Frustrated.

[esand]

I've had dreams of being a nurse for as long as I could remember. I've just always in the back of my mind known that I wanted to be an RN.

I'm currently trying to find a good CNA program that I can afford, but they're all too expensive or too far away. Here in Ohio, it seems to be cheaper to get trained than most places. My back-burner school is $385 for tuition, scrubs, materials, and the state test. They even lend you books so you don't have to buy.

HOWEVER, I was wanting to go with a school that has more accredations.. Because this one only has two. Ah well. ON TO WHAT A MADE THIS TOPIC FOR.

I'd like to rant about the fact that everybody and their mom is trying to change my mind on this! It's very disheartening to tell my sister that I'm going back to school (after dropping out of high school at 17) for my CNA cert and have her make a disgusted face at me and say "Ew, you're going to be one of those butt wipers." I've been researching the CNA job and everything about it since I found out that I could do it, so I know all about what I'd be doing and have no problem with that. I want to. All of my friends take time out of my day to say "Why on earth would you want to do that?" and it just really hurts my feelings. :/ I want them to be proud that I'm continuing my education, you know?

Has anybody else ever experienced that to any degree?

I also have a few questions. How did you know that the school you went to was the right one? Did you have fun in class? What was your first job after graduating? Also, is it hard to find a job if you've got a GED instead of a diploma?

Thank you if you read all of that, and sorry for the rambling.

[funtimes]

Accreditation? Its CNA school not medical school. If you are on such a tight budget, go for THE cheapest school you can find. CNA is just a certification you get out of the way so you can start a CNA job, which is where you really learn how to be a CNA and gain healthcare experience.

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

Wow, your sister and friends need to get a life. Being a CNA is so much more than wiping butts (although there is plenty of that, lol). You're the one who makes them feel comfortable, clean, and cared for! You help make them look and smell nice, make sure they get a good meal, and are the eyes and ears of the nursing staff because you have so much contact with the patients/residents. These are not just words; it really is true! People are so grateful for care given by a compassionate and good-humored person, and that's what you'd be providing. So basically, their perceptions are not very accurate at all, and I think it makes a lot of sense to want to do this kind of work. :)

As for your questions:

How did you know that the school you went to was the right one? It was cheap, close by, and MBON approved. I found its approval on the state board of nursing's website; you can probably find a similar list for your state. Did you have fun in class? I wouldn't say it was just the most fun I've ever had, but I learned a lot and enjoyed the skills and clinicals. I was proud of what I learned and felt that I would be a good CNA when all was said and done. What was your first job after graduating? I work in inpatient hospice as a nursing assistant. Also, is it hard to find a job if you've got a GED instead of a diploma? This I don't know (BA is my highest level of education). I think it's more about whether you've taken the class, whether you're licensed, and what kind of experience you have (if relevant). I wouldn't worry about GED versus diploma.

[boogalina, ADN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN]

The only certification that truly matters is the school's state certification. Graduating from an unapproved school would probably make you unable to take the state licensing exam. So check w/your state board of nursing to make sure your CNA training program is approved.

My 2 cents? If you're interested in nursing, be a CNA first. Work in every setting you can. I've worked LTC, LTAC, ICU and med-surg and learned something every shift. I'm in my RN year of nursing school and it has helped immeasurably to be a CNA.

If you don't like what you're hearing from people who call CNAs butt-wipers, surround yourself with people who have similar interests and will be supportive. You'll find them! Good luck!

[duskyjewel]

YES, check with your state board of nursing for a listing of schools approved by them! That is the only certification that matters. I have to admit, though, I would be hesitant to deal with any business that has been down-rated by BBB.

The way I knew my school was the right one was through research. I looked at my state BON website, then I looked up more information on the schools closest to me. Turns out the one in my hometown has the highest first time pass rate statewide on the CNA certification test! And it had options for day, night, or weekend-only classes. It did cost $1000 total, and for people who say that's ridiculous, it depends where you live. There is nowhere in AZ you are going to take a CNA course for less than $400, not even the community college.

As to the negative comments you're getting, consider this: are the people who say these things to you pursuing any goals themselves? Are they getting started on a long-term career or improving themselves in any way? I bet the answer is no, because people who take no responsibility for how their lives turn out have a pathological need to drag others down. If other people can't better their situation, then they don't have to face the fact that their own choices are holding them back, so they tear down people trying to achieve in order to preserve their own comfort level with non-achievement.

Do what you know is right for you. Pursue your dreams and goals. Someday you'll be an RN with a nice house and car, and savings, and they will still be whining about how the world is unfair and no one can get ahead.

[esand]

Very eye-opening post, duskeyjewel! A nice dose of reality. You're so correct, I shouldn't even be worried about what they're thinking. I've located a school that specializes in CNA classes that's got an A+ with the BBB and has been in business for 14 years. :) $385 for the course, which is the same price but for probably a much more quality education. Thank you all for your advice, because I probably would have settled for the worst one.

[Jessicainsantafe]

esand---you go for it. I have a GED too, and I am finishing up my pre-reqs at the local community college. On top of that, I'm 50 years old and have lots of good years left in me to help people....why not? During your clinical portion of your CNA class, you will find out quickly if you have what it takes to be a CNA. A couple of people in my class did the clinicals and were SO outta there....others are working in LTC's or volunteering as a home health aide, like me.

Yes, you do clean up poop and pee....but when the person is cleaned up, they may never say 'Thank you' to your face, but the look they give you will be thanks enough. When I am ready to do this as my JOB, I will always want to work in home health because the people are more comfortable in their own homes and you get to know them on a really personal level. Assisted living and LTC's are tough, and kudos to all that can work there for a long time. I knew right away once the clinicals were done that I would be more effective as a caregiver to someone at home.

If you are lucky enough to get a really good teacher for your CNA class, then all the better. They will tell you that what you learn in the class is a starting point for what you will learn when you actually touch a patient. The first patient is the toughest one, let me tell you! Don't be afraid to ask questions, find out who are the good CNA's at your facility. Watch, learn, be patient, pray. It will all come together.

Good for you for taking the next step. We can all do this!!! That's why we're CNA's!

[babyyoda]

Glad you picked a course! This needs to be clarified I think however so you aren't hung up on it. BBB accreditation really has nothing to do with whether or not an employer would offer you a job or not. I've never heard of an employer checking to see if your school had BBB cert. They are going to check and see if they school is legally certified to teach. The Better Business Bureau ensures high standards in business conduct, but really has nothing to do with healthcare or education specifically. BBB handles everything from phone companies to retail stores. The BBB does not evaluate schools for teaching. Things reported to the BBB would be like, poor customer service. I went to a well-known, highly developed, not cheap college that has been around since 1925 and it never had BBB accreditation. Businesses must apply and pay for and renew BBB accreditation and not all of them bother with it. This is direct from the BBB website:

Businesses are under no obligation to seek BBB accreditation, and some businesses are not accredited because they have not sought BBB accreditation.

To be accredited by BBB, a business must apply for accreditation and BBB must determine that the business meets BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints. BBB Accredited Businesses must pay a fee for accreditation review/monitoring and for support of BBB services to the public.

Schools are accredited by various methods, for instance my nursing program was accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the PA State Board of Nursing, not the BBB. The school as a whole was accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is also voluntary. What you should be looking at is if they have any ratings from educational entities, and what percentage of students pass the test the first attempt....things like that. When talking with potential employers about the quality of your education, you would talk about how much hands on practice and clinical time you got, and how much experience your instructors had, not about school accreditations. That isn't even something that would go on your resume.