1st day in CNA class and really down...

swee2000 · Nov 5, 2007

In Michigan I've never heard of CNA requirements for enterance into a nursng program except for one or two schools. Part of MI law is that student nurses that have completed a semester or maybe it's a year of clinicals can fill out a form and are considered CNA certified until they graduate or leave school for a certian period. Additionally the hospitals I've looked into don't require you to be a CNA if your a student nurse and will hire you for CNA/Tech work without the certification. I would make sure you examine all your options and find what works best in your area.

Please read my comments posted on 11/2 in addition to those from 10/25(to which you replied to). You'll see that I apologized for assuming all nursing programs &/or hospitals require CNA certification.

Sady · Nov 5, 2007

It may not be a requierment( like my nursing program) BUT it does help get you in and the experience is priceless!!! ask any CNA, 90% of the best nurses to work with were aids first. And it gives you a summer job that pays good and you get experience, other nurses will want to show you things, you will be ahead of the group when you get to a nursing program and alot more comfortable with things.

CPCali · Nov 16, 2007

In 32 years I have never heard that. Anyone else?

I know of a few schools that require CNA before you can start RN program.

suextwo · Nov 16, 2007

in response to whether or not you need CNA certification--- at the school i attend, you need it (and a good grade) as a prereq to even apply to the LPN program. is that everywhere or just around here (chicago area)?? thanks

Ginny Weasley · Nov 16, 2007

I have heard that before. Most nursing programs do require you to be a CNA first. At least for the technical schools, like the one I applied for. Anyways, don't give up. Seriously, it was only your first day. Why should anyone expect that you know how to do everything on the first day? Seriously, relax. Don't listen to what other people say about you, or worry about what they think. You aren't doing this for them.

TiggerBelly · Nov 17, 2007

Trust me we have all had those moments where the spotlight is on us and absolutely nothing right comes out of our mouths. Being as how this was your first day try to bear in mind that it is a learning process and you learn from your mistakes. Give yourself time to acclimate yourself to the nursing routine before you begin to think about jumping ship. And I think its a really good idea to become a CNA while doing your ADN program. Thats what I am doing now working in a hospital as an aide and going to school. I have learned so much and hope that I can apply all of this when I become an RN. Hang in there!

peridotgirl · Nov 17, 2007

Ok, I am working on pre-reqs for ADN nursing school. I decided to get into the CNA class to get some experience and also work part time while in school. My hope is to work for a hospital for the experience. Anyway, today I completely felt like a total air head b/c I thought the B/P cuff was leaking air. The instructor had to come and show me I had the knob turned the wrong way. I was just not prepared today and very distracted. When called on and the spot light was on me, I felt myself get very nervous and red in the face and shaking. My voice was shaking also. I felt stupid. I think that my instructor noticed and everyone else too.
I didn't think I was going to get into the class b/c of the money. I have had a lot of stress going on right now from money to my grandmother being placed in ICU for the 2nd time and now facing open heart surgery. I didn't have my books b/c the store hasn't been open etc. Luckily I was not the only one and it was not a requirement for the first day. I just wonder if I am smart enough for nursing. Am I kidding myself? I think the demons from the past are showing up whispering in my ear that I am not smart enough or able to finish this. I am normally pretty outgoing and do well in large crowds, but smaller ones are hard for me. Especially when I am on unfamiliar territory. I almost thought of dropping the class. I just think stress and pms/hormones have gotten the best of me today. Am I crazy? Any advice?
thanks,
sc

No, you re not crazy. You just had a bad day. Like others have said, we all have them. Just think of why you took the class in the first place. From the sounds of it, you need to calm down, possibly take the class when you're more at ease and things with the family settle down. As for getting nervous, we all get nervous when the spotlight is on us and we don't know what to say. Nursing is a very hard work and stressful at times, so you need to be focused as much as possible. Try to re-take the CNA class at a later time. Keep in mind that we're all human, we all make mistakes. That day was just not your day. Look forward to a better day tomorrow. Hope it all works out for you. :):):)

need714 · Nov 19, 2007

hello everyone!

i've been reading this forum for some time now and i just wanted to comment on this post because i'm at the same stage of pre-reqs and such myself. i'm actually going to register for a cna class this week for a course that starts this february.

first thing is to the original poster that had a bad day. don't sweat the small stuff! you're in that class to learn, you're not supposed to know it before you get there! that's what you are paying the instructor for...to teach you. stay positive, and i guarantee you that if you would have openly said that you did it wrong and laughed at yourself...there would have been someone that said, "me too!" and you probably would have met a new friend. it's moments like this where you take the opportunity and turn it around to create a fun atmosphere. i promise! we are all human!!

the second thing is there is so much being said about how every program is different and some have mandatory nursing assist cert. and some don't. i just wanted to add how mine does it. the program is based on a point system and the more points you apply with the better your chances are of getting into the nursing program. you can get points for gpa-higher the grade more points, living in a certain county that the school is in, and an extra 20 points if you have your cna license. it's not mandatory, but a good incentive. i'm going to do it, because the counselor told me that every application season they have 200 applicants and they only have room for 36. you wonder why there is a shortage?!!??!!

sorry this is such a long 1st post!! :idea:

need714...

CPCali · Nov 19, 2007

hello everyone!
i've been reading this forum for some time now and i just wanted to comment on this post because i'm at the same stage of pre-reqs and such myself. i'm actually going to register for a cna class this week for a course that starts this february.
first thing is to the original poster that had a bad day. don't sweat the small stuff! you're in that class to learn, you're not supposed to know it before you get there! that's what you are paying the instructor for...to teach you. stay positive, and i guarantee you that if you would have openly said that you did it wrong and laughed at yourself...there would have been someone that said, "me too!" and you probably would have met a new friend. it's moments like this where you take the opportunity and turn it around to create a fun atmosphere. i promise! we are all human!!
the second thing is there is so much being said about how every program is different and some have mandatory nursing assist cert. and some don't. i just wanted to add how mine does it. the program is based on a point system and the more points you apply with the better your chances are of getting into the nursing program. you can get points for gpa-higher the grade more points, living in a certain county that the school is in, and an extra 20 points if you have your cna license. it's not mandatory, but a good incentive. i'm going to do it, because the counselor told me that every application season they have 200 applicants and they only have room for 36. you wonder why there is a shortage?!!??!!
sorry this is such a long 1st post!!
need714...

one of the universities here is on a point system as well.

i decided to go the cna route, for experience purposes.

need714 · Nov 19, 2007

yeah, experience is also one of the main reasons why i'm doing it as well. i'm hoping to get into a hospital once i'm certified. i'd rather work in a hospital than a nursing home because i think that is where we'll get more experience for down the road.

good luck with everything and i hope your grandmother is doing well!

liberiangirl25 · Nov 20, 2007

Well, they are telling us that we do not have to have our CNA license. I can start the Vocational nursing class this summer. Do you still think I should get the CNA license?
Thanks,
sc

I also signed up for a cna class today. I start LPN school in Jan. I do not mean to be rude... But if you are so willing to quit a cna class because of a bump in the road...How are you going to prevent yourself from not doing the same thing in your nursing class?

avery157 · Nov 21, 2007

YOU CAN DO IT!! I have been teaching the CNA class for 9 years and there

is no one we could not get through and pass the state test. We had one lady

with only a 3rd grade education pass and become a licensed CNA. We had to

do extra work (spend extra time) with her but she is now a happy employed

CNA. Of course you may not have instructures that are patient or helpful and

are having a bad day themselves but you will be fine. DO NOT GIVE UP!!

It sounds like you have alot of stressful stuff going on and that would effect

anyone. You have to decide if you can ride it out or not. I bet you can.

There is a video of all the skills you will be working on in your class and

the skills you need to know for your state test. You can check it out at

avanzaedu.org GOOD LUCK. Please don't give up, we need you out there!