Certified Nursing Assistant... worth it?

[fun8stuff]

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Here is my situation: in about a month I could enroll in a 2 week CNA program, the thing is, is that it is 2 weeks of 8AM to 4PM and it would make it hard to get a job and keep it for the summer. I would probably be done and registered by the beginning of July, however I go back to school at the end of August and I am already signed up to TA a general chemistry course. I wouldn't be able to work much as a CNA until maybe this winter or even next summer. So is it worth it to get the CNA or should I just volunteer? Thanks.

 

[jhawkins]

I've been working as a CNA for about a year and a half, and am starting med school this August. The experience has totally been worth it. I took 3 years out of school in between to work, etc. I have been a CNA in an inpatient oncology unit, then now for the past year in the OR at the Univ. of Wa. Med Center. You get to see a lot more than any volunteer, and get paid pretty well in the meantime. I'd say go for it! The training sux, however (extremely basic), and the work can be degrading at times (spoon-feeding geri pts, wiping butts), but it has its pluses at times (like getting to watch transplants take place).