[Banjoeer]

Originally Posted by clobbergirl32

Congrats on finishing up your class (I assume, anyway). I live in Wyoming, but grew up in SW Washington, so reading that you're in Portland made me a little homesick. I also went into my CNA class with an "advanced degree" ...well, it was a Bachelor's degree, I don't really know if that counts as advanced, but I felt like I was starting over from square one when I started the class. I finished my class in mid-April and I've been working as a CNA for about a month now. It's definitely the hardest job I've ever had, but it's very rewarding in some ways as well. My ultimate goal is to get my RN and I'm taking some pre-req classes this summer with the goal of getting into the program in fall of '09. Somewhere in-between there I want to get my LPN as well, but we'll see. Well, that's my story/experience. Congratulations on :taking the plunge". The world needs more male CNAs.

Homesick, huh? The Pacific northwest is a great place. Originally I'm from NC and have been here for 17 years.

I've traveled and worked in Wyoming a few times... it is beautiful there.... Good luck on pursuing your RN...

A bachelor's degree is an advanced degree in a CNA class. I didn't disclose my advanced degrees (Ph.D, MPA, BA) until I was "busted" by a student who recognized me. "Hey, you're Dr. Jay, aren't you?" Apparently she'd seen an ad with my picture. It was kinda funny.... The instructor wanted to know what I was doing there in a CNA class.

When I was inquiring about different CNA programs, one program director/school owner, after asking and finding out my education level asked, "Do you have any idea what CNAs do?" Yes, I replied... Mostly poop and pee patrol....

Happy 4th everybody!

[sbenning5]

I start my CNA courses July 12. I just wanted to wish you lots of luck Banjoeer!

[sam3992]

Thank you all so much for sharing your stories. I think that I am going to try to get my CNA so I can figure out if I want to be a nurse or not so thank you all for the encouraging stories.

[missy120808]

Originally Posted by jb2u

I know it sounds cliche, but you really just can't quit!!! Always look at the bright side. I am positive that in almost any situation, no matter how bad, there is a bright side. It is easier said than done, I know.

We did not have anything really. Clothes, a one bedroom apartment next to someone I'm sure was selling drugs, a "cash" car, no cell phone or cable tv, no vacations, etc. A lot of things that people take for granted, we just went without. I prayed every day that my car would start. I repeatedly had to pull off to the side of the road because the transmission would not shift gears. After a few minutes, it would go just fine again. I was always happy that I just had a car!! Life is really what you make it. I am proof that one can start with nothing and make it!!! Complainers normally never make it and usually take the wind out of those that are trying to set sail to success. I hate people telling other people, "you can't do that," "oh yea, my sister tried eight times to get into that nursing school. You'll never get in," etc etc. Only you can stop yourself. Yes, some programs are hard to get into, but there are other schools and other options. One route would be to become a paramedic and then do excelsior online to get your RN. You can go the LPN route and then do a LPN to RN course. My point is one life gives you a road block, either decide to go through it or look quickly for another way around to reach your goal, but never, NEVER decide that that road block means you MUST turn around and go back to where you came from or choose a different destination.

I wish you and everyone else lots of success.

Sincerely,
Jay

Thanks so very much for your uplifting post I really appreciate the fact that you took the time out of your busy day to respond to my post, thanks so much!!!! I am not quiting I am just taking a different route in becoming an LVN and evenutally an RN. I am going to start taking my RN pre-reques this fall & I am also going to put my name on the CNA wait list at my Community College on October 6th the CNA Program starts in Intersession and I really hope I get in all I need is a current TB test within a year, a physical--which I already got-- and finger prints which I got through my sons school, it was a live scan finger printing that I got because it's required for field trips and volunteering in his class so I hope that they will accept that but if not I will go where they tell me to. I think I can use my physical that I got the end of June because it's current and other students that where going to the LVN Program had asked about that and the dean said yeah, the student said she had had her physical a few months ago and the dean said that was fine. Wish me luck, I will keep you posted!!!! I also reapplyied to the LV Program on Thursday and I am going to call Monday to see if they put my back on the LVN wait list!!!! wish me luck!!!!

[jb2u]

Good luck missy120808!!!

[missy120808]

Originally Posted by jb2u

Good luck missy120808!!!

Thank you so very much!!!! & !!!! On Graduating from RN Nursing School!!!! Hopefully in 3 years that will be me!!!!

[imafostermom]

In Florida, you do not have to take a class although they are available. You can just "challenge" the exam and take it and the skills portion. Just and FYI, if you happen to have some experience and feel comfortable...

[Banjoeer]

Hello everybody! Hope your 4th was as great as mine. My daughter (16 years old) and I went camping-- Just the two of us... A very nice break from CNA classes...

On Monday I jumped back into the clinical portion of the CNA training. We're doing our clinicals at a very well-reviewed nursing center (LTC) that is adjacent to an assisted living facility.

For our clinicals we have two students shadow an experienced CNA and perform normal ADL tasks up to our level of ability.

To complete the clinicals, we've got to demonstrate 45 different procedures for our clinical instructor (the RN). Based on the way things are progressing, we'll have all 45 procedures accomplished in 4-5 days and then have another 5 days to practice those procedures that we need to strengthen.

In this facility CNA's have 8 patients, but everybody pitches in and answers call lights as they are needed. There were six CNAs in our wing plus us two students. The other students were parsed through-out the facility.

The nursing and admin staff are friendly, the patients are kind and grateful, and most of the CNAs are very professional.

I'm learning lots of stuff!

Only 7 more days until I will have my certificate and then try to get a date for the state boards. I'll keep ya posted!

[sml1970]

Oh thats great to hear=]

[CandAmommy]

I'm wanting to take the plunge, but having a hard time trying to find a place to take the class at in Central Florida. I'm so anxious to get started myself! Yay for just 7 day! Lt us know how your state boards go!