I can't wait!!!

RNDreams · Apr 4, 2009

I am not a CNA but I am considering it to get me to and then maybe through nursing school. I know it is very hard work but will give mne a head u:redbeathep when I ger into school for my RN.

Can you please tell me, what type of school you applied to? How long the program is, the cost, if there is job placement and anything else I need to know about applying to CNA school and why you chose that route.

Thank you!

Christine

KristenLee · Apr 4, 2009

The school I am going to is called the American Professional Educational Services. It is only a month long class which is awesome because i figured it was going to be a lot more than that. The cost of my class will estimate around $900 and that is including uniforms, books, final test, and well everything else I suppose. It is Monday-Thursday early mornings. I do believe their is job placement which is great.

I have decided to be a C.N.A because I feel that it is my stepping stone to becoming a nurse. I understand it isn't exactly the same job as a nurse but it will give me the experience and confidence I need to go to school for nursing. I also will enjoy the pay considering I get paid squat at my present job (retail, uggghhh).

I wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose to do!!!:redbeathe

RNDreams · Apr 5, 2009

Than you very much, your answer is exactly the kind of information I needed. I think the only other lingering questions I have are how physical do you thin the job is lets say on a scale of 1-10 because everyone is different and I have seen people post on here about how physically demanding the job is and I am just getting now back into shape after an emergency spinal fusion to my l5-S1. I am clise to haing full rane of motion and am realease to go bac to work to whatever type of work I want to (as long as a ton og heavly lifting isnt inclused) I guess that is the part that concenrns me. I want ot go fo the same reason as you ans I hear the employers of CNS are a lot more flexible with their employees who are trying to get their RN, have you foun that to be true. Also can you tell me, if you want, what you think the starting pay for a new grad CNA is, I now there are a lot of differentials that can come into pay q with this querstion but I literally have no idea as I just started to explore going this route which I feel really great aobut so far because then I will be a lot more comfortable by the time I am in NS and I will know, for sure, that is what I want to do with the rest of my life. I have alwys wanted to be a RBN and come from a long line in my family but I have always been the "bread winner" in my family so me taking the 4-6 semesters off of work (or work as little as possible) was never something I thought I was sgoing to be able to do. It is a sad situation but I had been in spa management for the last several years and took a new job for 10K a year more and I worked 1 day and then the next morening I couldt get out of bed and needed the sx. The new co. told me they inderstood no problem call them after I recovered and I did and then they wouoldnt tae my calls so I assume they had to fill the position while I was recovering grom my back surgery or maybe they thought I was damaged goods and too much of a liability with having had back problems.

Long story asd short as possible my indusrtry and the economy was taning about that time and I have been unemployed since my sx. becasue I have I am overqualified for the typwes of positions I am going for b/c I dont think that I can hold up with hands on esthetics b/c of my back but I am NOW getting to where I am quite sure that if I am exercising and keepIng myself stronng.

Also I now there is an physsical for RN, is there on e for CNA? If so for either CNA or RN do you think my previous sx. will count me out.

Than you!

Christine:redbeathe

KristenLee · Apr 7, 2009

I can't answer how physical the job is because i haven't actually done it yet so sorry! For my class I had to get a physical and PPD done. My teacher said she didn't neccesarily need the physical form she just wanted a note of clearence of health. How bad are your back problems? Right now i work at a store called brookstone (don't know if you know store with massage chairs, tempur-pedic mattresses, weird useless gadgets) and i meet alot of nurses who come in and buy back massagers for themselves. that might be a good idea for your long days of work. ask your physician if it's ok to use one since your surgery though because it's bad for some people like children under the age of 18, and pregnant women which i don't think you are either?

nspector · Apr 7, 2009

My sister-in-law is an RN and she has back problems from work. She looks pretty fit to me. From what I have heard, it is essential that you take care of your back, lift with your legs, get help with heavy objects or people etc. I have worked construction for several years and from what I hear this could be just as demanding on ones back. So be careful! Congradulations on getting in to a CNA program! It is very exciting and I also am starting a 3.5 month program on May 5th! The total cost is somewhere around $750.00 with books, uniforms, tests etc. I did not have to get a Physical, but I did have to get a TB Test and Hep B shots are strongly recommended, Of course I acted on this recommendation and got those as well. Good Luck and keep us posted on your progress.

KristenLee · Apr 7, 2009

where are you from? i wonder how come your class is 3 months and mine is only 1? hmmm...

nspector · Apr 8, 2009

I am in Tennessee, it is 3 nights a week, 3 hours a night.

yousoldtheworld · Apr 10, 2009

Like others have said, it is very hard work.

You will have a lot of residents to care for who require a lot of care.

You will run yourself ragged. Yes, it is very physical. You're on your feet running around most of the shift, and you also have to lift and turn people regularly.

You'll probably come home sometimes with an aching body and your nerves shot.

You'll probably have at least one resident who drives you completely crazy.

However, it is very rewarding work.

You will fall in love with some of your residents (not in a romantic way, of course).

You get to experience knowing these people in an intimate way that most other people never will.

Like any other job, it has its positive and negative points, and if you find a good employer it is a great experience.

texastaz · Apr 10, 2009

There is no doubt CNA is very physicaly demanding in nursing homes. Alzheimer and Assistant Living facilities are generaly not as difficult. There is always Psychiatric, Substance Abuse Recovery and Rehab-for patients recovering from surgery that are in general nicer enviorments to work in vs nursing homes. No matter where you work it will be excellent experience.