Hi! New and with a couple of questions...

bhanson · Jan 21, 2009

Where are you girlies from?

What about the guys?!

srkerk · Jan 21, 2009

I am from Texas :) I am taking my course at a University here through their cont. education department. I already got my scrubs, text, and work book. I get my gait belt next week.

WOO HOO!! I also want to do Peds when I get my RN!!! Where are you from?

Serendipity, PCT · Jan 21, 2009

Of course I cant leave the guys out! :chuckle Ah, the sexism in me, LOL.

I'm from New York! :up:

I think its awesome that you wanna do Peds, too. I'm also in the process of doing an early job search. Found a couple of facilities (Hospitals incl., Tuition reimbursement, etc.) that hires CNAs (Peds) so I'm considering volunteering at one of these facilities to get in "good" with them over the next two months while I take this course. The way I'm doing my search is primarily online...

Thank god for the internet

Do you guys have to wear all white, too?

I bought Dickies Black Label scrubs they are comfortable like NO other!:redbeathe

RochesterRN-BSN, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2009

I am not sure where you are but here in Rochester, NY all the hospitals are always looking for CNAs. When I went to nursing school several of the students worked part time at the hospital connected with the school --some CNAs, some in the lab, something you might be able to get into with a science degree......and as long as they worked at lease 17.5 hours a week they will cover tuition at their school --two classes a semester and if committ to 5 years as an RN after they cover 2 more per semester. I think you had to be there for a certain amount of time. Not sure how long....but you should check out this type of program.

jeanise · Jan 21, 2009

I think that is a great idea...I worked as a CNA while I was in nursing school and the hands on expereience really helps once you start doing clinicals....The pay isnt all that bad either! Make sure you dont burn yourself out though because being a CNA is very stressful...the work is hard but rewarding!! Make sure you take time for studying while in Nursing school!!! Best of luck to you and your journey through nursing school!!!

ShantheRN, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2009

Hi!

First of all, I just want to say....I'm SO glad I found this site! I

I became certified last summer. I did it over 2 and a half weeks - it was brutal but I wanted to get it over with. I'm happy to say I passed my state test the first time. I applied for a few PCA jobs before I landed a STNA/CNA job at a hospital. I had zero experience, which I was up front about, but I also stressed that I was in nursing school. Technically I work in an ALF, but it's part of a hospital, which in turn is part of a large hospital network. I'd highly recommend anyone going this route mainly because once you graduate, you can simply apply for internal transfer! At some places you start building seniority as of your hire date, regardless of your position.

I just finished my first solo shift and all I can say is....man I'm tired! I was nervous at first but you're so busy with everything it goes away quickly. Buy some good shoes!!!!! Invest the money - my feet are pretty happy thanks to my Quarks. I'd also recommend some type of support hose. I noticed the difference tonight because during orientation my legs ached when I got home. Tonight, other than some slightly sore feet (am still breaking in the shoes), my legs are happy.

Good luck with your class!

h0merchic · Jan 21, 2009

This girlie is from Alaska, my class starts in a week and is held at a community college that is a branch off of a university. Would have liked to do it more quickly- it'll take 3 months- because I am so excited to get working in the healthcare field. But I'm sure the lengthiness will help to assimilate the information and clinical skills learned. Applying to an associates nursing program, hopefully get in and start next spring. So exciting!

angela1435 · Jan 21, 2009

I am starting my CNA class on Friday..........so can I join you?

I am really nervous......I have no idea how this program is. It is at a community college and will take about 16 weeks. I only go 2 days a week.

I hope we will be able to support each other!! I am trying to get into the RN program next year. Crossing my fingers!

h0merchic · Jan 23, 2009

I'm taking my class at a community college as well, its set up the same as yours but I start this coming up Monday. We're on the same schedule, cool. Lets keep tabs on each other. Cheers!

Serendipity, PCT · Jan 27, 2009

:typing Hey guys!

Ok, so tonight was the official first day of my CNA Class! :yeah:

I was really pumped to even walk out the door in my scrubs. What we went over were ethics and the basic stucture of the health field. I have 3 chapters to read for tonight. Well my teacher said she was going to go over only the important stuff that we needed for the state exam. Technically we only went over chapter 1 & 3, but I want to become a nurse so I am going to absorb all that I can :redbeathe

As far as my class dynamic, there are about 3-4 guys, and the rest of the class is female dominated. Only about 5 of us in our 20s, and the rest are older- trying to make a career switch, etc. I have to tell you, looking at the CNA videos on this website has helped alot, I already knew half of the stuff the teacher said, but its only the first class :clown:

Well, i'm off to read my chapters, I hope those of you who started today enjoyed your class, and those who are starting tomorrow do the same. I will make 4 entries here a week (M-TH) to sort of track my journey, and those of you who are starting around the same time are welcome to do the same. Do you guys think we should make this a seperate thread? LOL

Goodnight

srkerk · Jan 27, 2009

Hey!!! I came here just to check on you :) Yes I think we should do a seperate thread. Have fun reading! Can't wait for my class tomorrow :)

Serendipity, PCT · Feb 2, 2009

Hi! :cool:

I started this convo in a new thread, here:

https://allnurses.com/cna-nursing-assistant/cnas-graduating-march-367263.html