Jumping into nursing is a scary business especially when you’re starting clinical with zero experience. That’s why beginning your medical career as a CNA is a smart move. Though you’ll be starting at the bottom of the chain you’re going to get the experience and confidence to make you a great nurse. Being a CNA may be hard physical work but it’s an incredibly satisfying way to dip your toe into the medical profession.
1. Find Out If Nursing Is Really For You
Working as a CNA is a low-commitment way to see if working in the medical profession is what you really want. You have to love people plus have an iron-clad stomach; sometimes the only way to find out is to get in there and try it. Training to become a CNA is less expensive and less time consuming than for RNs. You can even do it part-time while working elsewhere or studying. If you decide a medical career isn’t for you, you’ve wasted less time and money. But we’re pretty sure that you’ll love it.
2. You’ll Be Prepared
Nursing students who’ve been CNAs first tend to be much more comfortable when it comes to clinicals. You’ll have already done all the basic tasks such as emptying catheters and colostomy bags, bathing, and changing/ turning patients plus you’ll have some knowledge of swallowing problem, oxygen, and feeding tubes. You’ll also be building the organizational and prioritization skills that are so prized in nurses. With this training under your belt you’ll be well primed to take your work to the next level.
I love this teaching. I have been in EMS for a couple of years now and I was once given the advice (by both an instructor and a colleague) to be an EMT for a while. Get to know the job inside and out. Become a GREAT EMT. Then go on to Paramedic or nursing. In order to teach someone below me how to do that job, I have to do it, earn it, experience it, etc.
Now I am halfway through LVN school and my ems background makes me more successful than some.