3 Reasons to become a CNA before becoming a Nurse

Some of the best nurses I know were CNAs first. Here are 3 compelling reasons to consider becoming a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) before becoming a nurse:

1. Getting a CNA Certificate will help you determine if nursing is for you. This was a big one for me. I was in a completely different career when I began considering nursing school. But I wondered, “Can I really handle the sights & smells of nursing?!” I figured if I could do the work of a CNA, I could handle nursing. CNA classes and clinical are a great way to “get your feet wet” in nursing. CNA students learn the basics of patient care - assisting patients with ADLs such as bathing, dressing, walking, taking vital signs, and more. Becoming a CNA first is a good way to learn if nursing is for you BEFORE investing thousands of dollars in nursing school!

2. Many nursing schools require a CNA to apply. Many universities offering nursing or medical degrees require a CNA certificate (and sometimes experience!) as a pre-requisite for application.

3. You can work as a CNA during nursing school to gain valuable clinical experience. As a clinical nursing instructor, I can tell which students have had direct patient care experience. These students are generally more comfortable with patient care. This doesn’t mean that students who haven’t worked as a CNA can’t catch up, but it does give students with CNA experience an edge.

Join the Facebook group "Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Students: Succeeding on Purpose" to interact with people who have experienced the life-changing transition from CNA to DNP.

Categories: : Nursing Student Success, Nursing 101, Tips for Nurses