Looking at taking CNA course at WCTC--HELP!

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I really need some feedback. I am looking at beginning the ADN program at Cardinal Stritch University in January, '09, and they require you to be a CNA before you can begin the nursing classes. So I am considering taking the CNA course at Waukesha County Technical College, but I have no idea exactly what this entails. Is the exam that you are required to take in order to be a CNA something that is generally done at the school you attend? Is the course at WCTC decent, or no? How hard can I expect this course to be? The class I am trying to get into is from 09/08-10/22, including clinical time. Is that the norm? Is there usually a lapse between the time you take the exam and the time you receive your certification, and if so, how long?

Any insight anyone can offer into either the CNA course and exam, WCTC, or the Stritch program would be GREATLY appreciated!

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Specializes in physician office, ortho/neuro.

I am not sure what the policy really is at cardinal stritch, but when working on my RN I also needed to take the CNA class. It is a standard for all nursing programs in Wisconsin. However, to get into my program, I did not have to take the certification test, just the class. I would double check to see if you need to take the test. If you plan on working while in school, I would recommend taking the test and getting the CNA experience. It will help you in the long run. Then time frame for the class sounds about right. Sorry I can't offer any information about the schools. I did my schooling in the Green Bay are.

Good luck to you

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THANK YOU! I appreciate the feedback. I think I will take the test whether Stritch requires it or not for the reason you mentioned--it can't hurt to have the certification and I could use it to get some experience.

Thanks again! :nuke:

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The time frame for the class you outlined is the norm. The CNA class is not at all difficult as long as you enjoy being very "hands on" with people, just very time consuming. The clinical portion is generally done in a nursing home environment so you are basically taking care of elderly people; bathing, changing, feeding, walking (ambulating), etc.

In my nursing program at NWTC you do not need to get the state certification to become a CNA in order to get into the Nursing/RN program you just need to complete the Nursing Assistant course with a C or better. If you want to sit for the state exam you pay an extra $115 for that and take the exam when the class is over. The state exam is usually scheduled after you complete the course, you fill out a registration and make your payment. The company, Pearson Vue, that gives the exam will send you the date and time you are to come in and take the exam. At my school, NWTC, they do come to the school to give the exam. I assume it would be the same at your school. The state exam consists of a written and skills portion. If you fail, you can re-take it, I believe as many times as you want, you just have to pay each time.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Just my two cents...as an RN who worked as a CNA-it is worth your time and effort to work as a CNA before you become an RN.

Not only do you get the hands on experience, whether it is LTC or hospital, but you learn very valuable lessons.

I can always tell the RNs that did not work as aides: They have a hard time doing bedside care (ie: Pt- "I have to go to the bathroom/I made a mess in the bed/the commode is full."

Nurse who never worked as an aide-"I'll go find the CNA for you." and proceed to walk up and down the halls to find someone to do the "dirty" work, instead of taking the two seconds to do it themselves.)

Now, I'm sure not all are like this, but I'm speaking from personal experience.

CNA work teaches you Nursing Care, starting with the very basic-and it is a valuable experience.

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Specializes in physician office, ortho/neuro.
Just my two cents...as an RN who worked as a CNA-it is worth your time and effort to work as a CNA before you become an RN.

Not only do you get the hands on experience, whether it is LTC or hospital, but you learn very valuable lessons.

I can always tell the RNs that did not work as aides: They have a hard time doing bedside care (ie: Pt- "I have to go to the bathroom/I made a mess in the bed/the commode is full."

Nurse who never worked as an aide-"I'll go find the CNA for you." and proceed to walk up and down the halls to find someone to do the "dirty" work, instead of taking the two seconds to do it themselves.)

Now, I'm sure not all are like this, but I'm speaking from personal experience.

CNA work teaches you Nursing Care, starting with the very basic-and it is a valuable experience.

As another RN I completely agree with you on getting the CNA experience. I did not work as a CNA and really wished I would have. Now, I am not like the nurses you describe. If I am in the room I will do the care. However, I felt very clumsy and awkard for a few months because I didn't work as a CNA.

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