CAREER PATHS
Is It Good to Be a CNA Before an RN?
-
EveryNurse Staff
- Last Updated: 02/06/2022
Becoming a CNA is an attractive option for many prospective nurses because the time, cost, and education requirements are far less than that of becoming an RN. On average, CNA certification programs take between 4 and 12 weeks to complete and generally cost between $800 and $1,200. These benefits alone are compelling enough for thousands of new nurses to pursue this career path, but there are many additional benefits aside from the short time and affordable cost.
Let’s explore some of the benefits of taking the CNA route before pursuing an RN degree:
Benefits of Becoming a CNA Before an RN
Certified nursing assistants make a broad range of administrative and clinical contributions to the daily operations of a healthcare facility, from taking vital signs to charting patient information, and performing basic patient care tasks. In most cases, CNA’s work under the direct supervision of an RN or other licensed healthcare provider, which helps them gain valuable insight into the duties and responsibilities of a registered nurse.
It is through this combination of experience and first-hand knowledge of the realities of daily nursing practice that many CNAs are able to successfully transition into the role of a registered nurse.
Hands-On Experience
The primary advantage to becoming a CNA first is that it provides you with hands-on experience. On a daily basis, CNAs are responsible for performing many of the basic care tasks that are common to most hospital and healthcare settings. These tasks include taking vital signs, feeding patients, assisting in the rehabilitation process via mobility training, and much more. Repeating these tasks day in and day out, over the course of several weeks or months, translates into increased confidence and better performance over time.
Knowledge of Daily Practice
Another advantage of entering the field of nursing as a CNA is increased knowledge of the realities of daily nursing practice. CNAs quickly build knowledge about what it’s like to maintain basic standards of practice, interact appropriately with patients and other professionals within the hospital setting, collect lab samples, and meet the physical requirements of nursing.
This practical knowledge base is invaluable to nurses who transition into the role of an RN, as it helps them avoid costly mistakes and can facilitate a smoother transition into daily practice.
Find Out if Nursing Is Right for You
An obvious advantage to becoming a CNA before an RN is that it provides you with information about whether or not nursing is right for you. While the general consensus among new nurses is that they made the right career choice, it only takes a false step and one mistake to alter this belief.
CNAs can actually decide within months if their chosen profession is right for them, allowing them to pursue a degree in nursing with confidence and conviction. CNAs who decide that nursing isn’t right for them can simply choose to leave the field and continue on with their lives without losing any time or money.
Prepare for Nursing School
When applying to nursing school, it is important to do everything you can to make yourself a more attractive candidate. One way to do this is by earning your CNA certificate and gaining practical experience as a nursing assistant. Many nursing programs recognize a year or more of experience in the field as equivalent to the prerequisite courses required for admission, which is a great way to shave time and money off of your educational costs.
Additionally, candidates with nursing experience demonstrate a commitment to their chosen profession that is highly prized by recruiters and admissions committees. Whether it’s a few weeks or a few years, experience as a CNA will give you an edge over the competition and help you stand out as a stronger candidate.
How to Make the Jump From CNA to RN
To a person outside the field of nursing, the duties and responsibilities of a CNA may seem very similar to those of an RN. In reality, there are a number of substantial differences between the two professions, not the least of which is education requirements.
CNAs receive very little formal clinical training in preparation for their roles and are rarely responsible for direct patient care without the supervision of an RN or another medical professional. In contrast, RNs are required to earn a degree in nursing and complete several years of clinical, face-to-face training before earning their license and becoming fully-functional members of the nursing team.
CNA to RN Bridge Programs
CNA to RN bridge programs are designed to help CNAs develop the hands-on clinical experience, knowledge, and technical skills to go from Certified Nursing Assistant to Registered Nurse. As the name implies, CNA to RN programs help students “bridge” the gap between the two professions.
CNA to RN programs are a popular option because they allow students to earn their RN degree in substantially less time than a traditional RN program. Students with qualifying experience often receive credit for their practical experience and may “test out” of required courses, so they do not have to repeat the same content twice. This approach enables students to earn their degree in a fraction of the time (and cost) it would take if they earned a traditional RN degree.
Do You Have to Become a CNA Before an RN?
While there are many advantages to becoming a CNA before an RN, it is important to understand that you do not have to become a CNA first. In fact, many of today’s new nurses choose to pursue their RN degrees immediately after high school, for various reasons.
If you do not wish to become a CNA before an RN, there is no reason you cannot simply apply to nursing schools and begin your education as a traditional student. However, if time and money are of concern, carefully weigh the pros and cons of becoming a CNA first and decide what is best for you.
Find BSN Programs Near You
Explore top accredited BSN programs in your state.
Video Library
Read More
