Becoming a CNA

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hi to all, I am waiting on my CNA classes to start and am really excited to be going into this field. If there is anyone who would like to be friends and share their experiences with me I would really appreciate it.

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The classes themselves aren't really hard, cnamom12....you learn the basic biology stuff and alot of terminology, but it is the clinicals that will be the test. I have just completed my first clinical (of five) in an LTC, and let me tell you, it is not like the classroom stuff at all! I just keep in mind that there are alot of people out there in LTC's and in home health care who need our help, and that is why I am doing this....and I am going to be 50, and if I can do this, as well as take other courses, anyone can.

You will enjoy the classes and learn things that you never knew....and get ready for when you actually get to use your new knowledge....and have a pt. thank you for something as simple as assisting them with toileting needs. It will blow you away.

Good luck with your class and welcome to the wonderful world of helping others. For real!

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Specializes in Med/Surg,Cardiac.

That's fantastic!

I took my CNA coursework and tests when I was in high school. It was fairly simple. I studied medical terminology using flash cards and practiced blood pressures on ... well, everyone I knew. It wasn't difficult.

Clinicals weren't bad either. Stressful the first time but I had a great and supportive instructor and it was great helping people.

I never worked as a CNA but I think even the classes helped me a tad in RN school. Good luck :))

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Specializes in NP student.

do you guys have your own stethoscope , cuffs etc , or they are giving to you ? I want to take Red cross CNA class , it is a bit expensive but they offer it during the summer. My long term goal is to become FNP , I am currently working on pre reqs

All the best

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I turn 49 next month...starting my CNA training in a couple of weeks. Congratulations for your courage and determination...like me!

Smiles!

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do you guys have your own stethoscope , cuffs etc , or they are giving to you ? I want to take Red cross CNA class , it is a bit expensive but they offer it during the summer. My long term goal is to become FNP , I am currently working on pre reqs

All the best

Don't buy one unless required by a job. Mine is nicely gathering dust...

Your school will let you know what supplies you need, such as scrubs etc.

Good luck to you!

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CNA courses aren't very difficult. I have only 1 clincial day left before I complete them, so I can say it has actually been nice. The nurses there aren't the best, and don't really help at all, but after you get the hang of it it's not so bad. I enjoy it really, actually I enjoy it to the point that I just had my first interview today to get a job working while I finish getting my RN! =)

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Congratulations and good luck passing your state exam! As for the nurses, I have encountered some like that. But I have found there are some nurses were more than happy to help if you needed help.

Good luck on your way to RN!

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Thank you all for your words! I too had wondered about if I should get my own supplies. I am glad to know that I dont need to get a stethoscope yet. I am encouraged by what I have read here. I found out today that the place where I applied to start classes has taken in 57 applicants and only 7 can be filled. I am to call them on Friday to see if I am one of the lucky ones. If I am not chosen I am thinking that maybe I should go to the Red Cross, however, they want around 700.00 for the class. Not sure where I am going to come up with that. Any suggestions?

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Specializes in NP student.
Thank you all for your words! I too had wondered about if I should get my own supplies. I am glad to know that I dont need to get a stethoscope yet. I am encouraged by what I have read here. I found out today that the place where I applied to start classes has taken in 57 applicants and only 7 can be filled. I am to call them on Friday to see if I am one of the lucky ones. If I am not chosen I am thinking that maybe I should go to the Red Cross, however, they want around 700.00 for the class. Not sure where I am going to come up with that. Any suggestions?
ONLY 700.00 ? I went to Red Cross to find out what is the cost : so it is 1,400 $ for 171 hours , this include books , stethoscope , cuffs, CPR training , 2 uniforms , and the State exam.

Two months ago I found out that Pasadena City College is offering CNA classes as well but unfortunately I've checked today and they are not on the schedule , I guess they cancelled. Probably I'll have to take the Red Cross class .

All the best

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@nowitzki - Might want to check with Beatrice at the Red Cross office in Commerce (my understanding is that Commerce oversees all the Red Cross chapters in the Greater L.A. area) about that price tag. Phone number for the Commerce office is (323) 859-3259. I took the course in December/January @ the Inland Empire office & it cost $1,900.00 - it covered scrubs, shoes, steth & B.P. cuff, textbooks, CPR/AED instruction, etc. All I brought was a couple of black pens, a notebook & my pudgy self - they covered everything else. Personally, I'd look into area ROP/Adult Ed. classes - they're usually somewhat cheaper & the classes tend to be less intense. Sorry to hear that PCC's dropping their CNA class; seems to be the pattern that the local CC's are either curtailing or plain old getting rid of CNA training in favor of LVN/ADN programs. Not sure I agree with that.

@cnamom - I'd look into WIA-type (state/federal) funding if I were you. If you don't already have a degree, oftentimes they'll fund job training. Check with your state's unemployment office to see what's available. Also, another possible avenue is looking into LTC's that will provide you with training, in exchange for agreeing to work for them for a set period of time (usually 1 year). You still have to take the state exam, but they typically pay for the training, exam fees & certification fees. Usually you'll buy scrubs, shoes, steth & cuff - but, it varies from facility to facility.

Blessings to all,

Dave

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Thank you so much for that information. I did get a call today from the health care facility that I am trying to get into for CNA classes. She said that there was 57 applicants and she could only pick seven. I was one of those seven. She wants to meet me Monday for an interview. What exactly will be involved in the interview? Have I gotten in for the classes or is this another waiting trial as she picks only a few of us out of the seven?

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