CNA training/vaccines...ADVICE:)

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Hello.

I am 17 years old and want to become a Nurse. I am currently wanting to pursue specifically CNA training. Since I am still in high school my nearby college offers CNA training classes for free, if I get a Physical examination first and make sure all my vaccines are up to date. Then after I take the classes, once I turn 18(this November), I can take the FL state CNA exam. The thing is, I am part of a Family who only go to the doctor if we have a serious brake that we couldn't fix ourselves, we didnt see the need for vaccinations. So we NEVER did ANY vaccinations. ZIP.NONE. But in order to get the "free" classes at the college I have to get all the vaccinations I never got, adding up to about $700.00 or more, before i can do the class.

My other option is to pay $200-$400 and take a CNA class with an accredited program (http://tampabaycna.com/)and take the state exam. I don't think I have to have my vaccinations up to date before I do this class, I know I would have to get my vaccinations before I could get a job in a hospital but at least that would give me a little more time to get the vaccines done.

My question(s) are: Which program would you recommend? Do you think I should get my vaccines done before taking the test?

My Dad Got laid-off a few years ago, and has been doing handy-man stuff since, needless to say, that doesn't pay much. I have some cleaning jobs and some PCA hours, but I have NO EXTRA money. Basically all my money goes to the food bill(we have 6 people to feed). I want to be a nurse, and getting(even a CNA job) would help with the bills.

I appreciate your help!

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Specializes in Behavioral Health.

I have no idea if this is the norm, but the LTC facility I work at never asked about my vaccinations. You could call around and see what your future employers policies are. Have you looked into free medical care in your county? My county has a service that will give free or severely discounted medical services to people who have financial need. In my opinion, the free class and exam sound like a pretty nice deal. Since you have to get your vaccinations anyway, I'd start working on that. Another idea is to call the people who run the class and tell them about your predicament. They might be able to point you in the direction of discounted options. Good luck- it sounds like you've had some rough luck, but you're passionate about this. :)

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Anna, you are a minor, a 'child' in the eyes of the State. Check with your local health department, QUICKLY, and find out what kind of "Healthy Child/Well Child" program(s) they have. Some or all of your vaccinations may be covered, provided you are still under the age cap at the time.

That's what I'd do, anyway.

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Anna, if you want to be come a nurse, your vaccinations MUST be up to date before you'll be allowed to enter most nursing schools.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to start this process now, whether you decide to do CNA training or not.

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Every hospital that I've been to requires vaccinations including students before clinicals. Also, many colleges require vaccines to be up to date before registering. I would definitely start getting them because some require a series of injections over several months. I think the above poster had a great idea to try getting into a "healthy child" program. I know in my state, children can get free vaccines through the dept of health.

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Specializes in Behavioral Health.

A quick google of the Tampa Bay Area gave me this: Hillsborough County clinics | Tampa Bay health centers

I'd start making calls on Monday to figure out what you need to do.

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Specializes in hospice.

Check out your county vaccination clinic. Ours is free, yours probably is too. If you're still a minor you can probably get all your shots up to date. Be aware, though, that some are in series that take several weeks to complete.

It's in your best interest to take care of this even if you don't work in health care. There are measles and pertussis outbreaks that I'm aware of in several states right now. You're vulnerable and these diseases are NOT minor.

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Yes, I will look into the "free clinics" in my area. One reason it will be so hard for me to pay for it is that My family has no health insurance. Hopefully I can get sufficient information to the clinics to "prove that I am poor". Getting the free class would be cheaper in the long run because I have to get my vaccinations eventually any way. But I am not sure yet which would be best for my current situation, Because if i can get the training, and the test done, and get a job in a Nursing home or somewhere that I don't have to have vaccines, I would be better able to save for my vaccines.... I will look into the clinics and see what my options are.

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Yes, I will look into the "free clinics" in my area. One reason it will be so hard for me to pay for it is that My family has no health insurance. Hopefully I can get sufficient information to the clinics to "prove that I am poor". Getting the free class would be cheaper in the long run because I have to get my vaccinations eventually any way. But I am not sure yet which would be best for my current situation, Because if i can get the training, and the test done, and get a job in a Nursing home or somewhere that I don't have to have vaccines, I would be better able to save for my vaccines.... I will look into the clinics and see what my options are.

I know someone said somewhere here that she/he worked in a nursing home and no one required proof of vaccination, but IF this is true, it's an anomaly. I have never heard of a legitimate, licensed facility that did NOT require proof of vaccination and/or immunity status (which can be done with titers post-vaccination).

The minimum you can expect to have to have would be MMR (Measles--aka Rubeola, Mumps, and Rubella--aka German Measles), along with Hepatitis B (HBV). It's not uncommon to have HBV strongly encouraged but not REQUIRED, however, you ARE at risk in the healthcare setting as an aide without immunity. And many if not most facilities nowadays require employees to have the seasonal flu shot, although they typically do offer them free (to employees).

The HBV series will take 6 months to complete; you CAN request (but will have to pay for) a titer to be drawn a month after shot #2 (which will be a total of 2 months after the first shot) to see if you've converted (become immune). If so, you won't need the third/final shot. If you DO need that final shot, it will be given 5 months after shot #3, so.....six months start to finish.

Anna, if your family receives public assistance of any kind (HUD, food stamps, etc) you won't need anything else for the county health department free Well Child programs. But please don't keep waiting....you are 17, not getting younger, and this must be done prior to your 18th birthday.

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You won't be able to do the clinical portion of your CNA at a nursing home without your vaccines done...

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Okay, so I am able to get any and all vaccinations for free until I turn 18, at my county health department.

Last week I got 4: MMR, Tetnus, Chicken Pox, and Polio.

I couldnt get the Flu vaccine since it is not Flu season yet. ON the form it says "Flu Vaccine * (if applicable)" Does that mean I dont have to have it if it is not flu season? It says the same thing about a Background check... Any advice?

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And the HepB vaccine is just a "Recomended" vaccine... Is it REALLY important I get this one?

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