CNA in Texas

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I have read several posts on here in regards to what people will do while attending nursing school. I really don't want to go through school to be an LPN because ultimately, I'll want to become an RN. But while I'm in Nursing school, I would like to work in a hospital to get experience and have considered volunteering but I can't afford to not work. Does anyone know about any CNA programs and how long they take to complete? Also, what is the typical pay for a CNA in the metroplex are?

If you have your CNA, can you use that certification to work in other areas of a Hospital.

In advance, thanks for any advice.

MattP

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My CNA took a couple months, it's very basic. I pretty much took the first job I got at a nursing home. It paid $8.50 an hour. I had applied at several hospitals but never got a call back or hired, so I think it is alot easier to get a nursing home job. Your day at the nursing home involves getting up residents for breakfast, changing them, showering them, feeding, passing trays, basically doing or helping them with things they cannot do themselves. It is not an easy job at all. Hospital jobs are a bit different, but I can't really tell you what they are like since I've never worked in a hospital. From what I gather average pay ranges from $8-12/hr. You can also work for agencies like home health or hospice.

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Specializes in Nursing Assistant/ Army Medic, LVN.

The CNA class I enrolled in is an 8 week course, 2 days per week, 6.5 hours per day.

The cost of the course was a bit over $300., and that amount includes books, scrub top, and ID badge. (There may be a few more things coming - I haven't started the class yet).

The test to actually get certified will cost another $100 after the course is through, according to the school's literature.

The ADN programs I have looked into require CNA as a prerequisite. (Some do, some do not).

I would say that the previous poster's compensation estimate is fairly accurate for my area as well, but this can vary greatly from area to area, facility to facility, etc. You'll probably have to check that out locally.

Maybe the CNA exposure will give you an edge over another applicant somewhere down the road?........Maybe it will be a satisfying learning experience?........Maybe you can snag a job at a hospital and they will end up giving you one of them there contract dealies (the ones that pay your tuition).?...........Guess that's up to you.

Good Luck.

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Specializes in Emergency/Trauma/Education.

Many hospitals will hire nursing students into Nursing Assistant/Nurse Tech/Nurse Extern positions after one semester of school. Most of the ones I've seen don't require the CNA course/designation for these individuals. Good luck to you!

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Go to a Texas Health Resources hospital.......Arlington Memorial or the Harris or Presby systems. They have a program to put you through school....they pay for it all plus books. In exchange you work for them for 2 years as an RN.

I work within the Harris system now. I do not have a CNA license. I am a PCT in the float pool and get around 12 an hour plus shift diff. They are paying for my college. I am starting my senior year. For me this has been THE way to go.

PM me if you need more info or contacts etc. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!!

~Candice

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