Desperate for advice!!!!

dbledutchs · May 28, 2007

I want to thank everyone for their well wishes and advice. It's been a difficult year for us and there are still so many decisions to be made. My husband is working nights now, so I can go to school during the day and our youngest won't have to be with a sitter. That was important to us. I'm thinking of taking the CNA position, because that starts in June and I won't be going to school until September. By then I will be part time anyway, and I'm hoping that if I explain to them that I was accepted into the LPN program that they will help me out and not schedule me on the days I have school. I think I have to work every other weekend, but other than that it will only be 20 hours a week (listen to me, ONLY 20 hours a week!!)

I do want to go on to get my RN eventually, but I would like to work as an lpn for at least a year or two before I do. We have an lpn to RN bridge program that I could probably get into if I wanted to go that route.

The only courses I have to take besides all the nursing ones is A&P I and II. I have everything else, plus I have a high GPA. So since there isn't much I can do this summer, I thought working would be the best idea.

I'm a bit terrified, but I'm hoping with the support of my family I'll be able to do this.

Thanks again to everyone!

Marie

BigB · May 28, 2007

I'm afraid that if I do the CNA thing I will never move on because there will never be a time that we don't need the money.

Can you work and go to school at the same time?

You have come to the right place for advice. I would get the CNA cetificate and start working as one asap. The skills you learn as a CNA will help you greatly when you are in LVN school. Another thing is being a CNA you will be able to work a VERY flexible scedule. I was a CNA for about 4 years and I wrote my own work scedule and worked when I wanted to work. This is great while you are a student.

Many people manage to work and go to school at the same time. You will sacrifice sleep. Say goodbye to getting 8 full hours a sleep at night. Well, as a mother you probably havent got that in a long time anyways, so you can do it. I would buckle down and get the CNA first so you can get the extra money coming in. Then go to LVN school and work as a CNA on your terms. I worked 2 days a week during school as a cna, some co-workers worked 5 days a week. I can be done, sleep will be sacraficed.

Best of luck.

sassiebaz · May 28, 2007

I agree...Get your LPN. I too have 3 kids and no way could I work AND go to school. I value my family time and Im already worried about all the work and time that school will take. But, it's important that we have a second income so Im committed to this program!! If you can bite the bullet and just go to school I would go for it! Especially if you have been at home for the last 6 years.....work and school may be too much. That is just my opinion, I do not know you, but I know me and I have been at home for 4 years. I couldn't do it! How many days a week is your program?

allantiques4me · May 28, 2007

Some facilities pay for you to get your LPN while your working as a Cna.I say go for it.I went to school under similar circumstances.And I have four kids.I did fine,you wont be sorry.

pagandeva2000, LPN · May 28, 2007

I would stary LPN school in the fall since you were already accepted. Getting accepted to any nursing program is highly competitive, so take the seat while it is available to you.

Being a CNA can be helpful towards nursing, but just keep in mind that in most cases, it is also a physically demanding position and you will also have to study. Each facility is different, but most of the ones I know usually offer reimbusment for nursing school once you are employed there for at least a year...and are a excellent employee...no sick calls, counseling or write ups. I am sure that you would dedicate yourself fully to the job, because you wish to advance to become a nurse. Good luck!

dbledutchs · May 29, 2007

Well, this morning they offically called and offered me the CNA position, which is kind of cool, but I'm still a bit undecided. I have to call them back tomorrow and offically accept or decline.

I think my only option is to be straight with them and explain that I was accepted into school and if they will be flexible with me, I'll be more than happy to accept the position. But what do they really have to gain here? I mean, there are only 10 spots in this CNA thing, and a ton of canidates, they can surely call the next guy on the list if they have to be "flexible" with me. Any thoughts?

I really want to do both, but my husband thinks I'm taking on too much. I'm just afraid I will regret my decision either way. It's such a tough call, and I want to thank everyone on here who has given advice, it really means a lot to me!

It reminds me of that song....should I stay or should I go? If I go there will be trouble, if I stay it will be double. it's not really the same thing, but it just popped in there.

Thanks so much

Marie

rn/writer, RN · May 29, 2007

Be straight with them about your situation. If they are going to balk, let them do it now.

What's in it for them? The possibility that a year from now, they'll have someone they want to hire as an LPN. It's hard for many facilities to find reliable employees. The turnover rate is high. If you can get tuition reimbursement from them, the progression from CNA to LPN could work for both sides.

Don't hesitate to point this out to them. If you go in and seem apologetic or lacking in confidence because you're going to need some flexing on their part, they might hesitate to hire you. Or they might hire you and then take advantage because they sense that you feel that you owe them.

But if you go in with the attitude that this could be a winning proposition all the way around and that everyone stands to benefit from this arrangement, they are likely to be influenced by that as well.

Take some time before the interview and make a list of all the plusses that could come out of this scenario (you'll already be familiar with the residents when you start as an LPN, you'll know the facility's P&Ps, etc.)

Now make a list of the negatives (this coming year will be demanding, other CNAs might give you a hard time) and find a way to put a positive spin on them.

Paint this as a positive picture all the way around.

I wish you the best.

dbledutchs · May 29, 2007

Thank you so much for the advice, I really think that is the way to go about this. I liked what you said about knowing the facility. Truth be told, this is the hospital I want to work at anyway because it's really close to my house.

Now, I've already been hired, can I still go back and say oh by the way. When I went for the interview I didn't know I had gotten into the school, I actually found out that afternoon. Can I call them back and still propose this? I figure either way it will give me an answer. They will either welcome me or not and if they don't, then I guess that's my answer.

I have to see where I left my back bone...I think it went in storage.

Thank you so much.

Marie

PinkDove · May 29, 2007

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pagandeva2000, LPN · May 29, 2007

Thank you so much for the advice, I really think that is the way to go about this. I liked what you said about knowing the facility. Truth be told, this is the hospital I want to work at anyway because it's really close to my house.
Now, I've already been hired, can I still go back and say oh by the way. When I went for the interview I didn't know I had gotten into the school, I actually found out that afternoon. Can I call them back and still propose this? I figure either way it will give me an answer. They will either welcome me or not and if they don't, then I guess that's my answer.
I have to see where I left my back bone...I think it went in storage.
Thank you so much.
Marie

I think that it would be best to let them know just what you told us. If nothing else, they cannot beat you up (smile). Maybe ask if you can work the weekends instead of during the week (they are always desperately short on the weekends and holidays). Best wishes!

arual56 · May 29, 2007

Okay, I really need some advice, found this forum, everyone seems really helpful and warm, so I was hoping to pick a few brains.
My husband and I owned a business together and we have three children that I have stayed home with for 6 years. In February my husband was injured and we now have to sell our business. He actually got another job, that isn't physical at all, and is doing a lot better.
We decided that it was time for me to go back to something. I've been wanting to go in the medical field for about three years now, so I figured this was my chance. I applied at a local LPN school and was just accepted (I'm so proud of me!!). I also applied to a local CNA program that will train you for free if you sign up to work for the hospital for a year. My question is, we could really use the money right now, but I would really like to go to school, because it's only a year. I'm afraid that if I do the CNA thing I will never move on because there will never be a time that we don't need the money.
Can you work and go to school at the same time? My kids are 11, 5 and 3, two are in school and my baby will be starting preschool in September (3 days a week).
I want to earn money, but I want to bite the bullet and just go and get my LPN.
Any advice would be so helpful. Thank you so much.
Marie

Be careful which way you decide to go. In AZ there are a number of facilities that will train you to be a CNA, however, their programs are not recognized by the State Board. As a result, you don't get to finish the class and then take your CNA cert. On top of that, you can use the job experience on your resume in the future, but just because you have held the position at one place, doesn't mean that you will be able to accept the same kind of position at another facility. It depends on your state and their rules. If you are thinking about going back to school, think about taking a CNA/PCT course at your local Community College. Then you can test for your certs with the board. It will also give you a clear idea of whether you want to continue on to nursing school and may well give you the boost you need to start taking those pre-reqs. If your husband is ready and willing to help around the house and is supportive of you, don't let the kids be a stumbling block. You would be surprised how supportive kids are, even when they are young, if they know that you are trying to do something important to you and to them. I helped take care of my oldest granddaughter while I was taking my last A&P classes. She may not have understood what she was doing and the importance of it, but we used to play with cards that showed the different bones in the body while I was watching her. She would show me the bone, and I would name it. Then she had to show me where it went in the body in general. Or we reversed the process if the names of the bones were simple enough for her. She was 6 years old. It was a blast and a great help.

ss07 · May 30, 2007

Just for the record, I agree with your husband. I might be too much for you. I just graduated from LVN school, and I can tell you it's demanding. It's not easy, and I was a honor student with a 4.0 average. By the way, my kids are grown, and it still kicked my butt. I personally believe that you've got to give it the proper focus and attention if you want to do well.