About to start my CNA class next month :) any tips?

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Mar 30, 2011

1. would it be useful to get my textbook early and read through it before starting the class?

I guess you could, but it probably wouldn't make much of a difference.

2. what supplies will i need?

You should ask that when you sign up for the class. Most of the time you just need the textbook, a small notebook and pen, and a couple pairs of scrubs and a watch when it's time for the clinical.

3. about how much will i be getting paid after getting a job as a CNA?

It depends on where you live. Maybe not much more than what you make at Sonic. Some areas pay their CNAs minimum wage and other areas bump you up a few more dollars than that- almost what you'd make at a factory.

4. how rigorious is the course going to be?

It's not. It's just time-consuming.

5. would it be a good idea to get my phelbotomy certification as well?

No. That's a lot of time and money as well, and you're going to learn it for free in nursing school. It's not something you need to be a CNA and if it is, like in some hospitals, they will also train you for free.

6. what about my CPR certification? will i get that durring the class or seperate?

In my area, it's separate.

ladyJAYDed · Mar 30, 2011

thank you for your time :) and i didnt know that the hospitals train you in phelbotomy lol and down where i live i get 5.15/ hour +tips at sonic...but in the information packet i got from york tech they said i would be making between $9-$12/hour but i wanted to see everyone elses opinions who are already in the medical fields :) thanks again!

MurrR · Mar 30, 2011

In my program, you got CPR card separately but it was required to have it before starting your clinicals.

The most "rigorous" part is practicing your skills so that you do them letter-perfect for your licensing exam.

I took an accelerated class that met 4 times a week for 8 hours a day, and several people in my class had to quit their jobs just because of the time commitment - but the material is fairly easy if you have even a passing familiarity with basic human biology.

ladyJAYDed · Mar 30, 2011

my class begins may 2nd && i will graduate on may 26th ((i think thats what she said lol)) but it meets mon-thurs from 8:30 until 2:30 which in a way i kind of like because unlike now where i have long 3 hour breaks between classes n stuff to me it is going to be easier to plan around :) do you have any advice for learning the skills before my exam?

MissMcCoy · Mar 30, 2011

Im starting in the begining of may as well. Should be fun and an asset to continuing with nursing!=D

1. would it be useful to get my textbook early and read through it before starting the class?

I like to review a little. I just can't wait. When I have my mind set on something I have to do it in that moment...lol

2. what supplies will i need?

I think the first poster covered it all.

3. about how much will i be getting paid after getting a job as a CNA?

Here in Alberta:

Salary/Benefits: Minimum: 17.09 per hour Maximum: 20.79 per hour

4. how rigorious is the course going to be?

From what I hear it is super easy. From the course outline I dont doubt that.

5. would it be a good idea to get my phelbotomy certification as well?

Its just a job while your in nursing school. No just keep it simple.

6. what about my CPR certification? will i get that durring the class or seperate?

Where I am it is not included. We need to have it done before starting clinicals.

Good luck! Hope its fun!! :)

ladyJAYDed · Mar 30, 2011

thank you so much!!! :) good luck to you as well! and maybe we can help each other out once we start the course && i know exactly what you mean, ive been debating about getting the text book early but im excited and i want to be able to walk in class prepared on the first day :)

MissMcCoy · Mar 30, 2011

Yeah for sure! Always good to have people doing the same thing to kinda bounce ideas back and forth!

Your course is QUICK!!

The Health Care Aide Course here is 16weeks full time. I am doing it by distance so it will be more like 21 weeks!! :eek:

I wish I could be done and working in a month!!!

ladyJAYDed · Mar 30, 2011

the program i am in is very fast paced, but a few of my friends have done the exact class that im fixing to take and they survived so hopefully i will too :) but its 485 dollars for the class not counting the text book and i have to drive almost 2 hours round trip every day lol thats why i wanted to do it as quickly as possible but good luck in your class! && we will definatly share ideas once we start!

MissMcCoy · Mar 30, 2011

man! your class is bounus after bounus!!

i have to pay $3000 before books!!! books are $319

this is what is covered in the course i am taking.

hlth 2000 safe work practices2.0hlth 2001 introduction to activities of daily living3.0hlth 2002assisting with medication delivery1.0

hlth 2003working with clients with a diagnosis of dementia-"a moment in time"1.0hlth 2004health care aide integrated practicum i1.0hlth 2005working and communicating in a health care environment3.0hlth 2006 structure and function of the human body, health and chronic illness3.0hlth 2007activities of daily living2.0

hlth 2008skills for assisting clients with complex care2.0hlth 2009special care for diverse clients2.0hlth 2010health care aide integrated practicum ii5.0xhca 1000comprehensive final exam0.0

ladyJAYDed · Mar 30, 2011

danggg! lol thats alot! i havent gotten the cirriculum for my class yet but i remember when my ex took it he had alot to learn lol but im meeting with the professor next friday so maybe i will get the cirriculum then

yousoldtheworld · Mar 31, 2011

Don't worry :) In my opinion, there is nothing rigorous about the class! The material is actual very easy, and the main challenge is just practicing the skills over and over so you get them right on your exam.

Don't worry about taking a shorter course - mine was only a week long and I did just fine. :)