I was a mid-life career changer, and started as a CNA. It was the best foundation ever. I have since been LPN, RN, BSN, and now in MSN program. Any nurse who does not start as a CNA is professionally handicapped. Do not think that you will never make an occupied bed, give a bed bath, feed a patient, or change a brief!! CNA skills are essential!!!
+Nancy Curtis That's super awesome that you have basically climbed the latter and did each spectrum of Nursing degrees in your pursuit of the Masters. I don't know if I would necessarily say that they're handicapped lol (although I haven't been there yet), but it is most definitely an advantage!! :)
Yeah, my dad freak out when I told him that I would have to do "dirty work." He was like, "Can't you get a BSN and skip all that?" First of all I can't. I already went to school twice and received a MSW. So financial aid isn't like it was the first round. I'll have to be more strategic; and from what I'm reading, I'll gain more patient skills and "endurance" anyway. Thanks for sharing.
I am in the process of doing the same. Forty years old and finally after raising three kids and caregiver for both parents...I'm in a CNA program and off to RN next. God bless yall.
I have a tip to add from my previous experience. Get your CNA certification before you start prerequisites and get a year or two of experience before nursing school and work for a staffing agency during nursing school. This is basically what I did, and I love it because i get to choose when I work and sometimes where I work. I also get paid $5+ more an hour than the other techs.
My agency only requires a year of experience and CNA certification. Google nursing staffing agencies, medical staffing network is the most known one, i would say.
It was a fast process, 2 days after I applied, I got a call from H&R had my phone interview, THEN was scheduled for an ON-SITE interview right then & there. Then a week later went to take interview & then I was asked to job shadow, I did then after the nurse manager asked me if I'm still interested I said yes then she said you have this position do you have any questions? I cried outta joy because my dream as a BSN someday is to be in the ER working in the ICU care benefits me so much! I love being a CNA my floor has 60 patients & me & the nurses work together & the other CNA, its a fast pace work environment but I like that. I seem to function better under pressure - yes a floor of 60 people & 2 CNAs I still get my break no matter what; the nurses make sure of that. The other CNA is so nice, she's been there for 19 years she's such a trouper & now my friend.
I work as a PCT/CNA at a hospital, in the ICU I do 12 hour shifts 3x a week & am also doing full time nursing BSN prereqs as well; becoming a CNA first is very rewarding because working in a hospital I've been trained how to do blood sugars, reading EGK's, in the hospital I got a lot of phlebotomy training. These details I didn't learn in CNA school because it wasn't in my scope of practice. But some hospitals will cross train you & pay for you to get a EKG/PHLEBOTOMY Certification. As a new CNA straight outta CNA school I applied at this hospital got the job as a Milti-Skilled CNA/PCT I didn't expect to get this job but I was like what the hell I already filled out 50 other applications, I didn't expect this job would want me because I had no experience in a hospital expect for my 72 hours in clinical the required experience is 2 years experience for this position, I even told the nurse manager "I'm a student with no experience" I was honest & thats why she through me in :D she replied "I want you on my team I was a CNA before becoming a MSN I want those who want to grow, you have no experience no problem because you will learn" maybe she did call my last job, at another hospital but there I was the clerk up in MOM/BABY & I received an award of (Grace Under Pressure).
+Jackie Evans I'm very envious of the fact that you're in the ICU!! But yea, that sounds like an extremely heavy workload! But yes, those additional skills and things that you learn are so paramount and helpful to your career in the long run. Very exciting.
it's weird, it's ICU & CCU combined. I applied everywhere, all over Colorado - I do 7om-7am, it's different. I want to switch to days in a year, I think I should when I get into nursing school after I'm done with prereqs, & drop one day of work for my sanity. Because I WILL legit die if I work night for nursing school - I enjoy sleeping.
I love my CNA status! I love being able to work as well going to nursing shool! Tell you what patients are the best teachers! My thing is, I need to be a great follower before I become a great leader. THANKS!
This makes me feel much better. I applied to an ADN program and a BSN program, but decided to go to the ADN since it makes since financially. But the BSN school said that ADNs are not good. But a few people I know say that they started off as an ADN/ASN and did CNA work before going to school for a BSN. So this video confirms this. Can't wait to begin.
+ThisIsShe Daily Yea, there are a lot of people taking the ADN route. It's just important to bear in mind that a lot of major hospitals are phasing out from hiring RN's with ADN's. That's why it's important to get your foot in the door in a different role so that you can get hired on as an RN when you graduate! Good luck to you!!
+Nurse Bass Thanks! That's what I have been warned about. I hope to work as an CNA for only two years while I attend ADN school and then find some way to get my foot in the door as you say. I fear not getting a RN position since I plan to use my higher income to pay for schooling. I know it's competitive at hospitals but hopefully I can find something at centers, nursing homes, or clinics.
amen brother! Coming into nursing school with a 7 year CNA background with 2 as a hospital wide Float CNA. Gotten to see a lot that may/may not come up in clinical rotations. And as you mentioned, Time Management! And as always...appreciate your CNAs, they are the eyes on your patients and more often than not see some clinical manifestations before you might.
CNA'S do majority of the hands on process. If something is different or off in a patient CNA'S are the first to notice the change. I believe working as a CNA should be a requirement for every nursing program (ADN or BSN). It's the basic (foundation) knowledge of patient care and procedures.
+Bridgett Jackson Yea, most times obtaining your CNA certification is a requirement for Nursing programs. But actually obtaining a job as a CNA isn't. But it's super helpful to the career!
Yeah bro I agree completely!! I started as a CNA worked about 6 months in a rehab/LTC facility, had a minimum of 12 patients a day. It was HARD work! I then went to more school for patient care tech, and have been working in a hospital for about 3 Months. I love when we get slammed (10 patients for 2 techs lol). Start nursing school in the fall and am looking forward to it. I feel very prepared having worked 12-16 hour days on top of school. I think everyone going into nursing should at least become a CNA first. I know how much I will respect my CNAs when I finally become a nurse. Thanks for the videos you really inspire me to push hard for my goals.
Throughout all of my summer in 2015 while i was still in High School, i took a course where i assisted the CNA's at my local hospital on 6 hour shifts Monday - Friday in the Med Surg section of the Hospital. I was also moved around throught the sections from Geriatrics to ER to ICU to Subacute etc. It was a great experience and being that i took that course as my first internship, it helped me a lot as i did my Clinical Hours to earn my M.A. Back office certificate and sure helped me with my vitals, patient care, terminology, and most of all being comfortable in the setting of being around patients. Now i am graduated from High School still doing community service at the clinical site i was located at to rack up the "experience" needed in order to get hired as an MA soon. To top it off, I'm highly looking forward to starting school next month so i can become an LVN!
Iam starting my cna course tomorrow so excited but worried at the same time. I saw u making videos of nursing please why are you make more of cna in specific
+Nursebass I think I'm going to cry. :'( I really needed to watch your video. I've been struggling getting through nursing school for the past 2 years, I've been in the RN program and remediated and put in lvn and remediated. I've felt like a failure like I was never going to be good enough to move on and finally achieve that nursing license. Until one day I spoke with my psychological counselor at school and she recommended that I work as a cna for about a year and until I feel comfortable and confident I can go to the next step and try nursing school again. I just hate feeling like I don't know what I'm doing in clinical, lost, confused, paranoid and scared that I'm doing the wrong thing and that the teachers are watching me and marking me wrong for everything. I felt like a deer in a headlight. I hated it so much! I want to be confident, independent, and make the right decisions with my best judgement when I go back into nursing school. So by watching this video made me feel so much better that by getting a job as a CNA it can benefit me in the long run. I'm so happy and fortunate to aquire this job in the new year, working with loving caring and helpful nurses and staff. It's gonna be a little shaker at first, but I really think this is what I needed and shouldve done. Because I wasn't sure what to do after I finished my prerequisites. I was thinking of the cna route first, but before I could try, I got accepted into nursing school. But, any who, here's wishing and praying for a wonderful year of learning and experience that will lead to a better stronger future! :D
BrittLink OfHyrule ugghh same girl! i went to an LPN program and literally everything you said is EXACTLY how i feel. I went to the first clinical, flunked it, then flunked school. that was November 2016, that November i went to an assisted living facility to work as a non-certified Nursing assistant. then this February a facility paid me to become a CNA, fast forward to the present, im still a CNA and i learned...A LOT. i got that direct hands on patient care experience and now i feel more comfortable. and i will do way better in nursing school
The question is: why are so many new nurses graduating nursing school without learning the basic skills? Nursing school has become extremely lacking in the clinical skills department. After I graduated nursing school, I struggled with just learning how to do things like blood draws and I work outpatient. I would not function well without extensive training inpatient. Why is this the case? What has my education been for? When I graduated nursing school I knew how to write an essay but I did not know how to be an independent nurse.
+ooooo3 Yes, those are all very good questions. Really sitting back and examining the source of the problem. It's very unfortunate that some programs do not take the time to properly educate their students! :(
That's how I felt when I graduated as a social worker. I did not have enough practical skills to deal with clients and didn't learn about how the bureaucracy and work settings actually function. All my practicums were super dreamy. Sometimes it pays to start at the basics and deal with the harder challenges first.
I'm going to FSU for nursing this fall. I've been a CNA for four years. I believe every nursing student should have some sort of patient care experience. Plus, when you graduate, you won't think doing things such as taking a patient to the restroom as beneath you.
Totally agree that the patient experience is so valuable in your future healthcare career! I'm going to be a CNA before nursing school. Plus being a new nurse grad it's hard to get a job but being able to put on your resume that you were a CNA and have years of patient experience will put you ahead of others. Not to mention, during clinicals in nursing school you won't be shy or feel intimidated by patients.
I got a job as an Stna last year and it has made my clinical experience so much easier! Without that experience the only patient contact I had was on those clinical days so it was hard to get used to patient care such as bathing, changing, transfers, all that. My school expects us, as students, to do ALL our patient care. Now that I'm comfortable with all that I can focus on my nursing skills!
I'm so glad I found your video....I got accepted into my schools nursing program and start October 3, and I finish the ᶜᴺᴬ program September 29. I took the program for the same reasons you mentioned in the video time management, patient care & hands on experience since I've never worked in a hospital before....my friends who are in the program a few quarters ahead of me didn't think the program was necessary but I'm so glad you agree! thanks I love your videos
I am starting my CNA classes next month and I am hoping to work in hospitals. My dream is to become a nurse but I wanted to see the environment of a hospital first as a health care professional. I think becoming a CNA is to a person's advantage because when you go to nursing school you already have the experience to deal with patients and know the basics of how to take care of them. I can't wait to start these classes! You make great videos btw! :)
+Meliza Hernandez I think that's a wonderful idea! Gain as much experience as possible! Thank you so much and I'm very happy that the videos have been helping you! :)
Just subbed. Loving your channel. Most informative. I am 36 years old & heading back to school. OMG! Am I too old for this?!? My kids are in school full time so I've got the opportunity to get in college. This is it for me. I did my life all ass backwards & made a family first and going to college 2nd. So my question is- CNA, to me, means nursing home. I absolutely do NOT want to be in a nursing home setting. I like what you're saying about getting that CNA under your belt first, it totally makes sense. Are CNAs as common in hospital or doc office settings as they are in nursing homes? Thank you SO SO much for this channel. What a blessing! Hugs from IN!!
+Aliya Tudor Wow, thank you so much!! And thank you for subscribing and joining me on this journey! And you're most definitely NOT too old for this! I have a video about this topic by the way: "Am I Too Old To Become a Nurse." Check it out! :D CNA's are extremelyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy common in Hospitals. That's where I work, as a CNA in a Hospital. I really am not too sure about Doctor's Offices. I think those are primarily Medical Assistants. But yes, you can def pursue the hospital route (which I recommend). :DDDDDD
+Aliya Tudor I'm a 37 year old male, former teacher, looking to get into a nursing program. My mother is a nurse and went back to school in her 50's to get her RN. Never too late!
+I Will still plugging away at school. Started the pre-reqs. Worked at a nursing home a few months & yep, don't care for it. So I'm applying at hospitals in my area. 😁
I completely agree! It also makes the first semester of nursing school easier since the skills as a CNA is what a nurse needs to know. Going right into nursing straight is pretty brutal and difficult. I found out many nurses worked as a CNA before becoming a nurse in a hospital, which helped. At least where I live, there's not much job opportunities for RN/LVN unless you've had 1-2 years or more of work experience. Being a CNA helps with that experience hospitals want.
This makes me feel much better. I applied to an ADN program and a BSN program, but decided to go to the ADN since it makes since financially. But the BSN school said that ADNs are not good. But a few people I know say that they started off as an ADN/ASN and did CNA work before going to school for a BSN. So this video confirms this. Can't wait to begin.
+ThisIsShe Daily I've talked to nurses who said that generally, a BSN gives more job opportunities. However, my CNA teachers said they found nurses who were CNA to LVN to RN to be great nurses or LVN to BSN. Training for ADN vs. BSN is different from what teachers have told me. I heard ADN gives you more clinical experience vs BSN is more towards nursing research and that kind of thing. I am aiming for BSN but want to take baby steps to get there. It also depends on the school because there were some BSN programs that don't train the students in the basic nursing care (bed bath, etc). I think it depends on the program, but I was surprised when I was at the hospital how the nurses complimented is CNA's compared to the BSN nursing students. Their knowledge base in their school was a lot less even though the scope of practice as a CNA vs. nursing is different. I feel like ADN is better for hands-on clinical experience more than BSN programs. I intend to transfer with a LVN-BSN program when I finish the LVN program
+axnmangaafan100 Yea I mean, I understand that becoming a CNA isn't really a requirement. But I'm just trying to say that becoming a CNA is definitely an amazing step to take to assist one in their road to RN. So I agree 100% :D
Yes slizzure sir! I watched this 2 days ago but forgot to leave a comment! Wanted to show some love. CNA first! Though you can get it while your in school like you did. No one should ever become a med tech in my opinion unless your employer is paying for your education. There is no route for advancement other than going to nursing school. Med tech school by me cost 20k to make 12-16 dollars for life. Might as well just get your LPN because then you can get your RN and keep moving up the ladder.
+NurseMurse Yes sir indeed! Thanks for dropping by, showing the love and giving the viewers some insight! They could learn a lot from you since you have been there and done that! :D
Where do you live? The med tech class in my area is only 4 hours and cost $69. Scary to think that in 4 hours one can pass meds at an ALF with 60 or more residents!!
I needed this video right now. Sitting here drinking my glass of wine preparing for my A&P exam tomorrow and I just passed the Texas state CNA exam on Saturday. I got a job at this nursing home here in San Antonio, and it makes me want to quit all of this and run far away. I've got experience (5 years as a CMT in maryland working in homes with people with developmental disabilities, it was basically CNA work + certified to give meds) but nothing prepared me for what I would face in this nursing home. I feel so overwhelmed and the other staff there just sort of dump 8-10 patients on me and I don't even have time to take a piss let alone eat dinner if I want to get out of there by 11pm. I see them finished their after dinner rounds by 7:30-8pm and by the time I'm done it's already nearly 10pm and it's time to start last rounds. I really just never want to go back but that makes me feel like if I abandon this due to feeling overwhelmed, there's no way I'd make it as a nurse. I wanted the job at this nursing home so bad because I love being around the elderly and helping them, but being a CNA doesn't feel like I'm helping them at all. I've got no time to talk to them or do anything extra for them aside from treating them like they're on an assembly line.
I was a CNA first and I can definitely say that it allows you to learn the hands on patient care skills that are often rushed through your first semester in nursing school. It allows you to get more comfortable interacting with patients, doctors nurses etc. you can get experience charting properly per Hospital system. One of the biggest things it can do is GET YOU A JOB BEFORE YOU EVEN START/FINISH NURSING SCHOOL. Hospitals want people that they know they can trust and people they know work hard. If your employer knows you are a cna in nursing school, once you graduate and become a nurse you already have an edge on new nurses who may not be familiar with the hospital and it's core values. You already know your coworkers and it's nothing like having a employer back you up and push you to want to be great. My hospital told me they wanted to hire me as a nurse before I even graduated and that was an amazing feeling to know they see your work and want you at the next level.
Oh and I didn't even mention potential tuition reimbursements from your job. Being a CNA and already working in the environment definitely has its perks
Great video! :) 10 patients? Shoot I wish. I'm a CNA/PCT in a hospital and we usually have 16 patients each lol. I agree, being a CNA before becoming a Nurse seems like the best route to take!
Decided to go through a CNA program this fall while i wait for admission into nursing school in the spring. I got into nursing school! And I'm glad i went through the CNA program because its helped me be comfortable with patients. Handling them, talking to them, feeding, hygiene, charting, etc. Ill have my CNA license by December and know the work/clinical work i did during this program will help me throughout nursing school. love ya vids man
It also helps with getting accustomed to bodily fluids! Haha. After changing so much diapers, colostomy bags, and foley bags, you become almost numb to the smells.
I am not sure if “numb to the smell” is a Sarcastic statement or not but I have been a CNA for almost 5 years and has Never nor will I Ever get used to the poop smell,the diaper changing and having to deal with feces has really been challenging for me.
just passed my final for cna class to see if i want to go on to nursing..i liked being a HHA (no schooling required here for that) but i learned i was not trained well enough until i went to cna school. glad to know this will help. if im going to take care of people id rather do it right. i agree.. i can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I'm a cna working my way through nursing school too! You can definitely tell when a nurse has worked as a cna or not. The level of respect that nurses treat you with really changes if they haven't worked as a cna.
I agree. I would like to add that imho, CNA work in a hospital is better than in a rest home. I worked in a rest home for a few months. All I did was help with ADL's. Getting them up out of bed, getting dressed, brushing teeth, etc. The clinical I did in the hospital (before getting the rest home job) was more technical.
I just started my CNA class today, along with going to school! :) I'm so happy I'm on the right track and I hope to pass the state test it become a CNA, and work my way up to where I want to be X)
I worked as a home health aide for little less than a year off and on. Now I'm a certified Nurse assistant sometimes at the facuilty I work at there's 2 CNA'S for 45 residents and sometimes there 3 CNA'S for 45 residents. The job as a cna is not difficult it's more so your co-workers attitude and their teamwork. You could be assigned residents who need total care and are contracted, basic care may be hard without the assistance of your co-workers. Just yesterday my nurse in charge of the floor asked will I attend school for nursing and I replied I'm not sure but Spring 2017 I will return back to school. She sugguested I do, working as a cna you are the eyes of what goes on and get to see the other jobs like respiratory therapist does its pretty cool.
I have recently been offered a CNA role in a hospital. And I am super happy about that because I want the nursing career, I know that 100%! I've worked in a Nursing Home for almost two years, so I am a little nervous going from a Healthcare Assistant to a CNA. I understand it's a step up. I'm determined to give it my best, but I can't help but feel a little nervous. Should I be worrying? All I know from Nursing Home's is that I got treated terrible and worked understaffed most days..
Naw, just like with anything new, it's normal to feel nervous. But that's awesome that you got a job offer in a hospital. Congratulations! That's a wonderful thing. :)
nursing school has been my only medical experience but working as an rn intern/cna it's definitely harder 44 pts with 2 cnas on the floor vs 1 rn with 6 pts. I commend all cnas for what they do.
This is what I plan to do. I sadly don't have time to knock out a BSN. So I'm going to climb the ladder start as a LPN then get my ADN then eventually get my BSN.
Going to apply to a CNA program soon because I was thinking the exact same thing as what you discussed in this video. It's expensive but I think it's worth it. Thank you!
Well, I didn’t started working in the hospital as a nurse assistant but I volunteered for so long. I decided to pick Nurse assistant in long term care to understand it better. Hopefully someday I work in the hospital. I promise I will do greater things. I don’t even know how to drive. ;-;
My goal is to be a pediatric nurse because I love kids and they're fun to work with in my humble opinion. Currently, I am in the CNA program at my community college and the focus is Geriatrics and honestly it's been a real turn off for me because I'm not sure I can deal with the Perineal care of the elderly. I'm not sure I can handle it, but I don't want this class to make me turn away from nursing all together. Any advice for me on how to overcome this so I don't end up quitting now?
Whenever I was doing my little rotations in my CNA class I was a little shell shocked with having to do pericare on patients. It was to the point that I was almost considering not pursuing Nursing (just a little). But I got over it with repetition. That's what it took for me. Just to do it over and over, that helped me. Best of luck to you!
Hey nurse bass great video! I am completing my prerequisites for entry into an adn to BSN dual enrollment program. I start a CNA program next semester. A video idea you should do next is talk about the differences of nursing jobs and duties associated with each, for example CNA, PCT, LPN ect..
My nursing school doesn't offer a CNA course like a lot of others do (doing BSN at a fairly large 4 year university) and it's $3-4,000 to take a course over the summer when I need to be making money. I am a junior now and have wanted to be a CNA this entire time but it just hasn't been an option. The only plus side is that my freshman year, we learned all of the CNA skills and I also know some CNA's so I don't feel completely oblivious to the work they do.
+Audrey Umschlag Well that's great then that you at least got that fundamental CNA knowledge and understand how to get in there and "get your hands dirty," so to speak. :)
Has anyone became a CNA but didn't like it and still became a nurse? I been a cna for 10 months now and I am tired of it.I wish there was a different job related to the medical field that I can do while going to school. I got in to it because I thought it would help with talking to people which it did and its very flexible with schooling. & I thought it would look better on a resume than to have fast food experience. I work in a nursing home..... I plan on maybe being a nurse in picu, nicu, or school nurse.
Good video bro, I also Just registered for cna courses, should be certified in a few weeks and hopefully working while doing my prerequisites and in nursing school.
sent too early..lol..ty for your informative videos..I enjoy so much...we'll I'm 46 and in pre nursing sooo never to old..taking CNA course this summer...want hospital and then homecare..ideally. couple questions...are you being reimbursed for any nursing get courses? if so do you have to work ft? I can't float ft and see science courses...yikes...oh and three kids! also how are you treated at work? fairly? I know when I did this work in high school I couldn't stand the nurses at the nursing home I worked at. ty again...keep up the positive 😀
You still have to take prerequisites For RN. Even LPN have to do the same thing. I am a Medical Assistant as well and it did nothing for me when i went back for LPN. I know it's an associates in Science, but you still have to take English 1,2, and 3, growth and development, algebra, and nutrition. I just would have got a bachelor degree in science and than went for Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician assistant (PA)
Do you have any advice on physically preparing for cna work? I worked for Visiting Angels for a while and I remember having a client I had to transfer. my boss told me all I had to do was slide her over to a new chair but it turns out I had to lift her. The woman was only about 90lbs but I couldn't lift her at all. I had to get her son to help me. It was terrible! She was cussing me the whole time and calling me stupid. Which is fine. I'm prepared for clients like that. I've been told you have to have a strong back to do can work. I'm not in the best shape. I guess I can do some dead lifts and squats at the gym or something. I have my Medical Assisting certification but no experience so I haven't been able to find a job yet. I aspire to get my BSN but want experience. How hard has the job physically been for you?
The job can be physical, most definitely. However, don't feel like you have to do all of the physical work on your own. If you have to pull a patient up in bed, ask for help. If you have a patient who has soiled the bed badly, ask for help. You don't have to drown alone in the pool when you have coworkers. However, you can definitely be on your feet for the 12 hours and it can be nonstop. I would look at the job as more physically demanding in the sense of "Stamina" as opposed to "Strength".
I tried being a cna and it was definitely not for me! It was definitely eye opening and I did not last long! I hated it. Would you say if you don’t like being a cna you won’t like nursing?
+Zamantha Boone I had to take a separate summer course in order to get the certificate of course completion, and be able to go take the state test to actually become certified. In some states, if all you want to do is become a CNA, you can just go take the state test without ever taking an actual course. But if you want to use it to get accepted into a Nursing program, then you have to take the actual class.
I have a question, I’m planning on registering for AHP(CNA class) in the fall but I’m wondering if I could take my regular classes AND work my day job at the same time AND do my CNA course all at the same time? (Day job being a sales associate) what would you recommend?
Hey, Bass - Love your vids! Have a question about C.n.a training, or any level of nursing if it relates to my question. I am a 42 year old male who recieved a heart transplant roughly 7 years ago. I was given the go ahead by my team to pursue/finish my nursing training (which i had started years earlier) but had some concerns as i am now a bit older from when i first started. Mostly i just wanted to get your opinion and any advice on starting C.n.a training and working in the field at my age. Iv read many stories on the physical demands of nursing/C.n.a and am curious if you have any success stories you've run in to that may relate? Thank you,sir. Keep up the good work!
Did you have to do a special program for your CNA job or was it the case that they hired you as a CNA knowing you were qualified because you were in nursing school? Was it challenging to work and attend nursing school?
+MissReckfulHater 007 I had to actually take a CNA class at my college and then take the state tests to actually become certified. However, I only had to take a CNA class because my Nursing School required it as a prerequisite before begin admitted to the program. If I just simply wanted to become a CNA, all I would have had to do was go take the state tests and become certified. :)
Oh I see. In california its a little bit of a different process I think, but I definitely want to look into becoming a CNA while in nursing. It seems like a job a nursing students would really benefit from. Thank you so much for the video man. One last thing, Was is challenging being a CNA while you were in nursing school?
I am currently finishing up my general ed at a community college and I start my CNA program in March but I am super nervous because this is the first time Im really getting into any type of nursing and was wondering what to expect in the course and also what type of jobs are available for CNA's once I am certified?
+Devinne Ingram The course just teaches you the general skills necessary to take care of a patient at the basic level. How to make a bed, bathe a patient in bed, denture care, take vital signs, activities of daily living, etc. And the jobs that are available are basically Nursing Homes and Hospitals. That's to the best of my knowledge. But in general, it's an easy program and class to pass. The nerve-racking part is the State Test lol. But even then, it's relatively easy. :) Good luck!
At my school currently RN students: OMG occupied beds how...ehlp...how you do it so fast. CNA students: yawn* I'm about to get you on these fresh sheets of goodness in record time because my professor made me do this till my eye bleed out. For us we have to take a basic EMT course as a pre-req to even get into the CNA program.
No, that's way too much lol. I'm not sure one could even technically work as a CNA while holding an RN license. I don't know for sure though. Naw, you want all of the experience you can get doing the duties of the RN. It will just take time my friend :)
I want to become a cna first but my mom wants to me to do the RN straight threw but I really want to gain experience to see if this is for me as a male any advice?
+mike8pow Well most programs that I know of require you to become a CNA first prior to being admitted into Nursing School. My recommendation would be to obtain your CNA and work as one while in Nursing School. CNA classes are only a couple of weeks (months at most).
+mike8pow another male here, looking to get into nursing program. I have zero experience in health care. I feel like I should be trying to become a CNA in the meantime.
+honeybun7890 In some states, you can simply take the State Test and then you will become a CNA. In other states, you have to pay money to actually take a course, and THEN take the State Test to become a CNA!
I was a mid-life career changer, and started as a CNA. It was the best foundation ever. I have since been LPN, RN, BSN, and now in MSN program. Any nurse who does not start as a CNA is professionally handicapped. Do not think that you will never make an occupied bed, give a bed bath, feed a patient, or change a brief!! CNA skills are essential!!!
+Nancy Curtis That's super awesome that you have basically climbed the latter and did each spectrum of Nursing degrees in your pursuit of the Masters. I don't know if I would necessarily say that they're handicapped lol (although I haven't been there yet), but it is most definitely an advantage!! :)
Yeah, my dad freak out when I told him that I would have to do "dirty work." He was like, "Can't you get a BSN and skip all that?" First of all I can't. I already went to school twice and received a MSW. So financial aid isn't like it was the first round. I'll have to be more strategic; and from what I'm reading, I'll gain more patient skills and "endurance" anyway. Thanks for sharing.
I am in the process of doing the same. Forty years old and finally after raising three kids and caregiver for both parents...I'm in a CNA program and off to RN next. God bless yall.
I have a tip to add from my previous experience. Get your CNA certification before you start prerequisites and get a year or two of experience before nursing school and work for a staffing agency during nursing school. This is basically what I did, and I love it because i get to choose when I work and sometimes where I work. I also get paid $5+ more an hour than the other techs.
I also failed to mention that I float and get to see so much... my one hospital has 7 different ICU floors, and i sometimes even work in the ER
How do you find agencies that have hospital positions?
My agency only requires a year of experience and CNA certification. Google nursing staffing agencies, medical staffing network is the most known one, i would say.
+Heather N Music thanks. I do home health and need a changr
Do you know of hospitals doing tuition reimbursement for CNA's going on to nursing? Is it common or unheard of?
Start my CNA class Monday and nursing next school year.. I chose this route to make sure that nursing is absolutely what I want to do
Well that's awesome. Good luck to you in your class! :D
It was a fast process, 2 days after I applied, I got a call from H&R had my phone interview, THEN was scheduled for an ON-SITE interview right then & there. Then a week later went to take interview & then I was asked to job shadow, I did then after the nurse manager asked me if I'm still interested I said yes then she said you have this position do you have any questions? I cried outta joy because my dream as a BSN someday is to be in the ER working in the ICU care benefits me so much! I love being a CNA my floor has 60 patients & me & the nurses work together & the other CNA, its a fast pace work environment but I like that. I seem to function better under pressure - yes a floor of 60 people & 2 CNAs I still get my break no matter what; the nurses make sure of that. The other CNA is so nice, she's been there for 19 years she's such a trouper & now my friend.
I work as a PCT/CNA at a hospital, in the ICU I do 12 hour shifts 3x a week & am also doing full time nursing BSN prereqs as well; becoming a CNA first is very rewarding because working in a hospital I've been trained how to do blood sugars, reading EGK's, in the hospital I got a lot of phlebotomy training. These details I didn't learn in CNA school because it wasn't in my scope of practice. But some hospitals will cross train you & pay for you to get a EKG/PHLEBOTOMY Certification. As a new CNA straight outta CNA school I applied at this hospital got the job as a Milti-Skilled CNA/PCT I didn't expect to get this job but I was like what the hell I already filled out 50 other applications, I didn't expect this job would want me because I had no experience in a hospital expect for my 72 hours in clinical the required experience is 2 years experience for this position, I even told the nurse manager "I'm a student with no experience" I was honest & thats why she through me in :D she replied "I want you on my team I was a CNA before becoming a MSN I want those who want to grow, you have no experience no problem because you will learn" maybe she did call my last job, at another hospital but there I was the clerk up in MOM/BABY & I received an award of (Grace Under Pressure).
+Jackie Evans I'm very envious of the fact that you're in the ICU!! But yea, that sounds like an extremely heavy workload! But yes, those additional skills and things that you learn are so paramount and helpful to your career in the long run. Very exciting.
it's weird, it's ICU & CCU combined. I applied everywhere, all over Colorado - I do 7om-7am, it's different. I want to switch to days in a year, I think I should when I get into nursing school after I'm done with prereqs, & drop one day of work for my sanity. Because I WILL legit die if I work night for nursing school - I enjoy sleeping.
Awww...inspirational story. Congrats!
I love my CNA status! I love being able to work as well going to nursing shool! Tell you what patients are the best teachers! My thing is, I need to be a great follower before I become a great leader. THANKS!
No problem!
fkeeep up
This makes me feel much better. I applied to an ADN program and a BSN program, but decided to go to the ADN since it makes since financially. But the BSN school said that ADNs are not good. But a few people I know say that they started off as an ADN/ASN and did CNA work before going to school for a BSN. So this video confirms this. Can't wait to begin.
+ThisIsShe Daily Yea, there are a lot of people taking the ADN route. It's just important to bear in mind that a lot of major hospitals are phasing out from hiring RN's with ADN's. That's why it's important to get your foot in the door in a different role so that you can get hired on as an RN when you graduate! Good luck to you!!
+Nurse Bass Thanks! That's what I have been warned about. I hope to work as an CNA for only two years while I attend ADN school and then find some way to get my foot in the door as you say. I fear not getting a RN position since I plan to use my higher income to pay for schooling. I know it's competitive at hospitals but hopefully I can find something at centers, nursing homes, or clinics.
amen brother! Coming into nursing school with a 7 year CNA background with 2 as a hospital wide Float CNA. Gotten to see a lot that may/may not come up in clinical rotations. And as you mentioned, Time Management!
And as always...appreciate your CNAs, they are the eyes on your patients and more often than not see some clinical manifestations before you might.
+Murse Adam Yea, that Float CNA is amazing experience (so I've heard). But yes, TIME MANAGEMENT all day!
CNA'S do majority of the hands on process. If something is different or off in a patient CNA'S are the first to notice the change. I believe working as a CNA should be a requirement for every nursing program (ADN or BSN). It's the basic (foundation) knowledge of patient care and procedures.
+Bridgett Jackson Yea, most times obtaining your CNA certification is a requirement for Nursing programs. But actually obtaining a job as a CNA isn't. But it's super helpful to the career!
Bridgett Jackson it's a requirement at my school lol
Bridgett Jackson here in Colorado it's a requirement
Hawaii requires CNA first !
Bridgett Jackson that would be adding more to my plate lol. But I totally agree
Yeah bro I agree completely!! I started as a CNA worked about 6 months in a rehab/LTC facility, had a minimum of 12 patients a day. It was HARD work! I then went to more school for patient care tech, and have been working in a hospital for about 3 Months. I love when we get slammed (10 patients for 2 techs lol). Start nursing school in the fall and am looking forward to it. I feel very prepared having worked 12-16 hour days on top of school. I think everyone going into nursing should at least become a CNA first. I know how much I will respect my CNAs when I finally become a nurse. Thanks for the videos you really inspire me to push hard for my goals.
+David Permetti Yea, exactly. It's just going to help the individual (future RN) become a better Nurse and appreciate their CNA's all the more!
Throughout all of my summer in 2015 while i was still in High School, i took a course where i assisted the CNA's at my local hospital on 6 hour shifts Monday - Friday in the Med Surg section of the Hospital. I was also moved around throught the sections from Geriatrics to ER to ICU to Subacute etc. It was a great experience and being that i took that course as my first internship, it helped me a lot as i did my Clinical Hours to earn my M.A. Back office certificate and sure helped me with my vitals, patient care, terminology, and most of all being comfortable in the setting of being around patients. Now i am graduated from High School still doing community service at the clinical site i was located at to rack up the "experience" needed in order to get hired as an MA soon. To top it off, I'm highly looking forward to starting school next month so i can become an LVN!
I been a cna for about 5 years now and I been working graveyard shifts and it's quiet helpful
+Robin Gacud I bet it has been! The experience is invaluable.
Iam starting my cna course tomorrow so excited but worried at the same time. I saw u making videos of nursing please why are you make more of cna in specific
+Nursebass I think I'm going to cry. :'( I really needed to watch your video. I've been struggling getting through nursing school for the past 2 years, I've been in the RN program and remediated and put in lvn and remediated. I've felt like a failure like I was never going to be good enough to move on and finally achieve that nursing license. Until one day I spoke with my psychological counselor at school and she recommended that I work as a cna for about a year and until I feel comfortable and confident I can go to the next step and try nursing school again. I just hate feeling like I don't know what I'm doing in clinical, lost, confused, paranoid and scared that I'm doing the wrong thing and that the teachers are watching me and marking me wrong for everything. I felt like a deer in a headlight. I hated it so much! I want to be confident, independent, and make the right decisions with my best judgement when I go back into nursing school. So by watching this video made me feel so much better that by getting a job as a CNA it can benefit me in the long run. I'm so happy and fortunate to aquire this job in the new year, working with loving caring and helpful nurses and staff. It's gonna be a little shaker at first, but I really think this is what I needed and shouldve done. Because I wasn't sure what to do after I finished my prerequisites. I was thinking of the cna route first, but before I could try, I got accepted into nursing school. But, any who, here's wishing and praying for a wonderful year of learning and experience that will lead to a better stronger future! :D
BrittLink OfHyrule ugghh
same girl!
i went to an LPN program and literally everything you said is EXACTLY how i feel. I went to the first clinical, flunked it, then flunked school.
that was November 2016, that November i went to an assisted living facility to work as a non-certified Nursing assistant. then this February a facility paid me to become a CNA, fast forward to the present, im still a CNA and i learned...A LOT.
i got that direct hands on patient care experience and now i feel more comfortable. and i will do way better in nursing school
The question is: why are so many new nurses graduating nursing school without learning the basic skills? Nursing school has become extremely lacking in the clinical skills department. After I graduated nursing school, I struggled with just learning how to do things like blood draws and I work outpatient. I would not function well without extensive training inpatient. Why is this the case? What has my education been for? When I graduated nursing school I knew how to write an essay but I did not know how to be an independent nurse.
+ooooo3 Yes, those are all very good questions. Really sitting back and examining the source of the problem. It's very unfortunate that some programs do not take the time to properly educate their students! :(
That's how I felt when I graduated as a social worker. I did not have enough practical skills to deal with clients and didn't learn about how the bureaucracy and work settings actually function. All my practicums were super dreamy. Sometimes it pays to start at the basics and deal with the harder challenges first.
I am currently a CNA have been since November and I appreciate this
Well you're very welcome!
I'm going to FSU for nursing this fall. I've been a CNA for four years. I believe every nursing student should have some sort of patient care experience. Plus, when you graduate, you won't think doing things such as taking a patient to the restroom as beneath you.
Fayetteville state?
+gudgurlgonebadd Florida State
I must agree being a PCA has helped me tremendously in nursing school!! Good luck this semester! You got this! I'll be graduating May 2017!!
+SupaBadNikki Thank you so much! And YOU GOT THIS TOO!! Study hard, absorb it all, and good luck!
Totally agree that the patient experience is so valuable in your future healthcare career! I'm going to be a CNA before nursing school. Plus being a new nurse grad it's hard to get a job but being able to put on your resume that you were a CNA and have years of patient experience will put you ahead of others. Not to mention, during clinicals in nursing school you won't be shy or feel intimidated by patients.
I got a job as an Stna last year and it has made my clinical experience so much easier! Without that experience the only patient contact I had was on those clinical days so it was hard to get used to patient care such as bathing, changing, transfers, all that. My school expects us, as students, to do ALL our patient care. Now that I'm comfortable with all that I can focus on my nursing skills!
+ColoryourworldMakeup Yes indeed. It makes EVERYTHING so much easier. Patient communication, Co-worker communication, patient care, everything.
I'm so glad I found your video....I got accepted into my schools nursing program and start October 3, and I finish the ᶜᴺᴬ program September 29. I took the program for the same reasons you mentioned in the video time management, patient care & hands on experience since I've never worked in a hospital before....my friends who are in the program a few quarters ahead of me didn't think the program was necessary but I'm so glad you agree! thanks I love your videos
I am starting my CNA classes next month and I am hoping to work in hospitals. My dream is to become a nurse but I wanted to see the environment of a hospital first as a health care professional. I think becoming a CNA is to a person's advantage because when you go to nursing school you already have the experience to deal with patients and know the basics of how to take care of them. I can't wait to start these classes! You make great videos btw! :)
+Meliza Hernandez I think that's a wonderful idea! Gain as much experience as possible! Thank you so much and I'm very happy that the videos have been helping you! :)
Just subbed. Loving your channel. Most informative.
I am 36 years old & heading back to school. OMG! Am I too old for this?!? My kids are in school full time so I've got the opportunity to get in college. This is it for me. I did my life all ass backwards & made a family first and going to college 2nd.
So my question is- CNA, to me, means nursing home. I absolutely do NOT want to be in a nursing home setting. I like what you're saying about getting that CNA under your belt first, it totally makes sense. Are CNAs as common in hospital or doc office settings as they are in nursing homes?
Thank you SO SO much for this channel. What a blessing!
Hugs from IN!!
+Aliya Tudor Wow, thank you so much!! And thank you for subscribing and joining me on this journey! And you're most definitely NOT too old for this! I have a video about this topic by the way: "Am I Too Old To Become a Nurse." Check it out! :D
CNA's are extremelyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy common in Hospitals. That's where I work, as a CNA in a Hospital. I really am not too sure about Doctor's Offices. I think those are primarily Medical Assistants. But yes, you can def pursue the hospital route (which I recommend).
:DDDDDD
+Aliya Tudor I'm a 37 year old male, former teacher, looking to get into a nursing program. My mother is a nurse and went back to school in her 50's to get her RN. Never too late!
Good for you! any update?
+I Will still plugging away at school. Started the pre-reqs. Worked at a nursing home a few months & yep, don't care for it. So I'm applying at hospitals in my area. 😁
I completely agree! It also makes the first semester of nursing school easier since the skills as a CNA is what a nurse needs to know. Going right into nursing straight is pretty brutal and difficult. I found out many nurses worked as a CNA before becoming a nurse in a hospital, which helped. At least where I live, there's not much job opportunities for RN/LVN unless you've had 1-2 years or more of work experience. Being a CNA helps with that experience hospitals want.
This makes me feel much better. I applied to an ADN program and a BSN program, but decided to go to the ADN since it makes since financially. But the BSN school said that ADNs are not good. But a few people I know say that they started off as an ADN/ASN and did CNA work before going to school for a BSN. So this video confirms this. Can't wait to begin.
+ThisIsShe Daily I've talked to nurses who said that generally, a BSN gives more job opportunities. However, my CNA teachers said they found nurses who were CNA to LVN to RN to be great nurses or LVN to BSN. Training for ADN vs. BSN is different from what teachers have told me. I heard ADN gives you more clinical experience vs BSN is more towards nursing research and that kind of thing. I am aiming for BSN but want to take baby steps to get there. It also depends on the school because there were some BSN programs that don't train the students in the basic nursing care (bed bath, etc). I think it depends on the program, but I was surprised when I was at the hospital how the nurses complimented is CNA's compared to the BSN nursing students. Their knowledge base in their school was a lot less even though the scope of practice as a CNA vs. nursing is different. I feel like ADN is better for hands-on clinical experience more than BSN programs. I intend to transfer with a LVN-BSN program when I finish the LVN program
+axnmangaafan100 Yea I mean, I understand that becoming a CNA isn't really a requirement. But I'm just trying to say that becoming a CNA is definitely an amazing step to take to assist one in their road to RN. So I agree 100% :D
Yes slizzure sir! I watched this 2 days ago but forgot to leave a comment! Wanted to show some love. CNA first! Though you can get it while your in school like you did. No one should ever become a med tech in my opinion unless your employer is paying for your education. There is no route for advancement other than going to nursing school. Med tech school by me cost 20k to make 12-16 dollars for life. Might as well just get your LPN because then you can get your RN and keep moving up the ladder.
+NurseMurse Yes sir indeed! Thanks for dropping by, showing the love and giving the viewers some insight! They could learn a lot from you since you have been there and done that! :D
Where do you live? The med tech class in my area is only 4 hours and cost $69. Scary to think that in 4 hours one can pass meds at an ALF with 60 or more residents!!
I needed this video right now. Sitting here drinking my glass of wine preparing for my A&P exam tomorrow and I just passed the Texas state CNA exam on Saturday. I got a job at this nursing home here in San Antonio, and it makes me want to quit all of this and run far away. I've got experience (5 years as a CMT in maryland working in homes with people with developmental disabilities, it was basically CNA work + certified to give meds) but nothing prepared me for what I would face in this nursing home. I feel so overwhelmed and the other staff there just sort of dump 8-10 patients on me and I don't even have time to take a piss let alone eat dinner if I want to get out of there by 11pm. I see them finished their after dinner rounds by 7:30-8pm and by the time I'm done it's already nearly 10pm and it's time to start last rounds. I really just never want to go back but that makes me feel like if I abandon this due to feeling overwhelmed, there's no way I'd make it as a nurse. I wanted the job at this nursing home so bad because I love being around the elderly and helping them, but being a CNA doesn't feel like I'm helping them at all. I've got no time to talk to them or do anything extra for them aside from treating them like they're on an assembly line.
I was a CNA first and I can definitely say that it allows you to learn the hands on patient care skills that are often rushed through your first semester in nursing school. It allows you to get more comfortable interacting with patients, doctors nurses etc. you can get experience charting properly per Hospital system. One of the biggest things it can do is GET YOU A JOB BEFORE YOU EVEN START/FINISH NURSING SCHOOL. Hospitals want people that they know they can trust and people they know work hard. If your employer knows you are a cna in nursing school, once you graduate and become a nurse you already have an edge on new nurses who may not be familiar with the hospital and it's core values. You already know your coworkers and it's nothing like having a employer back you up and push you to want to be great. My hospital told me they wanted to hire me as a nurse before I even graduated and that was an amazing feeling to know they see your work and want you at the next level.
Oh and I didn't even mention potential tuition reimbursements from your job. Being a CNA and already working in the environment definitely has its perks
Great video! :) 10 patients? Shoot I wish. I'm a CNA/PCT in a hospital and we usually have 16 patients each lol. I agree, being a CNA before becoming a Nurse seems like the best route to take!
+Boricuahhh Yea, I've heard that from many CNAs now. It's definitely great experience for sure.
Agree 100 %...followed that path and have a great respect for CNA's
It's great for building experience and patient-care development
Decided to go through a CNA program this fall while i wait for admission into nursing school in the spring. I got into nursing school! And I'm glad i went through the CNA program because its helped me be comfortable with patients. Handling them, talking to them, feeding, hygiene, charting, etc. Ill have my CNA license by December and know the work/clinical work i did during this program will help me throughout nursing school. love ya vids man
It also helps with getting accustomed to bodily fluids! Haha. After changing so much diapers, colostomy bags, and foley bags, you become almost numb to the smells.
+dadadahdom Yea, that's another perk haha.
I am not sure if “numb to the smell” is a Sarcastic statement or not but I have been a CNA for almost 5 years and has Never nor will I Ever get used to the poop smell,the diaper changing and having to deal with feces has really been challenging for me.
just passed my final for cna class to see if i want to go on to nursing..i liked being a HHA (no schooling required here for that) but i learned i was not trained well enough until i went to cna school. glad to know this will help. if im going to take care of people id rather do it right. i agree.. i can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
I'm a cna working my way through nursing school too! You can definitely tell when a nurse has worked as a cna or not. The level of respect that nurses treat you with really changes if they haven't worked as a cna.
You are so right. I am a LPN student and I just got certified as a CNA and I work now. The hands on experience is incredible. ❤
I agree. I would like to add that imho, CNA work in a hospital is better than in a rest home. I worked in a rest home for a few months. All I did was help with ADL's. Getting them up out of bed, getting dressed, brushing teeth, etc. The clinical I did in the hospital (before getting the rest home job) was more technical.
I am currently a nurses aid for a nursing home, going to school for my official stna and it is such a great opportunity
I just started my CNA class today, along with going to school! :) I'm so happy I'm on the right track and I hope to pass the state test it become a CNA, and work my way up to where I want to be X)
+Merlissa Agustin Good luck to you and I really do wish you well my friend!!
Thank you so much! And also thank you for your videos :) they are really helping me a lot in understanding nursing a bit more.
I worked as a home health aide for little less than a year off and on. Now I'm a certified Nurse assistant sometimes at the facuilty I work at there's 2 CNA'S for 45 residents and sometimes there 3 CNA'S for 45 residents. The job as a cna is not difficult it's more so your co-workers attitude and their teamwork. You could be assigned residents who need total care and are contracted, basic care may be hard without the assistance of your co-workers. Just yesterday my nurse in charge of the floor asked will I attend school for nursing and I replied I'm not sure but Spring 2017 I will return back to school. She sugguested I do, working as a cna you are the eyes of what goes on and get to see the other jobs like respiratory therapist does its pretty cool.
I have recently been offered a CNA role in a hospital. And I am super happy about that because I want the nursing career, I know that 100%! I've worked in a Nursing Home for almost two years, so I am a little nervous going from a Healthcare Assistant to a CNA. I understand it's a step up. I'm determined to give it my best, but I can't help but feel a little nervous. Should I be worrying? All I know from Nursing Home's is that I got treated terrible and worked understaffed most days..
Naw, just like with anything new, it's normal to feel nervous. But that's awesome that you got a job offer in a hospital. Congratulations! That's a wonderful thing. :)
nursing school has been my only medical experience but working as an rn intern/cna it's definitely harder 44 pts with 2 cnas on the floor vs 1 rn with 6 pts. I commend all cnas for what they do.
That's insane (44 pts with 2 CNAs). Yea, it's a tough job but it's also wonderful experience for the aspiring Nurse!
This is what I plan to do. I sadly don't have time to knock out a BSN. So I'm going to climb the ladder start as a LPN then get my ADN then eventually get my BSN.
Going to apply to a CNA program soon because I was thinking the exact same thing as what you discussed in this video. It's expensive but I think it's worth it. Thank you!
Well, I didn’t started working in the hospital as a nurse assistant but I volunteered for so long. I decided to pick Nurse assistant in long term care to understand it better. Hopefully someday I work in the hospital. I promise I will do greater things. I don’t even know how to drive. ;-;
This is exactly what I am doing, even if ultimately I can to work my way up yo an RN.Thank you for input!
+WitheredCemetery Flower You're very welcome!!
My goal is to be a pediatric nurse because I love kids and they're fun to work with in my humble opinion. Currently, I am in the CNA program at my community college and the focus is Geriatrics and honestly it's been a real turn off for me because I'm not sure I can deal with the Perineal care of the elderly. I'm not sure I can handle it, but I don't want this class to make me turn away from nursing all together. Any advice for me on how to overcome this so I don't end up quitting now?
Whenever I was doing my little rotations in my CNA class I was a little shell shocked with having to do pericare on patients. It was to the point that I was almost considering not pursuing Nursing (just a little). But I got over it with repetition. That's what it took for me. Just to do it over and over, that helped me. Best of luck to you!
Hey nurse bass great video! I am completing my prerequisites for entry into an adn to BSN dual enrollment program. I start a CNA program next semester. A video idea you should do next is talk about the differences of nursing jobs and duties associated with each, for example CNA, PCT, LPN ect..
+Austin Collins That's a pretty interesting idea. Thanks for the input, and good luck to you in completing your prerequisites!! :D
Perfect explanation!
i thought about doing this to get hands on experience.
+Dreadhead Ki Yea, I highly recommend it. It's wonderful experience.
My nursing school doesn't offer a CNA course like a lot of others do (doing BSN at a fairly large 4 year university) and it's $3-4,000 to take a course over the summer when I need to be making money. I am a junior now and have wanted to be a CNA this entire time but it just hasn't been an option. The only plus side is that my freshman year, we learned all of the CNA skills and I also know some CNA's so I don't feel completely oblivious to the work they do.
+Audrey Umschlag Well that's great then that you at least got that fundamental CNA knowledge and understand how to get in there and "get your hands dirty," so to speak. :)
This is true! :) if I could go back in time, I definitely would have tried to save up do it before I started school.
I had 22-23 patients at a nursing home.
thank you so much for talking about this. i want to become a doctor in the future and im going to start my cna course this summer or fall.
Up to 30 patients
Great video. I see your up late replying to your comments. can't sleep? ya me neither. I chose LVN first. but I know several CNAs that did that too.
+Tracie renee Haha yeaaaaa, I'm such a night owl lol
Just subscribed to your channel. Thank you sooo much for the helpful tips I am planning on doing the CNA training very soon. 😊✌🏾️
Has anyone became a CNA but didn't like it and still became a nurse? I been a cna for 10 months now and I am tired of it.I wish there was a different job related to the medical field that I can do while going to school. I got in to it because I thought it would help with talking to people which it did and its very flexible with schooling. & I thought it would look better on a resume than to have fast food experience. I work in a nursing home..... I plan on maybe being a nurse in picu, nicu, or school nurse.
I was stuck in between CNA and LPN because I need to wait a whole year before starting cause I need to do a 2 part PT test
appreciate the info sir keep it up my nursing assistants love your work I am a prospective nurse and educator so great job. Sincerely, Lucy big fan.
A CNA nooooo - no money I have a lot of bills. I'm sure you learn a lot though. I hate working in nursing homes too😫
Good video bro, I also Just registered for cna courses, should be certified in a few weeks and hopefully working while doing my prerequisites and in nursing school.
+Randy's Journey That's awesome man. That's the idea buddy! Get that good experience while working toward your career!
I just passed my cna exams :)!!
sent too early..lol..ty for your informative videos..I enjoy so much...we'll I'm 46 and in pre nursing sooo never to old..taking CNA course this summer...want hospital and then homecare..ideally. couple questions...are you being reimbursed for any nursing get courses? if so do you have to work ft? I can't float ft and see science courses...yikes...oh and three kids! also how are you treated at work? fairly? I know when I did this work in high school I couldn't stand the nurses at the nursing home I worked at. ty again...keep up the positive 😀
what about if u have a medical assistant associates before nursing school
Any experience is better than no experience! I think that's great.
You still have to take prerequisites For RN. Even LPN have to do the same thing. I am a Medical Assistant as well and it did nothing for me when i went back for LPN. I know it's an associates in Science, but you still have to take English 1,2, and 3, growth and development, algebra, and nutrition. I just would have got a bachelor degree in science and than went for Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician assistant (PA)
thank u people think am crazy for going through the same route
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 great video!
+Cathy Lopez Thank you Miss Lopez :) :p
I'm enrolled for a CNA this fall. I'm worried I might not do well.. I want to become a registered nurse too...I feel like I can't...
thank you so much for your video nurse bass. would you recommend working as a CNA while going to nursing school?
Do you have any advice on physically preparing for cna work? I worked for Visiting Angels for a while and I remember having a client I had to transfer. my boss told me all I had to do was slide her over to a new chair but it turns out I had to lift her. The woman was only about 90lbs but I couldn't lift her at all. I had to get her son to help me. It was terrible! She was cussing me the whole time and calling me stupid. Which is fine. I'm prepared for clients like that. I've been told you have to have a strong back to do can work. I'm not in the best shape. I guess I can do some dead lifts and squats at the gym or something. I have my Medical Assisting certification but no experience so I haven't been able to find a job yet. I aspire to get my BSN but want experience. How hard has the job physically been for you?
The job can be physical, most definitely. However, don't feel like you have to do all of the physical work on your own. If you have to pull a patient up in bed, ask for help. If you have a patient who has soiled the bed badly, ask for help. You don't have to drown alone in the pool when you have coworkers. However, you can definitely be on your feet for the 12 hours and it can be nonstop. I would look at the job as more physically demanding in the sense of "Stamina" as opposed to "Strength".
I'm about to take a CNA course in the next month
Nikki Oliver Dang, same here. Really hoping it will be the right field for me. Good luck to everyone pursing this new adventure.
I'd LOVE to have 10 patients. I have 15 to 18 usually. They work the piss out of you for no money. I guess it depends on where you are though.
Joshua Despain And then management wonders why they can’t retain staff
CNA IS CONSIDERED A NURSE.. WENT TO NURSING SCHOOL AND TAKE STATE EXAM AND TO BECOME A CERTIFIED NURSE ASSISTANT...
Is the cna program suppose to be fast and intense or is it just my program
Sounds like my CNA program as well lol
Nurse Bass I just got my Cna license I was wondering what would you prefer working day
or night shift as a Cna
I tried being a cna and it was definitely not for me! It was definitely eye opening and I did not last long! I hated it. Would you say if you don’t like being a cna you won’t like nursing?
gonna be starting training to be a cna next week and was wondering if this was a good route before going into the nursing field thanks for your input
+Tenaj Cheshier Yes indeed!
How did you get your CNA license? Was it through your nursing program or did you have to take seperate classes to get certified?
+Zamantha Boone I had to take a separate summer course in order to get the certificate of course completion, and be able to go take the state test to actually become certified. In some states, if all you want to do is become a CNA, you can just go take the state test without ever taking an actual course. But if you want to use it to get accepted into a Nursing program, then you have to take the actual class.
I have a question, I’m planning on registering for AHP(CNA class) in the fall but I’m wondering if I could take my regular classes AND work my day job at the same time AND do my CNA course all at the same time? (Day job being a sales associate) what would you recommend?
law enforcment vs cna idk what to do
Hey, Bass - Love your vids! Have a question about C.n.a training, or any level of nursing if it relates to my question. I am a 42 year old male who recieved a heart transplant roughly 7 years ago. I was given the go ahead by my team to pursue/finish my nursing training (which i had started years earlier) but had some concerns as i am now a bit older from when i first started. Mostly i just wanted to get your opinion and any advice on starting C.n.a training and working in the field at my age. Iv read many stories on the physical demands of nursing/C.n.a and am curious if you have any success stories you've run in to that may relate? Thank you,sir. Keep up the good work!
Did you have to do a special program for your CNA job or was it the case that they hired you as a CNA knowing you were qualified because you were in nursing school? Was it challenging to work and attend nursing school?
+MissReckfulHater 007 I had to actually take a CNA class at my college and then take the state tests to actually become certified. However, I only had to take a CNA class because my Nursing School required it as a prerequisite before begin admitted to the program. If I just simply wanted to become a CNA, all I would have had to do was go take the state tests and become certified. :)
Oh I see. In california its a little bit of a different process I think, but I definitely want to look into becoming a CNA while in nursing. It seems like a job a nursing students would really benefit from. Thank you so much for the video man. One last thing, Was is challenging being a CNA while you were in nursing school?
I am currently finishing up my general ed at a community college and I start my CNA program in March but I am super nervous because this is the first time Im really getting into any type of nursing and was wondering what to expect in the course and also what type of jobs are available for CNA's once I am certified?
+Devinne Ingram The course just teaches you the general skills necessary to take care of a patient at the basic level. How to make a bed, bathe a patient in bed, denture care, take vital signs, activities of daily living, etc. And the jobs that are available are basically Nursing Homes and Hospitals. That's to the best of my knowledge. But in general, it's an easy program and class to pass. The nerve-racking part is the State Test lol. But even then, it's relatively easy. :) Good luck!
thanks❤
At my school currently RN students: OMG occupied beds how...ehlp...how you do it so fast. CNA students: yawn* I'm about to get you on these fresh sheets of goodness in record time because my professor made me do this till my eye bleed out. For us we have to take a basic EMT course as a pre-req to even get into the CNA program.
Could you work as a CNA while you’re a new nurse just to be able to learn more? Or is this too much?
No, that's way too much lol. I'm not sure one could even technically work as a CNA while holding an RN license. I don't know for sure though. Naw, you want all of the experience you can get doing the duties of the RN. It will just take time my friend :)
I'm an medical assistant who is considering to be an nurse. Does that help in any way?
How do you become a CNA ?
At my school it is mandatory that you take a 75 Hour Nurse Aide course as a prerequisite. You have no choice haha.
Did anyone do pediatrics?
I suggest 1.75 speed so you can hear him talk normally.
Roughly how much do cnas make an hour ?
how can i do it online ?
Can you become a CNA in Highschool?
I want to become a cna first but my mom wants to me to do the RN straight threw but I really want to gain experience to see if this is for me as a male any advice?
+mike8pow Well most programs that I know of require you to become a CNA first prior to being admitted into Nursing School. My recommendation would be to obtain your CNA and work as one while in Nursing School. CNA classes are only a couple of weeks (months at most).
Oh okay cool that's what I'm going to do then thanks buddy I give you an update on how things go
+mike8pow another male here, looking to get into nursing program. I have zero experience in health care. I feel like I should be trying to become a CNA in the meantime.
how do you become a cna?
+honeybun7890 In some states, you can simply take the State Test and then you will become a CNA. In other states, you have to pay money to actually take a course, and THEN take the State Test to become a CNA!
+Nurse Bass Ok, i'll do some research thanks!
i feel like ma's get no love. and ma's have more training then cnas they can do more stuff
Im a c.n.a.
CNA or phlebotomist? I need help. Please.
Cari Its all about What do you prefer , the training , Job pay in your state for those particular positions
10 patients? Try 17 patients...
+perfectdiva22 That's really sad that the patient load is that high where you are. I'm sorry to hear that!
how much do cna make hourly?
It depends on if you have experience, and if you work in long term care or a hospital.
I've seen it range from $8/hr to $14
+Nurse Bass no experience at all and planning to go to a cna program near where I live.
daaam nigga fr? 10 patients is fucking heavenly to me I'm gonna have to handle 34 patients a day my nigga. MY BACK GON-FUCKING H U R T!
but I don't like old people. I like babies lol