Coronary care 1 help

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Hello allnurses,

I am looking for some input regarding to take the course coronary care nursing 1 in-class or online?

I enrolled myself into the classroom method since I prefer that type. But I am wondering how RNs are able to work shifts while going to class. This class is only once a week from 5:30-8:30pm for 14 weeks. I do not mind online, but see myself learning more effectively if I go to class.

I am a new graduate RN and currently do not have a nursing job yet, but am looking. I am worried if I find a job, I could be working on days/nights on class days.

Do nurses prefer to take it online or is it easy to work around a course that is in class?

Thanks for your help.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

A working RN would just manage the class by making sure they weren't working that day. If you worked day shift or nights you could still do the class. you couds also switch shifts with some one. One day a week isn't that hard to manage.

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Thank you. I am planning to stick with the in class method. I guess I was worried about either missing class or not being able to find someone to switch with. During school, I never missed class or called in sick at my part time retail job. But I realized if wouldn't hurt to miss a class since I can grab notes from another student or self study what I missed.

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Specializes in Hospital nursing.

You can totally do it. I worked FT as an RPN and did my RN FT. Approach whoever does the scheduling, and explain that you're doing your course, and ask to not be scheduled for shifts on Mondays. If you're upfront from the get-go when they offer you the position, often they'll work with you, especially if you will be using your coronary care skills on their unit. Obviously it depends on the manager/scheduler, but MANY will work with you to make it work, or so I've found. Good luck! :)

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Thanks CanadianGirl79, I'm glad to hear that some employers are understanding and can accommodate if possible.

In school, I found it inspiring to see students who worked FT, on top of having a family and did well through nursing school. I know if something has to be done, it will get done.

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Specializes in Hospital nursing.

Are you in Ontario, CaffeinePOstat?

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Yes, I'm from Ontario, in Toronto

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Specializes in Hospital nursing.

I've heard some of the hospitals in T.O. will pay for your coronary care course if it's required for your unit, or that at least they will schedule you around it. :) Maybe you'll be able to get in somewhere that has a policy like that! Are you hoping to work on a cardiac unit, or are you just taking it "just in case"? I'm debating taking PALS "just in case", but am not sure.

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I am hoping to work on the unit that I consolidated on, which was cardiac vascular surgery...where CC1 is required. I'm waiting to hear back for an interview. I am taking this course because I am interested in cardiology but also for "just in case", and hoping it'd help me find a job easier if I am not successful with my last unit. They were not hiring when I left but they said they would be soon. I applied back in June through the new grad initiative and a nurse said the hiring process is still in the works. Just crossing my fingers and applying to other hospitals in the mean time.

I did hear that hospitals can reimburse nurses for taking courses that are required. I also looked into The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, and they offer to reimburse the tuition for continuing education courses so I hope I can be eligible for this if I am not able to get it from an employer.

http://rnao.ca/education-funding/nei

Thanks for the heads up! I'm still struggling with finding a job in T.O. :(

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Perhaps you can take PALS, and RNAO can also reimburse you if a hospital can't.

It says you do not have to be a member of RNAO, you just have to apply within 90days after completion. You need proof of receipt and completion.

At the bottom of here it shows examples of what receipts look like from different schools NEI Grant Application FAQ | Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
You can totally do it. I worked FT as an RPN and did my RN FT. Approach whoever does the scheduling, and explain that you're doing your course, and ask to not be scheduled for shifts on Mondays. If you're upfront from the get-go when they offer you the position, often they'll work with you, especially if you will be using your coronary care skills on their unit. Obviously it depends on the manager/scheduler, but MANY will work with you to make it work, or so I've found. Good luck! :)

That doesn't owrk everywhere. Not all places will just schedule around your needs.

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Specializes in Hospital nursing.
That doesn't owrk everywhere. Not all places will just schedule around your needs.

No, you're right - not everywhere will. I've been lucky in that the places I worked I've had managers who did work with me to accommodate classes. I know for some of my friends in other hospitals, it was harder. Like I said, it depends on the manager/scheduler. Hopefully wherever the OP winds up, they will be flexible.

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