CCSN CNA Courses

Hi!

I took the CNA program at CSN last semester (spring '07). It was very hard work but I don't regret a single moment of it. If you are planning on going forward as an RN, then I totally recommend it. This year the cut off for acceptance for full time program was 20 points...I would have had 19 without the CNA class, but I was accepted into the program. It was a very humbling experience and I have met some really good friends from my clinical class.

You will need your white snap/button/zip front uniform top with the pockets in the front (which you can recycle for the ADN program) and navy blue uniform pants. At the orientation they will give you a paper thing you can take to this place called La Isla (on E. Sahara) where you can get 10% off your uniform and supply purchase.

One thing I want to mention, during my first few clinicals, I would hate getting up to go in because the LTC environment was very depressing for me....my suggestion is to try to bring your enthusiasm and positive mentality with you to that environment to make it a better place for you, your classmates and the residents.

Good Luck, if you have any other questions, the CNA discussion forum was a big help for me in the Nursing Student Section of this web site!

Thank You,

You have been really helpful. I know its going to be hard but I expect that. Do you remember if you had to bring anything with you for orientation? Also, did they put you in a clinical setting for your first class?

Oh and Good Luck to you on your journey to becoming an RN.:)

At orientation, just bring a pen and maybe like a clipboard with some paper to jot down things you think are important. It's not that long and pretty straight forward. Everything seems pretty overwhelming but it won't be when you get started.

They don't put you in a clinical setting right away, I believe you have to wait 2-3 weeks of having classroom time where you will learn things like bed making and vital signs before they set you free at the hospital. But when they set you free, beware, they really expect you to be independent. My clinical instructor always wanted us to be doing something....but after doing what we were assigned to do, I didn't know what to do. You can always organize the residents closets, clean their bedside tables, bathrooms do things that you have already learned to do, if you have been checked off to do them and are already authorized to do them.

Also, try not to ever be late coming in and coming in on break, all the instructors hate that and they will not tolerate it....and absences either.

The program is really rather quick, it will go by fast but you will learn alot. Thanks on the congrats...I'm actually anxious to see what I can apply to the RN program from my CNA skills!