Hello, I'm seeking some guidance.

caliotter3 · Jul 13, 2010

:grpwlcm:

nurse2b813 · Jul 13, 2010

Hello. First, prayer changes things. So pray and then grasp life's horns tightly and enjoy the ride! What is for you will be for you. No man can take it and no man can give....that is, what is for you. :clown:

nikisashabell · Jul 13, 2010

That was alot of info in a short story:idea: . I would suggest taking one thing at a time, did you mention you have your GED or not? If not this is your first step-reseach and find out what your local college has to offer in prep classes. Take GED. next would be if you have to work and the medical field intrests you then start applying for entry level hosp/retirement home work for example unit clerk or patient sitter. If you don't have to work then start filing out your FAFSA for FA. you don't need a job to go to school actually you'll be able to fully concentrate on your classes. I think thats enough to think about for right now:D

As for all the family issues your gone to have to work those out on your own, just remeber you have to live for you so don't hold back on your dreams. Hope that helps:redbeathe:yeah:

beingthankful · Jul 13, 2010

Hi Liza! No, it's very unlikely that your educational pursuits would be derailed just on the basis of being overwieght alone. Almost 1/3 of the population is overwieght no no worries there!

Also, how old are you? I ask because of your homeschool & "mom doesn't want me riding the bus" comment. Being underage can make things more challenging for you.

1st things 1st: Finish your GED. If math is an issue, see if your local library has any classes or tutoring to help you get through it. Usually there are classes for free or even a nominal fee to help.

Next, talk to your mom, let her know that you know & want to help, but she'll have to get over the whole bus situation for you to truly help. (again, depending on how old you are)

Yes, it's possible to receive financial aid (even while unemployed) however, how much is the CNA course you're looking at? If it's at all possible, find a part-time job or 2, save for the course, pay for it in one shot. Than all you'll have to do is concentrate on the course when you get in.

Then run WILD & free with your new CNA knowledge! Then make new goals at that time.

Saysfaa · Jul 14, 2010

I recommend starting by mapping out your goals and plans for getting there before talking to your family. You have made a very good start just in this post.

The long term goal is to be a nurse.

The mid term goal is to get a job as a CNA.

The short term goals are to get ready for the CNA class (there will be several short term goals).

Be ready for the short term goals to take some time. You'll be further ahead to get thoroughly prepared for the CNA class, than to get into the class as soon as possible but not prepared for it. So, concentrate on getting the driver's license first if you need to it to get to class - even if it means working at Walmart for a while to pay for the license. Working at Walmart is not giving up on your goals if you use it as a means of meeting your goals. Actually, Walmart gives out quite a few scholarships, and it is pretty easy to schedule work around a class schedule. So, it is not a bad place to work while going to school. It could also be very helpful in providing someone who could write a recommendation for you for scholarships. Employers and managers are great sources of references, especially if you haven't had teachers recently.

First, find out what you need for the CNA class.

Find or make a list of all the places that hold CNA classes.... I found a list for my area by googling "CNA classes in (my state)", which took me to the state health department. There I found a list by city. In my area, all of the courses are equal as far as how well they prepare the student but the cost varies tremendously and the requirements vary somewhat. You just have to sort through their websites (and/or contact them) to get each one's requirements. That can be a bit tricky - for example, my first choice was the community college. It is by far the least expensive but I had to be admitted to the college before I could sign up for the class. So, I had to add the college admissions requirements to the requirements specific to the class.

Don't decide on one yet, just collect the information. Certain things will be common to all of them. For example, a current "CPR for health care providers" certification is likely to be common to all of them. I'd start another page with the information about getting that. A TB test, white shoes with closed heels and toes, a manual, and maybe passing an English competency test are other common requirements.

Then, sort them according to the best fit (location, timing, requirements to sign up for the class, requirements during the class, and so on). Still don't pick just one, but you might make a short list of the most promising ones and set the others aside.

Second, make a plan for getting ready for the CNA class.

Check that you have all the information about each of the options on the short list. Then check with the advisor (make an appointment to go in a see them if you can) that you have everything straight. Then, start mapping out how to meet the requirements of the most promising options. Figure out the time frames things need to be done. Some things can be anytime before you start, others will need to be within certain time windows. Some will take much longer than others (it sometimes takes several months between a scholarships application deadline and when one finds out if they are a recipient). It would be a good idea to check with the advisor again at this point. Also, be sure to listen to them, let them tell you things you didn't think of asking, maybe even ask if there is anything they know of that you should know but haven't thought of asking.

I think you will be eligible for scholarships enough to pay for at least most of your schooling. It is better to do that than to take out loans. To get them, you will need to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), every school will have the form or you can get it online (FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid). All (well, the vast majority) of schools and scholarships require this along with applications even if the financial aid is not from the federal government, they use it to determine financial need. If you are considered a dependant on your mom's taxes then she will need to help you fill it out - at least enough to let you get information from her income tax returns and her signature.

Finding the scholarships and applying for them will take some time and effort. Many people treat that as a job - they work at it for a couple of hours several times a week. Some of the time is spent tracking down scholarships to apply to, and the rest is spent preparing the applications (polishing the essays, for example). Most people don't like doing the essays so you would have a better chance at the scholarships that require essays (especially since you can write quite well). There are two strategies: apply to many hoping some will work, or spending more time selecting scholarships hoping that you will stand out as the specific candidate they are looking for. In your case, look for scholarships aimed at those who are the first of their family to go to college (if you take the cna class at a community college anyway, I'm not sure if they would apply to places that offer cna classses). Also, check the hotels where your mom and brother work, such corporations might have scholarships dedicated to employees or relatives of employees.

You do not need to be employed to get scholarships. Many will need references, though, and employers are among the best sources for that. Volunteering is another way to develop good references.

Once you have a plan, pick a time when your mom is not particularly tired and ask for some of her time. Tell her you don't expect a response right away but would like her to think about it. Show her your plan, and that the advisor checked it over, and that you have figured out how to do as much of it yourself as you can. Don't get discouraged if she sees problems with it. Again ask for time for both of you to think about. And do think about the problems she sees - but think about them in terms of how to deal with them rather than as reasons to give up your goals (the tricky part is to keep cool, and convey thoughtfulness rather than arguing).

Let's see, what else did you ask? Oh. Personally, I think it is reasonable to pay some toward the rent (assuming you are 18ish or older). Again, remember taking a Walmart's job (or hotel or whatever) is not the end of your dream if it is used as a step toward your dream.

A bit overweight will not be problem, even quite a bit overweight won't be. Being physically unable to bend, stretch, or crouch down to help people put their socks on (for example) is likely to be a problem whether that is due to weight or anything else.

It is nice to meet you, I hope you find help and encouragement here.

HM2VikingRN, RN · Jul 14, 2010

I sent you a PM...

Bst

HM2

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jul 14, 2010

Hi, Twilix, and welcome aboard. :flwrhrts:

I can't add much to the great advice you've already received here, but without knowing a lot about your age and where you live, I can tell that you desperately need to gain some independence and some self-confidence. To a degree, I've been where you are now---still living at home, no car, no driver's license, and no help in figuring out what to do about it all. I did have a HS diploma, and I was working in a factory and paying some rent to help out at home, but otherwise I was just as stuck as you are.

But, first things first. You have goals, which is more than I could say for myself when I was young. As other posters have said above, the first and best move you need to make is to get your GED; take an extra math class, or ask someone you know well and who is good in math to tutor you.

Learning to drive is almost essential unless you live in the middle of a large city, in which case riding the bus is the usual mode of transportation. I don't know why your mother would not want you to do so; if you are over 18, however, you have the right to do what you want and need to do.....especially if she wants you to contribute to the upkeep of the household. (Personally, I think part of your problem may be the fact that you ARE still living at home, but that's a subject for another time.)

I do hope you have at least one, and hopefully more, friends or relatives whom you can lean on for support during this scary but exciting time in your life, and who will encourage you to get out of your 'comfort zone' and try new things. I'm glad you've come here as well; Allnurses at its best is an excellent support system that's helped nurses, nursing students, and pre-nursing students get through the tough times. I've been here nearly eight years and can point proudly to any number of members who were once "seekers" and are now full-fledged RNs and LPNs. :)

I think your idea to start with the CNA classes is a good one. Being a nursing assistant is hard, often thankless work, but there's no better training for nurses than starting at ground level. Of course, I'm a little biased in saying that former CNAs make the best nurses because I was one myself, but also because we know how hard those aides work, and we're much less apt to sit at the nurses' station drinking coffee and snarling at them! LOL

Well, for someone who didn't have much to add, I've certainly said a lot. Just know that you are welcome here anytime, and remember: the only "dumb questions" are the ones you don't ask!

ETA: Oh, and don't worry too much about being overweight. I once carried over 350 lbs on my little 5 ft. 3 in. frame, and I still got the job done, although it's a lot easier with less weight. LOTS of nurses and other health professionals are too heavy, they smoke, they drink, they don't get enough sleep, they eat poorly and work too hard. IOW.......we are human like everyone else.

Twilix · Jul 14, 2010

Thank you all so much, I feel better about things (even if a bit more overwhelmed..) I thought I would use this post to reply to some questions I saw and show my gratitude.

Ahem, I'm actually 21 (I know it's shamefull.), and I've actually been looking for a job for 2 years now. I've applied online and physically every week or every other week to 7-10 different places each, even in different cities. During that time I felt as though I was wasting my life, so I thought I might-as-well better educate myself. I'm hoping I will then be qualified to make more than minimum wage (even if just by a bit.).

I've spent alot of time thinking about what I'd like to do with my life. I'm a creative thinker and love the arts, however; I lack any outstanding talent in any area. I've developed some through tons of effort but, schooling for that is expensive and my true heart isn't in that. I've always been told I have "a heart of gold", I'm a people-person, and that my personality is perfect for nursing. Then one week of watching CNAs and nurses doing what they do, while my great gradmother was recovering from a broken hip. I realized thats what I want to do...There was a point in that last part, but I forgot..oops. Uh anyway, oh wait I remembered. Ahem, so I looked at the CNA program offered by our community college, It's only $550.00 and I'm pretty sure it's only 4 weeks. I could be wrong.

I am overweight but, I can physically do the work I see the point there. I was really worried about that for some reason. All the nurses/CNAs I saw were tiny 0-0. Uh, what else... the bus thing we live in a not-so-good-for-an-attractive-if-overweight-young-lady-to-be-walking-any-where-even-during-the-day-especially-by-herself-gritty-city. My moms words not mine. Though I agree with that, she may have to get over it we shall see. She can't eat her cake and have it too.

I don't have my GED, but again all I need is math, and the internet has helped me with that. Prayer does help, true. I need to pray more and stop over-thinking things. So now I'm thinking I need my GED, my drivers license (maybe sister'll let me use her car.), Talk to school advisor and find aid/grants/scolarships...then apply for them and make them gimme money. MWHAHAhaha. *coughs* or you know.. ask for it. It is only $550 for now but I will be going back.

~ Liza

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2010

Hi Liza! Try this website! It is a free, online GED prep class. You can take practice tests and if you need help in any areas (like math) you can take their free online course for that section. That really should be all the help you need to successfully pass the exam. You can not get FAFSA without the GED, however, at many schools you don't actually need a diploma or GED to get into the CNA program. However, the facilities and hospitals may require it so before or after the CNA you probably need to get the GED out of the way.

Your lack of GED may be the reason you're having so much trouble finding a job right now. Your family didn't do you any favors pulling you out of school to help the family. And honestly, they need to support you in finishing the GED because without that you can't get far at all. The CNA is a good next step.. and if you want to get student aid you could even think about LVN school and move on from there.

I think it is shortsighted for your family to expect you to just hit the work world without having allowed you to get necessary education to work for a livable wage. Hopefully, they will gain some perspective and give you some space to pursue your own dreams.

Twilix · Jul 15, 2010

Hi Liza! Try this website! It is a free, online GED prep class. You can take practice tests and if you need help in any areas (like math) you can take their free online course for that section. That really should be all the help you need to successfully pass the exam. You can not get FAFSA without the GED, however, at many schools you don't actually need a diploma or GED to get into the CNA program. However, the facilities and hospitals may require it so before or after the CNA you probably need to get the GED out of the way...

Thanks! I don't know why I never thought to google something like that myself.