How to become a CNA?

rebel_red · Jan 30, 2003

Hiya!

I am down at the Jersey Shore. Instead of taking a class through a JC or private school, I accepted a position at a local nursing home as a nurses assistant. Approximately a month later they sent us to "school". On site classes and skills classes at our sister facility. I believe this is the route most C.N.A.'s travel.

Two things: In order to do this I took a huge paycut....

And I believe, someone can elaborate, that part of your RN clinicals will be working in the capacity of a nurses assistant.

My impetus for doing this prior to school was simply to insure I was capable of basic direct care.

If you have any questions or I haven't been clear enough, feel free to pm.

Take Care

Tres

Keely-FutureRN · Jan 30, 2003

I am currently taking a cna course at the red cross. They offered day, evening, and weekend courses. They also have different lengths of time for each one (4 weeks, 6 weeks, etc.) I would check with the one in your area.

Keely

TheBrainMusher · Jan 30, 2003

Thanks for your replies ... if anyone else has info to help .... I'm waiting!

Keely,

I couldn't find any courses related to CNA ... what is the course name?

Tres -

Thanks for the imput, I guess that is what I would have to do, except I already work alota nd would be in their "schooling" awhile which is why I was trying to figure out how to do it on my own ... Where in the Jersey shore are you at?

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2003

I agree with rebel, apply at a nursing home and they will send you to school for free. That's what I did and I don't really feel that I took a pay cut. You can stay at the nursing home for 6 mo. and then quit and go work at a hospital or for an agency.

rebel_red · Jan 30, 2003

Lovely Cape May.....

Being in the NJ/metro Philly area you may have more options. I decided to work in the LTC and take their course. The provider was LTC Career Training. 600 Main Street Asbury Park, NJ 07712, (732) 988-1700. I don't know if the run private courses or only contract out to facilities, but it might not hurt to call.

Good Luck

Tres

rebel_red · Jan 30, 2003

Emerald,

I was making $13 @ the Home Depot. They wanted to start me @ $7.35 @ the LTC. I completely agree with you, I am going to probably request premium pool with this LTC, once I get my class schedule organized. Heck once I get organized period! Good advice.

Take Care

Tres

TheBrainMusher · Jan 30, 2003

Nikki -

thanks for the input, I'll look into it!

Tres-

Ah ha! My boyfriend is from down there ... most likely relocating there in a couple of years ... but the nursing prospects are so few. He's in Upper Twp, so there's Burndette (what every that hospital is off of Rt 9) and ACMS, or Shore Memorial ... I didn't think there were many LTC places in that area ...

rebel_red · Jan 30, 2003

It's changing here, as with everywhere. There has been a large increase in assisted living and long term care facilities. The hospitals are the ones you mentioned. (Burdette Tomlin here in lower)

It really depends on what aspect of nursing you wish to enter. I thrive working with older people, which is why I work in an LTC instead of one of the hospitals. Eventually, after garnering hospital experience I want to obtain my SANE certification. (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Also Richard Stockton College has started an MSN/AP program......

So much to learn! So much to do!

Good Luck in finding a program:D

from slower lower...

Tres;)

TheBrainMusher · Jan 30, 2003

Tres-Thanks for the info, oh and "slower lower" is only referred to in delaware ... hahaha not jersey!

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2003

Rebel, wow $7.35 stinks! I made $10, then when I went per diem I made $14/hr, then I totally quit the nursing home and worked agency for $14-17 (but often got cancelled or couldn't find shifts). I worked at a ManorCare, it's a national chain.