[grouper_08]

Next Monday I start CNA classes they are three weeks long, monday through firday 8:30 to 3:00. I am so nervous about them, and I just need some info on the classes and what i should expect out of them.

I am also starting LPN classes in August at a community college in Lincoln, ne. what should i expect out of those and how do i know this is something i will like and will be for me?

[ILClaire]

I have been a CNA now for 9 years working at a local hospital. When I started to take my CNA classes...I knew IMMEDIATELY if nursing would be for me. We started working in a LTC facility (nursing home) about 8 days into the class...and that is when I knew that A.) Nursing was definitely fo rme, and B.) I wanted to work in a hospital and not in LTC. I think one of the mistakes that I see other CNA's make, is to think that when you are a CNA, if you become a LPN or RN you get a more "glamorous" job. The nurses that I work with clean up as many pts. as I do, and have to deal with as many bodily fluids as I do! lol.
I have just enrolled, after 9 years, in an LPN program and decided that I've been doing this long enough to make an informed decision...and so I'm going to be starting LPN classes this fall as well. I'm really looking forward to having more responsibilites with pts. and feeling like I have more job options as well...although there has never been a week as a CNA that I couldn't work 1000 hours if I wanted to!
I think you should be pretty sure if this is for you after the first couple of weeks, as soon as you get your "hands on" clinical type experience. Of course don't make your mind up the first day...and for me personally, all our CNA clinicals were in LTC and I the hospital to me is TOTALLY different...so don't base your decision on that either!

Good luck to you! I really hope this is the thing for you!