[Satori77]

I was wondering if anyone in CO is working as a CNA, possibly while going to school, or have worked as one. Did you think it helped when we started RN school? Where did you take classes? I would like to get certified as a NA before going to school. I think it would help to see the nursing enviroment, and to see if it is really something I want to do/would be good at. Any advice would be helpful.

[hope3456]

I worked as a CNA during nsg school and before. I am glad for that experience as a RN, though i'm not to sure it helped during nsg school - long story and basically I didn't have the best nsg school experience.

I started out at a LTC facility - they paid for the class and then 1 year later I got a job at a hospital on the telemetry floor, which was where I learned alot...though it was really hard work. Also I was eligble for employee scholarships b/c of this job which really helped out as well.

If you can try to get a hospital job b/c you will learn more - i assume you are in Denver where it is probably alot easier to get hired in a hospital.

[Diary/Dairy]

I worked as a CNA during the summers only - during the school year, that was all that I did - I wanted to focus on school. Good luck to you.

[Satori77]

Thanks. I would rather work in a hospital (I live south of Denver). I was in a LTC alzheimers home as a receptionist years ago, and I know I would NOT enjoy working there as a caregiver/CNA. Plus from doing some research, hospitals pay more. I am looking into the Piockens Tech class. It is not far away. very cheap, and starts soon. Only problem is clinicals are on saturdays and I work weekends. But I will figure something out.

[signsjd07]

Hi, I live in Littleton and work at one of the local hospitals. I work nights and enjoy working at the hospital much more than I ever did at the nursing homes. I also worked at a hospital in Green Bay Wisconsin. I have learned a lot since being at the hospitals. I think it helps working as a CNA in a hospital before and during going to school. Hope this helps.

[ftcgirl]

I am working on the same sort of plan as you are. I am currently taking my prerequisite classes through FRCC, which is very convenient, because I can take most of them online!

I will apply for the RN program in Oct '08. I am going to take my CNA course through them starting in Feb, for about 6 Saturdays & then while I am waiting to get into the RN program I will work as a CNA.

I am hoping in get on with a per diem agency in Northern Colorado. So, if anyone has any suggestions or comments on the CO agencies I would greatly appreciate it!

[hope3456]

Did you know that columbine health will pay you while you take the CNA classes if you get hired with them?

The staffing agencies want you to have some experience before they wll hire you. The two I know of in northern CO are interim staffing and medpool - they staff the LTC facilities. Bannerhealth and PVH have in house agencies but it is harder to get hired with them.

The problem working for the staffing agencies is that they don't always have work available and you are never 'guaranteed' shifts.

[ftcgirl]

Thanks for the info. I went online after your comment & looked at PVH & Banner Health to see if they had any NA relief jobs available & Banner Health only has one, that requires 6 mo exp. So, I'm not sure what my plan is now. Maybe after I finish my NA classes I will look into the nursing homes. I was really hoping to work at a hospital so I could get a feel for what area of nursing I would like to go into later.

[RNrural]

Hello!
I worked as a CNA for 15 years until I became an LPN last August and will actually graduate from Morgan Community College in May with my RN. I have worked for the last 10 years for a rural hospital and have worked all through school. I am going to start full time nights this week. I am very lucky because the facility where I am employed has helped me with tuition and worked around my classes. I will not say it has been easy but it is do-able. You certainly have to give your whole life to nursing! Getting your CNA is a wonderful first step. I beleive that patient care is the foundation of all good nursing that must be conquered to make you a good nurse. Best of luck!
Renada

[hope3456]

It is hard to work and go to (nursing) school.....you are right Renada it takes alot of dedication. Congrats on getting thru the LPN and keep up the good work with the RN part.

I also think it is good to have CNA experience before being a LPN or RN.