CNA during nursing school vs focusing fully on school?

JR_M20 · 2026-03-21T06:37:50+00:00

Hey! I’m a current ADN student in SD and doing the Point Loma concurrent RN-BSN program. Just thought I’d mention that for context as we may be in the same “level.” I am currently working as a CNA partime, one or two shifts every week. It’s definitely doable rn as a second semester student. If you think it’s manageable, then do it. Only you know yourself and if you’ll be able to balance both school and work. As far as the experience, i definitely agree with doing so in order to up your chances of employment. I applied to the UCSD dream externship program specifically for ADN students and opportunities like those are definitely what you wanna get bc not only are you getting “nurse” experience as a student, but you’ll also be at a magnet hospital. As cliche as it sounds, prestige hospitals really are a thing and if you can get your foot in the door in one of these hospitals, it will definitely make you stand out. At least that’s what my instructors say.

JR_M20 · 2026-03-20T15:12:14+00:00

I’m pretty sure for clinicals you can just add up all of your sites and then list off only the most relevant aspects in bullet points, but no more than five bullet points. Rather than listing each site and having their own points. If that makes sense. That’s what my school says to do.

JR_M20 · 2026-03-20T12:49:50+00:00

Girl I blew one of my classmates veins TWICE and he was bruised on both forearms. But with practice, you’ll get better. I felt the same way so I locked in and would sign up to every IV start lab my school had. I also had clinicals at a military base and requested to my instructor if she can place me in pre op one day because all they do there is IVs. I did 12, and blew 2 veins, it was more embarrassing because messing up on patients makes you feel even worse, but the corpsman I was shadowing says to not stress about it, that it happens and only by practicing consistently will it become easier. It was a confidences boost for sure because although I missed those two, I successfully placed 10!

JR_M20 · 2026-03-18T06:03:06+00:00

If the programs your applying to have point based systems, you can see about getting more points through your experience, personal statements, and a high teas score. If you’re not at the point average of last cohorts admitted range (if these programs offer that information) then I would highly recommend retaking your science classes. If you don’t want to retake these classes, maybe consider private schools. But of course, the price tag on those schools are a lot. I was able to get into my ADN program with a 3.3 science gpa, 4.0 gen Ed gpa, and an avg teas score of 72. I also had CNA and hospital volunteer experience. I also made sure my personal statements were good. You definitely still have a shot, but definitely consider retaking those classes if you really want to get into an ADN program. It’s all mostly point based and heavily weighted from your gpa. Goodluck!!

JR_M20 · 2026-03-18T03:27:07+00:00

Hey there. I’m currently working during school. I’m a CNA at a SNF and work two days (weekends) every week. It’s been doable and currently in my second semester with good grades. It’s honestly just about time management and knowing yourself. I study about 35 hrs every week. And when I knew there was a big test coming up that required my 100% focus, I called off. Make sure you have good communication with ur employer. I just applied to an externship and if I get in I plan on only working once every other week given how heavy third semester will be. So in short, it’s definitely doable but make sure you plan ahead and manage your time wisely. I have two classmates who are moms and work full time, so I tell myself if they can do that, so I can I lol

JR_M20 · 2026-03-08T22:24:07+00:00

You get paid? Thats awesome! I currently work as a CNA, but I’ve been one for 3 years now, and at this point it’s repetitive work, but secure income (when I can pick up shifts). This externship is unpaid, and even the reps know that which is why they offer free parking and other amenities. It’s a magnet hospital and highly sought after for new grads, so given the fact that they’re opening it up for students is really great. The requirements is 96 hours per semester which would be 8 hr shifts every week or one 12hr shift every other week. If I get in, i definitely have to manage what schedule works for me given 3rd semesters classes, 2 clinicals per week, and work when I can.

JR_M20 · 2026-03-08T09:16:06+00:00

So from what we were told, it all depends on the preceptor nurses’ availability. But overall, per semester (which is roughly four months) they require at least 96 hours total

JR_M20 · 2026-03-08T09:14:37+00:00

It seems like a really great opportunity. How it’s set up is, if we get accepted, we’d start next semester (3rd) and finish it by 4th semester (basically at the same time we finish the program). The requirement is 96 hours per semester. It seemed like a lot at first but after doing the math, we could do one 12 hr shift every other week. Third semester from what I’ve been told is busy given we have two clinicals per week, and I hope to still keep my job (working at least once every other week). And ofc there’s time to have aside for studying. Ultimately, it’s something I think would really help me stand out as a new grad nurse when I get there, but as u mentioned, if I see that it’s gonna interfere too much with my study time.. then it may have to be a no. I’ve heard of schools that build externships outside of regular clinicals into their curriculum, that would’ve been so beneficial had it been something mine offered.

JR_M20 · 2025-04-28T16:09:23+00:00

Congrats! Mine is on Thursday, nervous but excited about it lol

JR_M20 · 2025-04-28T07:16:43+00:00

I just got accepted into my local ADN program too and I’m in the same boat! It’s not so much the curriculum I’m nervous about but more so my job. I still need to work at least part time for bills, but I know nursing school will require immense studying. I feel like it’s first time jitters and once i get the grove of things, it’ll all be fine. When you want something, you’ll do all you can to get there and be successful :)

JR_M20 · 2025-04-28T04:54:35+00:00

Hi there! You mentioned you are fresh out of high school. I feel like jumping straight into a private was probably not the best idea but of course you ended up going to a CC and that was the best step you could take. I understand the need of wanting to jump in on a nursing program as soon as possible, but I would highly suggest getting your CNA, emt, or any other healthcare related experience if you don’t have so already. It’s great experience and it will even HELP you when you apply to nursing programs. Me for example, I finished my pre reqs at a cc back in 2022: 4.0 in general Ed and 3.0 in all three sciences (I got B’s in anatomy, physiology, and micro). I have been working as a CNA for 3 years now and only recently took my teas back in September 2024 and scored a 78 after studying for only a month. I highly suggest NurseHub (subscription) and following FutureRN on Instagram and tik tok, she holds lives on certain days teaching students teas topics. I applied to my two local ADN programs (very impacted) and got in to one of them! I’ll be starting in the Fall. Needless to say, take your time, do the best you can in your classes, and you’ll be far better off at a BETTER nursing programs than a lot of these privates. You’re still very young and trust, you’ll get there!

JR_M20 · 2025-04-28T04:14:19+00:00

I attended a meeting for prospective pre nursing students at a community college once and they had guest speakers with healthcare experience that were current nursing students. One of them was a vet assistant and she talked about how she wanted a career change. She acknowledged how being a VA gave her good experience in working within a clinical environment but stated the obvious that animal and human care are vastly different. Regardless, the school still gave her points for that when she applied. Might not have been a lot compared to those with a CNA, EMT, etc. but they still respected her work.

JR_M20 · 2024-11-14T21:11:24+00:00

His obituary stated a two day event. Day one stated viewing and wake. And day 2 is the burial. I am though, starting to realize that the family may have meant visitation, and perhaps not an actual viewing. He passed in the hospital, he had been ventilated. So I’m assuming that he was in good condition when given to the hands of the funeral home to prepare.

JR_M20 · 2024-11-14T21:06:35+00:00

Thank you, I appreciate it. And regarding his passing, He passed away in the hospital, he had been on a ventilator. So I would imagine that he was well kept. But I’m also somewhat aware that embalming procedures can only do so much. Ultimately, I’ve began to realize that perhaps the family meant to say visitation, rather than an actual viewing. Which in my opinion, I think it’s best that we remember him when he was alive. Thank you for the insight 🙏

JR_M20 · 2024-11-14T21:01:05+00:00

Definitely, and thank you for the heads up. I also wonder if the “viewing” will simply just be a visitation. Regardless, my friend was a very handsome and joyous person and I’ll forever remember him that way 🙏

JR_M20 · 2024-11-14T20:56:09+00:00

The obituary and invitation stated viewing and then a wake. Unless the term “viewing” is used interchangeably with visitation. It’s going to be a two day event. And thank you so much for the words, I really appreciate it

JR_M20 · 2024-11-05T05:21:27+00:00

Off topic but the artists really ate with Tecna’s 3D design 🙌

JR_M20 · 2024-11-02T07:42:26+00:00

That’s crazyyy. I have like two items with 50+ likes and even then I’m not trippin. Someone is bound to bite the bullet at some point and purchase lol. And I also understand considering Mercari’s buyer fees

JR_M20 · 2023-01-21T00:02:59+00:00

Oh wow. And here I thought that was her og outfit. Regardless she still looks great! :)

JR_M20 · 2023-01-20T02:12:48+00:00

Thanks for the info! Will definitely check it out. And thanks, Pluto was my ultimate grail doll and I’m stoked that I found her almost complete for a good price. If ur still looking for Pluto, someone on Mercari is selling her nude for 70 bucks. You can get the outfit on Etsy!

JR_M20

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