All FSCJ Spring 2013 Hopefuls

U.S.A. Florida

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Hi everyone! I decided to start this thread in hopes of seeing if there is anyone excited about applying to the fscj RN program spring 2013. I am currently taking a microbiology class this summer. I would have applied for fall 2012 but met with some technical difficulties. I have 206 in total points w/o micro. Let's stay in touch and keep this ball rolling!

Great job on the amazing scores for those who recently took the Nat. How was it, is there a certain area I should concentrate on? Should I just keep studying everything?
Hi salridge! It wasn't that bad. It just went by really fast.

For Academic Aptitude, I wouldn't worry about studying. The only thing I would do (if you haven't taken a standardized test in a while) is practice your speed. You only get 30 minutes to answer 90 questions. Don't spend too much time on one question--come back to it later. When you see time running out, just make an educated guess on the ones you haven't answer OR, pick a letter and use it for each one. You don't get penalized for wrong answers.

Reading comprehension is pretty straightforward... Don't try to read the entire passage, just read the question and try to scan the passage for the answer. Some of the questions were also common sense questions so I didn't even have to read... just my experience.

I did study/practice for the Natural Science portion because I haven't taken a science class since 2009... but it's also straight forward. I used the practice test I posted a few pages back as a refresher. One of the users from last year also posted some helpful information in the Spring 2012 Hopeful thread. That information was very accurate.

Hello!! I am hoping to get into the Program 2013 :))) I currently am a CNA which is wonderful practice if you are looking to get a head start on some things. I think everyone at first glance wants to be a L&D Nurse. Any advice i can lend wait till your clinical rotations. I have worked in Various areas and thought l&d was my area until i actually worked in there.

Anyone still taking class's which campus and what class's?

Curious where you did your CNA training? I'd like to do that but working Ft and taking 2 classes, it's tough. I have looked online but have no idea what's reputable and what's a rip, ya know?

Curious where you did your CNA training? I'd like to do that but working Ft and taking 2 classes, it's tough. I have looked online but have no idea what's reputable and what's a rip, ya know?
Yes, please share Jadeh12! I figure it'd be a good way to get my foot in the door during nursing school... if I get in, that is.

I have actually heard that after we complete our first semester (mainly 'Foundations of Nursing') that we will qualify as CNAs. If you look at the job requirements, it usually says something to that effect. I have searced St. Vincent's, Baptist, Shands, Mayo...they all have postings!! My plan is to start applying to these types of jobs as soon as I am eligible :) It will be a dramatic pay cut, but I think the experience will be worth it! Plus, having a foot in the door cannot hurt! ;)

I have actually heard that after we complete our first semester (mainly 'Foundations of Nursing') that we will qualify as CNAs. If you look at the job requirements, it usually says something to that effect. I have searced St. Vincent's, Baptist, Shands, Mayo...they all have postings!! My plan is to start applying to these types of jobs as soon as I am eligible :) It will be a dramatic pay cut, but I think the experience will be worth it! Plus, having a foot in the door cannot hurt! ;)
My thoughts exactly! I was thinking about taking a class soon though and getting licensed just so that I'll have it and can start working part-time if (and probably when) I leave my full-time job. This is all contigent on whether or not I get in though! :)

Will we be able to sit for the licensing exam for CNA after the first semester? Or will the hospitals just hire us without the license since we'd be RN students? Anyone know?

Thanks for the advice. I will do exactly what you guys said, time is running out. Thanks again!

My thoughts exactly! I was thinking about taking a class soon though and getting licensed just so that I'll have it and can start working part-time if (and probably when) I leave my full-time job. This is all contigent on whether or not I get in though! :)

Will we be able to sit for the licensing exam for CNA after the first semester? Or will the hospitals just hire us without the license since we'd be RN students? Anyone know?

From what I have read, it seems that many facilities will hire us because we are RN students. Of course, proof that we are students will need to be provided. We just have to make sure we get through that 1st semester with clinicals! If you wanted to go ahead and get certified, I think you can challenge the CNA exam at any time. I have a cousin who did just that! She studied a few books and watched a ton of youtube tutorials. She passed it no problem :)

I'm also still 'on the fence' about keeping my FT job...I put N/W as my 1st choice, but if for some reason school and work become too much, then I will have to see about going PT or quitting. I am so nervous about not being able to keep up with everthing: work, school, a wildly awesome toddler, and the hubs:nailbiting: It's definitely going to be an experience-just hoping it's a good one!!

From what I have read, it seems that many facilities will hire us because we are RN students. Of course, proof that we are students will need to be provided. We just have to make sure we get through that 1st semester with clinicals! If you wanted to go ahead and get certified, I think you can challenge the CNA exam at any time. I have a cousin who did just that! She studied a few books and watched a ton of youtube tutorials. She passed it no problem :)

I'm also still 'on the fence' about keeping my FT job...I put N/W as my 1st choice, but if for some reason school and work become too much, then I will have to see about going PT or quitting. I am so nervous about not being able to keep up with everthing: work, school, a wildly awesome toddler, and the hubs:nailbiting: It's definitely going to be an experience-just hoping it's a good one!!

Wow! Books and YouTube? I'm DEFINITELY going to look into that!!

I saw one CNA training school that'll give you all of their resources online and you can pace your self with the info. The online training class plus the licensing exam would cost around $250 and some change. But if I can do it on my own and only pay the $158 that is required to sit for the exam, then that'll work too!

I understand where you are about working full-time. I'm really nervous about that too--and I'm not even married and I don't have any kids yet! 9 times out of 10 my job won't allow me to work part-time. It's all or nothing with them. So if I get in, I'm definitely going to have to find a new one--preferably part-time because I don't want to be burned out! Honestly, I'd rather do Days than N/W, so a part-time job in the late afternoon/evenings would be optimal.

Wow! Books and YouTube? I'm DEFINITELY going to look into that!!

I saw one CNA training school that'll give you all of their resources online and you can pace your self with the info. The online training class plus the licensing exam would cost around $250 and some change. But if I can do it on my own and only pay the $158 that is required to sit for the exam, then that'll work too!

I understand where you are about working full-time. I'm really nervous about that too--and I'm not even married and I don't have any kids yet! 9 times out of 10 my job won't allow me to work part-time. It's all or nothing with them. So if I get in, I'm definitely going to have to find a new one--preferably part-time because I don't want to be burned out! Honestly, I'd rather do Days than N/W, so a part-time job in the late afternoon/evenings would be optimal.

That's my worry...being burned out. I know everyone says how crazy hard this program is; especially the 1st semester, but I'm wondering just how challenging it is going to be? My husband is a trip-he keeps telling me that I'm an Amazon warrior who kicks a** lol anything to keep my spirits up I guess :)

Is it December yet?!? This waiting is so for the birds!

I will be quitting to go to school (either unf or fscj god willing) but I'd like to quit sooner than later lol thanks for the info!

I cannot recommend it enough for all the folks who are considering becoming a CNA now or at some point while in the program. Obviously there is compensation - however, that job provides alot of useable, relatable experiernce as well. Not to mention, nursing is sometimes a sort of "right of passage" field. Meaning, sometimes the subordinates (like CNAs, PCTs, PCAs) work better with and for you when they feel like you have paid your dues by doing the same job.

As you consider your options, it may be helpful to know that hospitals generally train you as a PCT or PCA (and there is no specific certification required). However, the state of Florida requires all nurse's aides in Long-term care be certified (meaning a CNA certificate).

As a rule, having a CNA certificate will help you get hired as a PCT/PCA, but it is not required. Hospitals generally do not have CNA positions. The flip side of that - a PCT/PCA cannot be hired in long-term care unless they attain a CNA certification.

I work with the very best CNAs in the world. As a nurse, it will serve you well to make a point to frequently tell your staff how much you appreciate them.

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