good news...bad news

[angelac1978]

okay for the good news. I got my acceptance letter today for my CNA program. This is really good news as the college I am going to be attending won't even think of letting you in their nursing program unless you have your CNA (they don't tell you this though, the only reason I know is that I have a friend who works at the university)

Now for the bad news. The CNA class that I was assigned to meets from 8am to 12:15pm and its in a town thats 30-40mins away. The thing is that I work from 5pm to 1am for the postal service. How am I supposed to work until 1 (or later if they decide to keep us late) and then get up in time to make it to this class?? there is another class thats offered from 11:15 to 3:30 that I had applied for originally (not sure why I wasn't put in this one) but then I would pretty much have to go straight from class to work as it is a good distance away!

what do I do??? I could alter my work schedule, change my hours or work fewer hours, but I had really planned on working full-time all summer long and then cutting back in the fall...

for those of you that have been through a CNA training course, is there any homework involved? or is it mostly stuff you learn in class. because if there is homework I have to consider that as well in planning my time. The class starts in July and lasts for a month, but I have to return my acceptance form by the end of the month due to the number of applicants...

[CountrifiedRN]

It's been quite a while since CNA school, but yes, I do remember having homework, having to do a group project, and having to study for tests and practicals. Every program is different, but you should allow for study time.

Since the class is only for a month, could you arrange to get off early from work for that period of time, then make it up with overtime later?

Hope you find a way to work it out. It does help to have your CNA certificate before beginning the nursing program.

[MPHkatie]

Was sort of a blah experience. I worked graveyard and often went to class sleepy. However, I learned the stuff and got 100% on the state exam, so I don't think you'll have it too hard. What I would suggest, however, is that you call the school and request a schedule change for the reasons you mention above. Sometimes they just slip up. You will have some study time during the day after class and on weekends. Good Luck!

[angelac1978]

if I wanted to I could "refuse" the class assignment that they have me in now, and ask that they hold a spot in the later class. If I do this, though, the director said she couldn't guarantee that I would get in the later class due to the number of applicants. So if I refused the early class and didn't get into the later class, I would basically be SOL, and not get in either class.

I have talked it over with hubby and he agrees that if nursing is what I want to do, then I need to cut back my hours at work and take the early class. I currently work 40hrs and I am going to try cutting back to 30hrs a week and see if that helps. Thanks you guys.