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 would strongly recommend getting the HepB vaccination, especially if you think you will ever work in a hospital or volunteer in a disaster recovery situation.
You're going to be working, everyday, with the same bodily fluids through which HepB is transmitted. I don't understand why you're so resistant. Vaccinations are our first, most important line of defense against disease.
And the HepB vaccine is just a "Recomended" vaccine... Is it REALLY important I get this one?
This is healthcare. Treat everything as if it is mandatory, because IT IS - for your safety as well as the safety of your future patients. Healthcare is not a place to skimp on your own personal preventative methods/measures. Take it all seriously. The kind of evasive, anti-healthcare/anti-vaccination ideals your parents have instilled in you have absolutely no place in this line of work.
In school, clinicals, and workplaces, I have never been able to opt out of ANY preventative health measure. Get everything now or face having to get it later, when you can't get it for free, because you will have to get it later. You will have to be up to date on EVERY vaccine, get tested for TB, give urine and possibly blood samples, and get seasonal/workplace-specific vaccines or tests - maybe not now, but someday. Protect yourself, your coworkers, your residents/patients, and their families...I don't know why you wouldn't want to take every precaution humanly possible.
As for the flu shot, it says "if applicable," so I'd assume they understand it isn't flu season yet and therefore you're unable to obtain it. You have to be willing to get it once flu season comes around though.
Okay, I am leaning towards getting the hepB, simply because I will have to get it later and I dont want to pay for it. My Mom has strong beliefs about vaccinations(as do most of the homes school family's in our area), so she has not been very excited about me even going to learn about "modern medicine" in nursing school, much less get injected with vaccinations... I see the benefit tho and, especially because most people I am around don't get vaccinated, I could hurt them if I work at a hospital(which is what I want to do). I will try and convince Mom and get it done.
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Get the HepB. The influenza may not be available until September in your area thus it will be "recommended" and some individuals are ineligible (certain allergies and medical conditions) but to work in a nursing home with vulnerable populations it will likely be mandated of not strongly encouraged. On the plus side many nursing homes offer the influenza vaccine at low or no cost to employees to increase compliance.
I just wanted to commend OP for asking questions, being proactive and thinking outside the box on how to achieve her goal of becoming a nurse. Good luck with your vaccinations, CNA class, getting a job as a CNA and eventually becoming a nurse.
PS. The flu shot is once a year. It is usually available starting in the fall. You'll have to get it every year.
I just wanted to commend OP for asking questions, being proactive and thinking outside the box on how to achieve her goal of becoming a nurse. Good luck with your vaccinations, CNA class, getting a job as a CNA and eventually becoming a nurse.
PS. The flu shot is once a year. It is usually available starting in the fall. You'll have to get it every year.
I second THIS.
To add: they may have the flu shot available now, due to the various strains; at least in my area, when the H1N1 broke out in July a few years ago, most area facilities have been very proactive in trying to contain another outbreak, and it happened outside of the "normal" flu season.
Best bet is to inquire about it at your next visit.
Okay, UPDATE...Ish. I didn't mention this before because I thought I was just sick from the bug.
I got A high fever last Sunday, with a super bad headache, chills and aches. I have had the fever on and off for 7 days. Finally today I am able to move around a little more, and go outside to rest. But I am still so week... My Mom has been worried.
A few others in our household got the bug too, but they only had it a day or two and then they were fine.
Does anybody know if this could have been influenced by getting the vaccines the previous Tuesday?
I am really annoyed by this sickness and would love an explanation.(So would my Parents)
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Okay, UPDATE...Ish. I didn't mention this before because I thought I was just sick from the bug.
I got A high fever last Sunday, with a super bad headache, chills and aches. I have had the fever on and off for 7 days. Finally today I am able to move around a little more, and go outside to rest. But I am still so week... My Mom has been worried.
A few others in our household got the bug too, but they only had it a day or two and then they were fine.
Does anybody know if this could have been influenced by getting the vaccines the previous Tuesday?
I am really annoyed by this sickness and would love an explanation.(So would my Parents)
The first clue is that others in your family got sick. If this was due to the vaccines, it wouldn't have spread.
Fevers from you body working to put the vaccine to use are usually 24-48 hours post vaccine. This is explained in the vaccine information sheet that you should have received at the time of vaccination.
That said many viral illnesses are rampant in the summer months. Fever, chills, aches, pains, etc. I know several currently affected.
We cannot offer medical advice but if concerned check with the clinic that you received your vaccinations from. If vaccinated Tuesday the immune response is most likely Tuesday through Thursday at most. It's unlikely to cause your symptoms. 5 days later.
hookyarnandblanket
318 Posts
I would strongly recommend getting the HepB vaccination, especially if you think you will ever work in a hospital or volunteer in a disaster recovery situation.