How important do you think it is to work as a nursing aide before beginning your

1. 67

   cnatraininghelpposted 11 years ago

   How important do you think it is to work as a nursing aide before beginning your R.N training?

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2. 85

   kansasyarnposted 11 years ago

   While I do not believe that everyone "must" work as a nursing aide before becoming and LPN or RN, it can be most helpful in understanding the role of the aide.  Some in nursing leadership forget that some of the most labor intensive aspects of nursing care are performed by our nursing aides.  So, I would say that I definitely agree that working as an aide is helpful for those who will one day work as a nursing supervisor.

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3. 61

   Dr. Haddoxposted 11 years ago

   As a physician, I have been able to watch the process that you speak of up close. Actually, it is not necessary for one to work as a nursing aide before beginning one's R.N. training. Now having said this, it is advantageous if one does have some nursing experience before making a decision to become an RN, if for no other reason, one has given one's self a chance to "be sure" that one wants to do Nursing, as a professional, as a life-time career. It one works as a nursing aide, one will see what an RN does, and one will find out if one has the "inclination, talent, and work ethic (not to mention the commitment)," to do the work of an RN. By the way, when I was a young person, struggling with my preparation to become a physician, my friends in Norway, who where also preparing to go to med school, had to work as "orderlies," another name for nursing aides, back in those days, before they were allowed to inter medical school. They had to work in the role of orderly for 1 year at least. I am not saying that you need to work in that role for one year before going to nursing school. Within a few months, one will know, whether or not, one likes nursing. I hope that my answer has helped. Good luck, in your quest to become a RN. I love nurses, all nurses, including nursing aides, practical nurses and RNs. They always impress me with their level of commitment, dedication, professionalism and character.
   Regards,
   Dr. Haddox

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4. 80

   Stina Caxeposted 11 years ago

   I know several people who have gone through nursing school and once they started actually working ended up deciding it was too hard for them.  Maybe working as an aide first would help decide if that career move is right for you.  I do not work in that field but I have to say I have more respect for nurses than I do for most other people in other professions.  And some of the best nurses I do know (who saved my daughters life) started volunteering and working as aides as early as 15!

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   aliciaharrellposted 11 years ago

   My niece in-law informed me that she was glad to be a Nurse’s Aide first before continuing forward in her nursing career. Today she is an RN. She is very grateful for the Nurse’s Aide experience for it helped her know for certain that this career choice was best for her. My niece in-law is the smiling RN at a local hospital who seems to always have a happy day because she loves and is passionate about what she does; good deeds daily.

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6. 60

   Compliance Doctorposted 11 years ago

   It is imperative for one to get some exposure in this field before spending all this time and money on a career that might just be ignorantly chosen.  Ignorantly chosen in terms of not being aware of the struggles, the enormous responsibility, the abuse from co-workers and from physicians.  It is a brutal industry, an industry that deserves people that truly know what it is that they are embarking upon as far as their chosen career life!

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7. 73

   tsadjatkoposted 11 years ago

   I'd say it can be very important and can help to confirm or deny your calling to be a registered nurse if you aren't quite sure. Many people in the nursing industry start their careers by becoming a nursing assistant or nursing aide. This is a great way to get started in the nursing profession and a nursing assistant usually only requires course work but no diploma. Becoming a nursing assistant may also help an individual get into a better nursing program down the line and provides employment while they are seeking bigger and better things.

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   fpherj48posted 11 years ago

   cna...This decision is entirely up to you.  I can think of no reason why you would want or need to wait at all.  If it is your goal to attend nursing school, apply and GO FOR IT!   The sooner, the better, I'm sure.  In the time you feel you should "wait," you could have completed a semester.  Best of luck to you.  Nursing is a wonderful profession and they are always needed......the pay is terrific.

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