Welcome! I am the Moderator of the new CNA - Nursing Assistant Forum. I am also an RN who works in various health care settings. I have experience in Long Term Care, Home Health, and Hospital settings. I have been a Nurse since 1998 starting out as an ADN; I received my BSN in 2001.
I wish I had been a CNA prior to Nursing School; I know it would have helped tremendously. The jitters I encountered make me blush now. I remember not wanting to look at a wound for a new patient because I was "uncomfortable" lifting the covers and envading someones privacy! It is safe to say, "those days are over ;)"!
Please take a moment to introduce yourself. If you have time, grab your cup and tell us about yourself. Feel free to PM me if there are any concerns that are of a personal nature. Oherwise, post your conversations and questions here so we can all learn.
I think maybe you didn't understand my question. I see why I didn't exactly word it right.. I wanted to know how long you have to get a job after (becoming) certified? I am already certified and have not obtained work due to a list of unforseen circumstances...I was told that you only have 3 months or you lose your certification.. By an instructor of the class I attended. She said I would need to obtain work within 3 months of becoming certified. In kentucky you need a certain amt. of hrs. per year to keep your certification. I will be going to work by mid. Feb. at a local nursing home I know It will be physically demanding yet, I am going to love it! I'm sure there are other CNA's out there that are like us it just doesn't seem there are enough. Glad you enjoy and take pride in what you do. It is a field you have to love to do or you will be no good at it. I figured that out within my first half hour of Clinicals.
In the state of Montana I do not know about how soon you must obtain a job. In my area most that are training for CNA are working in a nursing home or hospital. I do know that you must have so many CE per year. go for the gold there it is a very rewarding job and I am going to school to hopefully get a degree in health care. So good luck and if you are lead to it then it will be right for you
Hi, I am new to the website. I am 40 and in pre-nursing classes. I am hoping and praying I get accepted into nursing school in Spring '09. I have decided I needed a career change. I currently have my BSW and have been a social worker for 12 years. I am thinking about quitting my SW job and becoming a CNA. I know this will be a paycut but the experience may be worth it. Any ideas, suggestions, inspirations?
Hi, I am new to the website. I am 40 and in pre-nursing classes. I am hoping and praying I get accepted into nursing school in Spring '09. I have decided I needed a career change. I currently have my BSW and have been a social worker for 12 years. I am thinking about quitting my SW job and becoming a CNA. I know this will be a paycut but the experience may be worth it. Any ideas, suggestions, inspirations?
P.S. I am scared, nervous, anxious but excited!!!
Hi,
Great time to change careers. Find a Nursing School that will recognize your undergrad work and will give you a BSN upon completion.
Becoming a CNA while waiting for acceptance from the nursing nursing is a good approarch. It will provide clinical experience and exposure to the profession.
What state do you reside in? If you are a New York down state resident look into Pace University.
Thank you Tank. I am beginning a CNA class in a couple of weeks. I live in NC. I am attending a community college now and hope to get an ADN and become an RN. The university in my town only offers a program for those who already RN's to BSN (which I find a bit odd).
Thank you Tank. I am beginning a CNA class in a couple of weeks. I live in NC. I am attending a community college now and hope to get an ADN and become an RN. The university in my town only offers a program for those who already RN's to BSN (which I find a bit odd).
Ok
Please look into a possibe BSN when you are finished your RN course work.
You have a 4 year degree which should count. I made a mistake by going into a BSN program at Pace University at $65,000.00 instead of a local community college RN program at $10,000.00. My undergrad in school counseling would have counted towards my BSN. Big difference. Please explore all your options while becoming a CNA.
I'm so glad to be a part of this group! I'm currently a certified massage therapist here in CA. Though I love my job, I've decided to FINALLY pursue my long time dream of becoming a registered nurse! So I recently signed up for a CNA course, and I will begin 5 days from now! I'm super excited to learn as much as I can so that I can be the best certified nurse assistant I can be! I hope that this opportunity will help me gain experience, especially in an acute hospital environment, and financially support my journey to become an RN some day soon!
I'm so glad to be here because I think that this is such a great support system, and It's inspiring to know that there are others who are in the same situation, and have the same goals as I do! Honestly, sometimes I worry about how difficult and stressful the next few years will be, especially with school and it's demand for perfection. But I know that I can only do my best, and that hard work and positive thinking will pay off in the end! So, through the next couple years, as I grow and learn more through this journey, I hope to stay active here to gain and share as much knowledge, support and inspiration as possible!
I was hoping there was a group just for the CNA's. I have been a CNA for a year now and debating whether I want to take that step to RN. I am the mother to 3 step mother to 3 a regular old Brady Bunch. I hope to post more here on the boards and to know yall all a lil better
I been a CNA for 2 years now. I like it. I work in the evenings and like it since nobody tells me what to do. I work for a nursing home here in Bakersfield. I been debating if I want to pursue on being on LVN. Not in hurry yet.
so yeah I like long walks on the farms ...ha just kidding.
I've been a CNA for a couple of months now, but I still looking for my first job. I'm hoping to try and get into a hospital, but I don't know how likely that is since I don't have any experience except for clinicals. I'm also hoping to get into nursing school this fall.
It's great to have this forum, everyone is so supportive and it's nice to hear everyone's stories. Good luck and best wishes to everyone!
I have been a CNA since August. I worked on a step down unit until this week. I have transferred to MICU. This is my third career. I was a hairdresser for 15 years and working in a ministry to the homeless and the poor for ten years. I am 43 years old and in nursing school. I decided to work as a CNA for experience.
I was always attracted to the nursing field and finally took the plunge! I obviously have taken a pay cut in working as a CNA, but I think it is one of the best descisions I've made as far as career satisfaction. I love it, it also really helps in my clinicals at school. I know working as a CNA will make me a better nurse...I believe that I will treat the CNA's with the respect they deserve.
ittybittyCNA
2 Posts
I think maybe you didn't understand my question. I see why I didn't exactly word it right.. I wanted to know how long you have to get a job after (becoming) certified? I am already certified and have not obtained work due to a list of unforseen circumstances...I was told that you only have 3 months or you lose your certification.. By an instructor of the class I attended. She said I would need to obtain work within 3 months of becoming certified. In kentucky you need a certain amt. of hrs. per year to keep your certification. I will be going to work by mid. Feb. at a local nursing home I know It will be physically demanding yet, I am going to love it! I'm sure there are other CNA's out there that are like us it just doesn't seem there are enough. Glad you enjoy and take pride in what you do. It is a field you have to love to do or you will be no good at it. I figured that out within my first half hour of Clinicals.
Thanks For The Reply,
Michelle