Medical assistant??? Help please....

Imissthefall · Dec 3, 2006

I also meant CNA and found that Maine Medical Center will train you for free. That sounds like a good idea.

Was anyone able to work while in nursing school as a CNA?

JPine · Dec 3, 2006

CNA training unsually lasts a few months 2 - 4 depending on the program... I think it can even be as short as 6 weeks... You will definitely be able to find work as a CNA. But if you're looking for useful experience for nursing school, I think your best bet is to find work in an acute care setting (hospital).

Medical Assistant programs are usually two year associate degree programs (at SMCC, KVCC and Beal College). I haven't come across any Medical Assistants in a hospital setting. They are usually in Doctor's offices helping with shots, blood draws, vital signs, insurance billing and other stuff.

JentheRN05, RN · Dec 3, 2006

Lots of people work as a CNA during school, but an MA is a whole different amount of schooling. Including administration/office work which has very little to do with nursing. I would highly suggest doing a CNA if you have to work during school. Gives you a little bit of a feel for nursing and gets you used to working with patients. Just my .02

Imissthefall · Dec 4, 2006

Thanks you guys! I was getting CNA & MA confused. Thanks for your replies. I think I will try and go for the CNA training and work as a CNA since it make take a long time to get into nursing school, it'll give me an idea of whats to come...

how much to do you think CNA's make per hour? I was guessing arond 10-12$?

:lol2:

smk1, LPN · Dec 4, 2006

CNA pay depends. In an assistant liveing facility it is usually the lowest, nursing homes you get paid more because you have a harder patient load and more responsibilities. A CNA in the hospital setting is probably the highest paid and out here can make up to 17 dollars/hour after some years of experience.

whitneyLOL · Dec 4, 2006

Not sure if its of use to you, since you said you meant CNA, but maybe for someone else it will help. I am in school to be an MA, and my school in particular is only 8 months long, and its a diploma program. I thought I'd do it for some basic experience in the medical field before I go into nursing school.

Imissthefall · Dec 8, 2006

What is the average pay for a CNA in a hospital and are the hours for a CNA similar to nurses? Like 12 hour shifts, do you get paid more for nights/weekends?

TIA!

JPine · Dec 9, 2006

What is the average pay for a CNA in a hospital and are the hours for a CNA similar to nurses? Like 12 hour shifts, do you get paid more for nights/weekends?
TIA!

My friend did per diem CNA work on weekend nights (Fri and Sat) and she made a little over $14.00. She worked at a hospital.

Imissthefall · Dec 9, 2006

My friend did per diem CNA work on weekend nights (Fri and Sat) and she made a little over $14.00. She worked at a hospital.

What does per diem mean?

Crux1024 · Jul 4, 2007

What does per diem mean?

Per diem stands for "per day" (I think, in latin, lol) But it means she works as needed on a day by day basis.

nursing twin, CNA · Jul 11, 2007

Hi, I have been working per diem as a CNA while going to school. I work at a facility that seems to always have openings and I have picked my hours. It's worked great for me. I have found that hospitals pay less than the facilty I work at. Also they have more requirements about holidays and at least one weekend a month. I really enjoy the rehab facilities because they seem to go along with med-surg. I learned about CPM and cryocuffs used for total knee replacements. Depending on where you live in maine I would totally recommend the cedars to work at.