[Purple Princess]

hi; I attend a community college and have been taking classes. I had been in an RN program but wasn't ready for it and had to withdrawl. I completed fundamentals of nursing and decided to go on that for now. I called the state nursing board and applied to test for my CNA. I've been taking a career planning class to explore other options but keep coming back to nursing. I want to help people feel better, comfort them, and care for them. But yes; we had nursing class, a lab, and clinical in the hospital. I really need more experience so I'm going to do this before entering another program. I hope to be a nurse someday but am not prepared for it now. The test is 70 questions you can only miss 10 and you must know how to perform 25 skills however 5 are chosen at random and you won't know until you come there which one's they'll have you do. I had to do hand washing, pulse+respirations, catheter care, foot care, and putting ted hose on. My partner did handwashing, making occupied bed, urinary output, hand and nail care, and rom exercises. But now I'm happy cause I finally can get a job in the field I love nursing.

Originally Posted by LBHOTGIRL99

Hello! Just wondering if you had any prior experience to taking your CNA tests?? I want to become a CNA just for the experience, but also for the $$ while in nursing school Here in NC they have programs where you can take a test and become certified. I am sure I can do the written part, but the clinical part?? I have never done it. So just curious to know how you did your testing?? Thanks!

[twish]

yipee! congratulations!!

[Dixiecup]

congratulations. Don't stop now!:hatparty:

Originally Posted by Purple Princess

I am so happy! I went to the Red Cross in Pittsburgh today, that's in Pennsylvania. I took a written exam and then a skills evaluation and I passed both. I was so scared and nervous especially during the skills portion. I will now work on obtaining employment, later going to LPN school and RN school after that. I feel this will give me the experience I very much need and more comfort level in the healthcare setting. I really want to have a career involved with helping people. I just had to tell everyone.

[Cherish]

You don't have to wait to get accepted into CNA school to become a CNA. Your local American Red Cross give's training in becoming a CNA and getting certified. In my state, MD, you pay $550 for a 4 week course (lecture) and then 1-2 weeks of clinicals at the hospital/LTC facility. Then you become a certified CNA and can work at various places, you can later take the GNA test to become GNA certified (geriatric). I was thinking of doing this but decided to take Phlebotomy course instead (Venipuncture and Speciman Collections). So that I can work as a Phlebotomist or a Lab Tech, as you know CNA's can't draw blood or give I.V.'s. I wanted more experiences with needles and I.V's (you can apply for a I.V. course after you take the course), since I want to become a CRNA. You can apply for that at your local community college. You don't have to be accepted since its a continuing education class everyone is accepted (as long as you are immunized for P.P.D, hep B and MMR). Where I am going the Phlebotomy course is only 2 mths, and has a 2 week onsite clinical at a hospital. Phlebotomists also make more than a CNA. You can also look at nursing homes in your area some train people to become CNA's for free as long as you work for them after your training. Look at your states board of nursing site they have listings of places to get info. Good Luck!

[Betty_SPN_KS]

Congrats

[PCGrad06]

Congrats! That is what I am trying to get the nerve up to do. I had to take the MNA100 class at my Community College. I paid $350 for it. I passed with an A but I am not sure I can do the skills part. I get to nervous and all thumbs when it comes to the one handed release knot. Well I'll let you know if I decide to go for it. Congrats again.

:hatparty: :hatparty:

[lisamc1]

Congratulations! :hatparty:

[highasthesky]

Originally Posted by Purple Princess

I am so happy! I went to the Red Cross in Pittsburgh today, that's in Pennsylvania. I took a written exam and then a skills evaluation and I passed both. I was so scared and nervous especially during the skills portion. I will now work on obtaining employment, later going to LPN school and RN school after that. I feel this will give me the experience I very much need and more comfort level in the healthcare setting. I really want to have a career involved with helping people. I just had to tell everyone.

I am also a fairly new CNA (currently unemployed by choice to stay home with my 4 yr old til next Aug when she starts school). My plan is almost exactly like yours, but mine may take a little longer! I worked as a CNA in a Nursing home and did learn alot just by assisting the nurses with little things. I know I'll learn alot more when I return to work, can't wait! Good luck to you as a CNA and in your plan for progressing to nursing. Hope it's all you expect it to be and more!