CNA question

[sdnaylor]

I just moved to the St. Louis area a few months ago. I have wanted to attend nursing school for a while now but I have been moving often so it hasn't been something I could achieve. I plan to stay in this area for a while and would like to get my CNA first so I can possibly branch out from waiting tables while I work towards going to nursing school. I've looked around on the net for info on where I can take the courses to acquire my CNA certification but I haven't found much. Where I lived before in NC the CNA training took 12 weeks, it cost around $70-$80 and there was a 2 month waiting period after your application. I'm not sure what that is here. If any of you are from here and could offer any info it would be appreciated!

[BreatheFree]

Check your states board of nursing website

[mlzmom]

I don't know about where you are but around here if you have completed your first semester in nursing school most hospitals will hire you as a nurse tech. A lot of my classmates quit thier other jobs and took jobs as techs or nurse aides after their basic care semester was over.

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

You might also try your local nursing homes. I took my CNA class at a nursing home at no cost to me. Plus I had a job upon successful completion of the course. I was even paid during my clinical hours for working (it was a lower rate than I made once I was certified, but it still was a steady paycheck).

If you choose this option, please look into the nursing home itself to make sure it is a reputable facility that provides good patient care.

I got very lucky, I knew nothing about nursing homes when I interviewed for a spot in the CNA class. I chose that particular nursing home on the basis that it didn't smell bad when I walked in. It turned out to be a fantastic facility with several deficiency free state regulatory surveys, competent administration and caring staff.