CNA classes at local college???

DSplendid · Jun 30, 2006

JMHO...

Skip the CNA college class, if you have to work for now, do something until the free class opens up. Waitress, Mcdonalds, clean houses, whatever you can..not worth paying for it. Or, many times you can work as (I don't know about your area) without the Cert. just as a personal care attendent.

I would also skip the phlebotomy. If I'm understanding you, the goal in the end is to become a Pedi NP, so get the CNA, so yes you can work while in school...but start school for nursing. Honestly, you could even skip the CNA, and just work any job, while your taking nursing classes. The more classes you take; other than nursing or nursing pre-req's is only going to take you longer, the more cert.'s you obtain, and better jobs, are only going to make you comfortable, and question whether you should go part-time to get your nursing. Trust me, as I was getting raises and better job offers, I kept putting nursing off. If you have a goal, work towards it, not around it.

JMHO...but good luck, sending you positive vibes and prayers.

all4schwa · Jun 30, 2006

after you do the first quarter of nursing school, you can take the test without the cna classess...if you want to

lisabeth · Jun 30, 2006

I really want to be a CNA and I was hoping I would be able to take classes at the local nursing home near me but they are not having training classes for another 6 months or longer. The college I got accepted into offers a CNA course that's 5 weeks long, and is from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday...and the cost is $1,400. It requires me to have TB testing done which I already have, and documentation of Hepatitus B documentation which I already have as well.I was thinking after I get my financial aid taken care of I could do that during the day and at night take 2 classes and get a head start on my phlebotomy certification. Of course I wouldn't be able to work for about 5 weeks until after I complete the CNA course but I think it would be a good idea. We really cant afford for me to be out of work much longer so that seems to be my best bet.My goals are to first become a CNA, then get my degree in phlebotomy so I can work as a phlebotomist for a while, take pre-reqs for the RN program, go thru a RN-BSN online program and eventually work my way up to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I'm looking to be in college for the next 7-8 years but I figure it'll all be worth it and the more experience and the more certifications I have will help me in the long run. My question to you is, would you take a CNA course thru a college for $1,400, while knowing that you can get CNA training for free thru a nursing home? The only thing keeping you from waiting is that you really need a job and dont want to go thru all the hassle of finding a job now just so you can quit in a few weeks??? Any advice would help.

Thanks

Amber

Have you checked any community colleges? The program at our school is about 450.00. That is a huge difference. Just a suggestion. I too am looking forward to doing that. That is where we earn points for the program.

valifay · Jul 1, 2006

I would suggest taking the phlebotamy course and waiting it out for the CNA at the nursing home. Have you thought about applying at this nursing home to work as an RA or something while you wait for the class to start?

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2006

hi, amber!

here is a link to a website about cnas and how to become one.

http://nursingassistantcentral.homestead.com/nurseaideregistries.html

you merely need to contact the state office in virginia that keeps the nurse aide registry and ask for a list of places that teach cna courses. you will find it listed on that website i've listed above. they should be able to give you a list. then, you need to contact the individual places and see when, where and the cost of their programs. in many states, training is provided in nursing homes for free if you become an employee of the nursing home. so, get yourself educated on this and look around at the options available to you. the college isn't the only place that teaches cnas.

carebear_21 · Jul 1, 2006

Thanks everone :).

I have decided to wait for the the next CNA classes at the nursing home. The receptionist told me to keep calling every week to see when the next training begins. I think I am going to my phlebotmy certification though. I will only have to take 2 extra classes, since english 111 and medical terminology are pre-reqs to get into the nursing program and also for the college I want to get my bsn at. The nursing home will allowme to work whenever I can, I will not have set days or hours to work, the position I will be taking will be PRN. which means I can come in whenever I am available.I am really looking forward to getting my pre-reqs out of the way, the advisor said that it should only take about a year, but I was given a list of classes that would be beneficial to me if I dont get into the nursing program on the first try. Thanks for your advice!

~carebear~

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2006

Amber. . .I think you are very smart to go PRN as a CNA. If you work for a nursing home, you will work, believe me. As long as you are flexible with the days and shifts (days, afternoons, nights) that you are willing to work, you will get called or can get yourself put on the regular schedule for short bursts of time. Just make sure you keep in touch with who ever does the staffing and with the various charge nurses who end up having to find replacements for the nursing assistants who call off at the last minute. If you don't keep your name out there and let them know you are available to work, they will forget about you. Nursing homes always seem to have a lot of call offs, particularly on the weekends and holidays. I know, I've worked in nursing homes off and on throughout my career as well as in the acute hospitals. I see you've also posted a question on the Nursing Student Assistant Forum about Phlebotomy. Go for it. It will help you when it comes time to start doing IV's as an RN.

carebear_21 · Jul 2, 2006

Wow, am I confusing or what lol. I just got a call from my old boss asking me to come back to work as a PRN nutrition aide, they are willing to pay me $10.00 an hour and they will work around my schedule. I feel lucky, although I want to do CNA training I guess I should consider going back to my old job, they are offering more money than what a CNA would get around here and I can still get to know some of the nurses at the hospital. Actually there is one nurse who is really friendly to me as well as a doctor, they seem to really appreciate me and think its great what I am doing. I am definately still looking into phlebotomy. If I get my old job back I can talk to some of the Phlebotomists and see if the hospital does any phlebotomy training and maybe see if I can shadow someone. I will be working Monday and Friday from 6:30 to 3:00pm and every other weekend and attending school on Tuesdays,and Thursdays and maybe take a psychology class wenesday morning.I just have to make sure I dont get too burnt out! being a nutrition aide really isnt that bad, your on your feet all day running back and forth between floors but as a nurse your on your feet all the time anyway. Anyway, the patients really appreciate you although I think most would prefer the food to be a little better LOL. Thanks eveyone. Me and my crazy questions, my brain is on overload from all this thinking!