Salem Hospital CNA grads vs Chemeketa (CCC)

So if you had CCC schooling, the hospitals around the valley would consider that the same as the classes at Salem Gen? I really don't know the textbook vs practicum hours for either location.

Well, our hospital finally opened up it's CNA training in June. Went to the second round session where 50 or so of us were told all the great parts about the program. Then we were told there was another room of people the day before competing for the same 20 positions, so we had about a one in five chance. They also told us that we would be notified at the end of next week, whether we made the cut or not. I heard in 5 hours that I didn't make it. It was not a kindness to notify me so quickly. I feel like I must have a serious flaw for them to spend another hour interviewing the rest of the room after me, go to lunch, get together, decide I'm not a candidate and EMAIL ME. I am seriously bummed.

I have reason to be around a the hospital often. I just saw what must have been the last class of 20 or so on a tour. The really appear to be the "just out of high school," age students. I am out of high school.... about 30 years. I am also hearing from staff how this age group is not working out as well as some would like. They haven't established a work ethic, they don't have experience with death, or even having children and dealing with diapers and vomit. I got the impression that before I even approached the table for my 3 min interview that the interviewer was not in a great mood at that time. I established the reason for a career change (my former category of employment is paying almost zero with the economy), that I had many years of working with people, had lots of circumstances in government and private sector where confidentiality was important, I nursed my father during cancer, and that when a family member started looking into a medically related field, I began helping in school searches, it got me interested and now I'm very eager to persue this line of work.

It may be that there were 20 people, or even just 10 with previous experience in nursing homes and such where they weren't licensed. I know that I also would have given preference to some of the young men who look like they could lift a patient easier than I could of. It likely wasn't personal, but, I am still very disappointed.

So.... has anyone out there made it this go 'round or any other? Any advice for the next time? Or is it really hopeless if you are over 20?

I don't want this to turn into a spitting match, really. My comments were made 4 months ago when the previous class was graduating, which I stated. They seemed pretty young. A few folks I've worked with gave me their opinions and experiences, which was part of what I was commenting on. I had not yet spoken with people in the know on how selections were made for the next class. I have since seen some of the class in question and was surprised that they were older and even experienced. I felt much better after talking to them. My supervisor indicated that that as much as possible, bilingual people would be hired (and/or those with medical background). In the recruitment that took place last month, being bilingual was a posted requirement where it had not been before. I actually don't have a problem with that. If it's a need, then that's what they have to recruit for.

I'm sorry you feel I was judgmental and harsh. I am often called on to care for people, so maybe I don't do well on paper. No, I would never take the training and go elsewhere, I would in fact still apply at the hospital even if it was the same cost as CCC. I assume the training would be much better with the hands on experience.