In Need of Some Help!

1RNTutor · Mar 14, 2009

Hello, and welcome to the start of your journey in Nursing!

As a former long-time resident of Southern VT, actually Southwestern VT, I know that Vermont requires nursing assistants to be licensed, unlike many other states where certification is required. Have you checked out the Vermont State Board of Nursing website at http://vtprofessionals.org/opr1/nurses ? On the web site you'll find a framed section divided into three columns, in the right-hand column, or the third of the three, you'll see "Nursing Assistant Programs in Vermont" just below "Nursing Education Programs in Vermont".

Click on the NA program link you'll connect to a .pdf document showing all the NA programs in the state listed alphabetically by the name of the training facility. The table includes the address, phone number, the county, and director's name for most. If you are on the southeastern side of the Green Mtns. you'll see that the American Red Cross- Green Mtn. Chapter in Brattleboro is one of the facilities. Fortunately as I-91 runs up that side of the state you'll have an easier commute if you should choose a program in a county north of Brattleboro. On the southwestern side there are three sites in Bennington: one at the Bennington Health and Rehab Ctr., one at the Centers for Living and Rehab (near the SWVMC) and the third at the Vermont Veterans Home near the Deer Park off Northside Dr.

I'd also suggest that you click on the link in the middle column, or second of the three, on the link to "Rules". That will connect you to a simpler, easier to understand .pdf document about the rules (laws) governing all levels of nursing in Vermont. There is a section on nursing assistant education and licensure that you should read carefully.

Lastly, Vermont is small state and although it's no longer a case of "everyone knows everyone" it's still true that "everyone knows someone who knows someone who knows everyone or their friends". That also means that you should feel comfortable talking to the people at the VT State Board of Nursing; they can be very helpful. The same thing holds true for the nurses who direct the nursing assistant programs; chances are many of them started out much as you are doing now.

Finally, if money to finance your education is an issue, look for a training program with connections to local employers who may fund not only your LNA but all the way through your to your RN. Good luck and let us know how you are progressing!