0000

I think it would fantastic experience, in my state it is actually required to have a CNA license before formally being accepted into nursing school. You will learn a lot about the profession, and the clinical experience looks really good. If you want or need to work as CNA that’s great to, but the certificate itself will be a great leg up for you. In my state you have two years to work before the license expires, unless you work at which point it remains valid.
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