Wanting to Obtain CNA certification

I realize this a late reply to this message I don't know if anyone PM'd you already about this,but I will answer anyway. I worked at Parkwest for 4 years and although they do let CNAs work in L&D, the jobs don't come available often. It is a fun job (most of the time) and the CNAs don't leave it unless they move away or something drastic like that. I don't know about other hospitals in Knoxville. I would recommend the American Red Cross for your CNA course. It is very thorough and I got hired before I finished the class. The school told me I probably would, because a lot of their students get hired as soon as they make it known that they are taking the course from the Red Cross. Good luck to you!

Various nursing homes in Chattanooga will offer free a CNA course for a committment of employment from the student after he/she passes the CNA exam. It's not a perfect solution but it's an option. In fact, I saw one of those ads in the Chattanooga Times-Free Press last weekend.

Good luck to you!

NHC is one of the nursing homes that offers free CNA training. I went by to ck on this. The secretary at the front desk said that they offer this training monthly and generally except around 14 applicants. I asked if they require you to work for them after completing the training...she said if they have open positions they do like for you to stay with them. I intend on applying for Sept. (in hopes that they will NOT have any open positions ) Also she said that this is an accelerated (12 days) program. Memorial Hospital usually has numerous openings for CNAs in numerous departments, this is where I am hoping to work. I've heard that at Memorial the nurses give you numerous responsibilites and allow you to learn a lot. Hope this helps. Let me know if you need anymore info.

Hi did you get in the NHC program? If yes how did you like it and did they require you to work there? How did the interview go (what types of questions did they ask, what are they looking for)? I'm thinking about doing CNA to get healthcare background b4 getting my RN. ANyone with any info on this please reply, thanks a bunch!!!

I went to NHC and applied and was accepted to be in the class. The only thing that you pay for is your book and your uniform. I absolutly loved it!!! They do not require you to work there. In my initial post I said that I wanted to get certified so that I could work @ Memorial. Don't want to do that anymore. I would like to stay at that facility! Greatest LTC facility that I've ever seen. They only accept 14 people per class. Everyone in my class wants to have a career in the medical field...RN, Radiation Therapy, PA... I call my instructor for this class the Paula Dean of nursing! She is just the absolute greatest. The course is a 12 day acclerated course that includes clinicals out on the floor with the patients and staff..LOOOVED IT! Actually my class was the last 12 day class all others going forward will 3 wks. with some math & pharamcology included. In July it was passed that CNA's will be able to take 75 course hours to pass meds! In the interview I was honest, tranparent and just myself. Oh and professional! that's a biggie for the person that does the choosing. Sorry i wrote a book but it was a great experience for me. I could go on. let me know if you have any other questions. Hope this helps...god bless!

To apply: go to NHC behind Memorial Hospital between 9am-11am on the last Monday of the month. This is the only time that they accept apps for the class! Acceptance is not 1st come 1st serve. Acceptance is based on your personality, reason for wanting to take course, past employment and background check. They run it in the Sunday paper before the Monday that you can apply. You must have high school diploma,(GED or transcripts will do), SS card & DL with you or they WILL NOT allow you to even fill out an app. They only accept 14 people. You can go by there whenever and the receptionist at the front can confirm all this info or let you know of any changes. I think u can call as well. The course is free. You apply that Monday and they call by that Friday to let you know if you're accepted.

Nichole, thanks sooooo much for your post!!! That really helps me out so much, I wish there were I could pm you, but I guess I just have the basic membership on here, or I just don't know how to do it! Anyway, I do plan to try it out, but I really hope I get in. I did check out their scorecard from Medicare and it is awesome. What color is the uniform (curious), and do we need white shoes? I'm really glad you like it there, that says a whole lot about how great they are.

acubed........ You will be able to send pm's once you have 15 posts. Good luck on your journey toward your goal!

Oh, a posting I will go LOL, that's something else, thanks for letting me know butterfly!

NICHOLE: One more question, do they provide CPR & First Aid certification too, or do you have to do it yourself? Should I go ahead and get my Tb test and Hep-B & Physical exam, I know some of the training places require that. Thanks a bunch!!!!!!!!!!!!