Couple of CNA questions

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hi, I am planning on signing up for a CNA course in April and I have a couple of questions. My first one is how long did it take you guys to get a job after you completed the course? Are any of you working in AZ and if you do, how much did you make when you start. Does anyone know how much they make in California, and where in Ca? Also is a CNA the same as a Nursing Assistant Certified? Last question after completing the course how hard is it to become a LPN than a RN?

Thank you to anyone who can answer my questions :-)

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hello luvlife. I think becoming a CNA is a great way to find out if nursing is for you.

I am not on the west coast, so I can not speak to pay per hour, but I will tell you that here in the MidWest, CNA's are not well paid, more in the 9-12 and hour rate to start, unless in bigger cities or in hospitals. Hospitals want experience only, and newly christened CNA is not that!

In the " levels" of nursing there are CNA's then LPN and then RN. ( very simple way of putting how the heirarchy goes regarding schooling)

Last question after completing the course how hard is it to become a LPN than a RN?

After you complete the CNA course you are a CNA, not LPN and certainly not an RN. You have to continue on with your education to become one of those. How hard is it? This is a relative term. For some people the CNA course will be very difficult and the hardest thing they ever do. For some it is very easy, not an issue. Same for LPN or RN. My suggestion is to go to your local community collge and bring along with you your transcripts and all relevant paperwork. They can give you a good idea where you should go on your quest.

My first one is how long did it take you guys to get a job after you completed the course? No time at all, I was hired before I finished clinicals, and before state exam. I would suggest you do your apsolute best during clinicals. The nurses will be taking note of who is good, and suggesting them to the powers that be, if that facility is hiring...and so will your teacher. Be confident and competent and you will get an offer :)

May I ask a question...why wait til April to take the course?

Best of luck to you

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In Northern California, most CNA's start out at 10-12 per hour. However, after a year or two of experience, UCD here in Sacramento is hiring CNA's to be patient transporters and they start at about 16-18 per hour. Dept of Corrections pays CNA's 2000-2500 per month plus benefits and opportunity for OT. Depends on where you work.

Like was mentioned above, LPN/LVN is the next rung up from CNA and here in California schooling is usually less than a year including prereq's. RN programs including prereq's are lengthier, with most facilities moving towards requiring a Bachelors of Nursing to hire you as a RN now.

Hope this helped! Good luck in your endeavors! :-)

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In Northern California, most CNA's start out at 10-12 per hour. However, after a year or two of experience, UCD here in Sacramento is hiring CNA's to be patient transporters and they start at about 16-18 per hour. Dept of Corrections pays CNA's 2000-2500 per month plus benefits and opportunity for OT. Depends on where you work.

Like was mentioned above, LPN/LVN is the next rung up from CNA and here in California schooling is usually less than a year including prereq's. RN programs including prereq's are lengthier, with most facilities moving towards requiring a Bachelors of Nursing to hire you as a RN now.

Hope this helped! Good luck in your endeavors! :-)

Uc Davis is hiring cnas? And dept of corrections is as well?

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I saw your post that you went to curam college of nursing and I was wondering What was your experience there? Was the teacher good at teaching, was it hard? Since the class seems to be so short, did you have tests and quizs everyday? I'm also, from sacramento and I saw that school online, but wasn't sure if I wanted to attend there yet. I'm also wondering, did you find a job after your done with school? That part of the reason why im worry about if they are willing to help you find jobs.

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What was your experience there? Was the teacher good at teaching, was it hard? Since the class seems to be so short, did you have tests and quizs everyday? I'm also, from sacramento and I saw that school online, but wasn't sure if I wanted to attend there yet. I'm also wondering, did you find a job after your done with school? That part of the reason why im worry about if they are willing to help you find jobs.

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