What did you NOT learn that you needed

I worked in hospital, so all the hospital-related items. EKG's, monitors, computer system (which of course varies), suctioning, scd's, etc. But I would not expect them to be taught in class. The general skills taught in clinicals are what you really need to start out.

As far as I'm concerned, at least in Illinois as it varies from state-to-state, I needed more clinical time to better learn the skills and have more 'hands on' time with patients/residents. I would like to see 40 hours clinical time, as much time as classroom.

I would also 'ban' 3-day classes. NO ONE learns the 'book side' of being a CNA in 3 days. You need to do homework, read chapters, discuss them in class and have lectures, etc. I would not trust anyone coming out of a 3-day class as knowing anything. I know, there are people on the forum who did this and I admit a great bias. You can actually retain 20 chapters of material in 3 days --- it's just not possible.

The art of ducking confused little old lady swings.

The class I registered for is a total of 120 hours. 60 hours lecture/60 hours clinical.

Mike