Health Programs @ CCSN - CNA Grads?

MikeyJ, RN · Jan 4, 2007

I am a pre-nursing student trying to get admitted to CCSN for fall '07 so I thought I would up my points by taking the CNA class. I am not sure if anyone here can help me but I have not been getting any help from the Health Advisor from the school nor can I find the information I need online in the catologues etc. What I need to know is my first clinical "class" is going to be on January 17th. The addendum on the CNA sheet says we have to have CPR training and negative 2-step TB test prior to first "scheduled" clinical. Are they going to send us off on my first day of class. Our orientation isn't until the 11th but I have clinicals every week. I am so confused. And it's not mandatory to get the Varicella (so I understand) but the way they have the 2-step TB test outlined includes Varicella. Should I just wait before getting anything done until after the orientation? They can't possibly expect me to know how to do everything without proper help and advisement--can they? Anybody who has taken the program at CCSN please help!!

I am a BSN student @ UNLV and have no idea about CCSN, however, I have taken a CNA course and they do not put you in clinicals your first day. That would be absolutely insane to do so... its usually a few weeks to a month before they throw you in clinicals.

checkmate · Jan 7, 2007

I am taking my RN pre-reqs at CCSN, I believe that your first clinical will be during your 3rd week, this should be covered at your mandatory meeting Jan 11th along with items you will need, uniforms, types of acceptable shoes, a watch with a second hand, stethescope etc. If you haven't done your CPR they should also have an instructor present to sign you up for the class at a reasonable cost.

DesertRain · Jan 8, 2007

I am taking my RN pre-reqs at CCSN, I believe that your first clinical will be during your 3rd week, this should be covered at your mandatory meeting Jan 11th along with items you will need, uniforms, types of acceptable shoes, a watch with a second hand, stethescope etc. If you haven't done your CPR they should also have an instructor present to sign you up for the class at a reasonable cost.

Are you signed up for the CNA program as well or have you finished it already? I can't wait for this orientation so I know what I'm getting into LOL, I'm so lost but excited as well. If you've taken the class already-is it hard? I have finished all my pre-req's except A&P II (well not a pre-req but apparently nobody gets in the program without it anymore) which I will be taking with the CNA class next semester. I hope it's doable. I was considering the Phlebotomy course because I know some classmates who took it and said it was much easier than the CNA however many RN's have suggested the CNA was better for anyone going for the ADN. What do you think?

checkmate · Jan 9, 2007

I haven't taken the CNA. I registered last year, went to orientation & the next day my work schedule changed so I had to drop. I am now working towards RN, but I'm only in my second semester taking bio & math. My girlfriend is an RN( I'm male) she took the CNA at CCSN and said it was easy and definitely nothing to stress about. Did you notice CCSN changed the RN program selection criteria for spring 08? A wider point range for the NLN, more pts for bio251 & comm and doing away with previous education for selection criteria.Also, When you go to get your uniforms 'La Isla' on E. Sahara by commercial ctr. has a huge selection and the best prices. most of the RN's in town go there, when you go to orientation some nurses union will have a table set up right outside the door, stop and say hello and they will give you a coupon for 10-20% off your uniforms at La Isla ( no I don't work there) On this site, If you look under general nursing forums-general nursing discussions I recently posted the question of which class would be more beneficial CNA, Phlebotomy, or EMT. I've only received 2 responses so far both for CNA. Who did you have for 223? How hard was it? any tips? Finally, if you want to beat the rush and get your drug test done, bring $$ for the test to orientation($30 approx?) and sit down in front by the door, because when the meeting concludes if you don't beeline for the cashier you will find yourself in a line of 100 people, and the cashier station is manned by people I would not let be banker in Monopoly.

DesertRain · Jan 9, 2007

Hey Checkmate--thanks for the response! Yeah I have heard from people in the RN program at CCSN that did the CNA and said it was very beneficial. I also spoke to one girl I know that said she flunked out of nursing the first sem took CNA the next and was doing very well when she went back into nursing due the the experience she gained. I'm pretty excited about it. I honestly can't wait to get into scrubs--lol, pretty lame so thanks for the heads up on the discount. Does CCSN require you to wear a specific uniform for the CNA class like it does for the RN program though? I've seen some pretty good deals for cheap uniforms around town but to my understanding it seems as though CCSN has a uniform or color code for scrubs depending on the program. Okay and so they do the drug testing on site? Or is it in option to pay for it and go somewhere else? I know I'll find out everything at the orientation but I was pretty confused about what I needed to have paid for and done by the time I attend the first class--so I totally appreciate your info! Oh and I had Marty Hicks for Lecture and Duane Aulner for Lab--both equally as challenging and I've heard are 2 of the hardest bio teachers on campus--but I can honestly say I've learned a lot thanks to their teaching styles. Who do you have? Which math are you taking? I took 100b with Rago--awesome guy and you can't miss an A in that class. Thanks so much for taking your time! Good luck with your classes this sem!

Oh and 1 more thing....do you know how long the orientation lasts approximately?

checkmate · Jan 10, 2007

DesertRain-I don't know who my 100B instructor is, it's listed as "staff," for 189 I have Joshua Parker w/ Deborah Harbour for lab. My orientation lasted a little over an hour, of course this depends on how many people ask questions. The drug testing occurs off campus, you have to pay at the CCSN cashier and then you are given a form to take to a "Quest Diagnostics" location of your choice(within 24 hours), it was a simple urine test and they will send your results to CCSN. They did have specific guidelines for your uniform, I'm sorry I don't recall the particulars for the women. You also will have to get nametags made, they will give you the format and any trophy shop should be able to do this for a few dollars. For what it's worth, my girlfriend wanted me to tell you that the most beneficial class you can take aside from CNA is HIT117B (medical terminology) she says it's surprisingly fun and you will be be way ahead of your RN classmates who didn't take it, the class is only 50 minutes once a week.

DesertRain · Jan 10, 2007

Okay, I had Harbour for Microbiology...she's from Texas and misses it dearly lol but she's great if you really care about her class. Here's the weirdest coincidence: before I even read your reply I (just today) signed up for HIT 117B --I swear to god!!! How strange? I was just flipping through the schedule and saw it and showed my boyfriend my schedule and asked him if he thought I could squeeze that class in--as my course load is rather heavy, and he urged me to take it because it was only once a week and less than an hour and I'm already at school that day right before that class so I thought--let's do this. Tell your girlfriend "Thank You!"--Checkmate-Thanks for all your advice and good luck this semester, I'm sure I'll see you around the forums!