Why Working as a CNA During Nursing School Gives You a Powerful Advantage

If you’re on the journey to becoming a nurse, working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) during nursing school isn’t just a good idea—it might be one of the best decisions you make. While it’s not a requirement, stepping into the healthcare world early gives you real-world exposure that textbooks and lectures simply can’t replicate.

In fact, many successful nurses credit their time as CNAs for helping them build a strong clinical foundation, confidence with patients, and the work ethic needed to thrive in both school and practice.

Here’s why working as a CNA while in nursing school could be the smartest move you make:

🩺 1. You’ll Be More Comfortable With Patients (So You Can Focus on Learning)

Let’s be honest: it can feel a little awkward the first time you help a patient bathe, reposition someone in bed, or assist them to the restroom. These moments are intimate and personal—and they’re part of what it truly means to care.

Nursing students who’ve worked as CNAs already have this experience under their belt. Instead of spending your clinicals trying to get used to patient care, you’ll feel confident and natural interacting with patients. That gives you space to focus on higher-level nursing skills like assessments, charting, and clinical decision-making.

📚 2. It Builds a Rock-Solid Educational Foundation

As a CNA, you’ll learn the fundamentals of patient care—things like infection control, vital signs, mobility support, and how to communicate effectively with both patients and nurses. This gives you a real head start when it comes to understanding your nursing coursework.

Students with CNA experience often find that they grasp concepts more quickly and feel less overwhelmed because they’ve already seen healthcare in action. You won’t just study nursing—you’ll already be living it.

⏰ 3. It Sharpens Your Time Management Skills (Fast)

Ask any nurse: time management is one of the most important skills you can develop. As a CNA, you’ll juggle multiple patients, coordinate care tasks, and stay on top of a full shift—all while keeping calm under pressure.

By the time you're deep into nursing school, you'll already know how to prioritize, stay organized, and think ahead—three habits that can seriously reduce your stress and boost your performance.

🏅 4. It Makes You a Stronger Candidate for Nursing School Admission

Nursing programs are more competitive than ever. Admissions teams love to see applicants who’ve taken the initiative to gain real healthcare experience.

Having CNA experience on your résumé signals that you understand what nursing is really like—and that you’re serious about your path. It’s not just about standing out on paper; it’s about showing that you’re ready to commit to the hard (and rewarding) work ahead.

🎭 5. You’ll Get a Realistic View of the Nursing Profession

TV shows and social media might make nursing look glamorous—but the reality is often different. Being a nurse means rolling up your sleeves and doing the work that really matters, even when it’s messy, exhausting, or emotional.

CNAs see the unfiltered side of patient care every day. If you’ve worked as a CNA, you already understand the less glamorous—but deeply human—side of nursing. You’ll go into school with your eyes wide open and a stronger sense of purpose.

🔄 6. You’ll Learn How to Adapt on the Fly

Even when routines are planned to the minute, patients have a way of changing everything—quickly. Working as a CNA teaches you how to stay calm, pivot your plan, and meet each patient’s needs as they arise.

This ability to adapt is one of the marks of a great nurse. You’ll develop the instincts to respond to real-life challenges without panic, and that confidence will serve you throughout your nursing career.

Final Thoughts: It’s Optional—But Invaluable

You don’t have to work as a CNA while in nursing school. But if you do, you’ll be better prepared, more confident, and more connected to the “why” behind your career. It’s a chance to serve others while gaining experience that accelerates your education and sets you up for long-term success.

At Brevard Nursing Academy, we believe in training the whole nurse—starting from the very first steps. If you’re considering CNA training or already enrolled in a nursing program, reach out and see how we can support your journey.