Moving to NC from NJ..Need advice Wake Tech

[ladyingz]

I am currently attending my community college in Middlesex county NJ. I have taken:

beginners bio and chemistry

English 121 and 122

Psy 123 and 232

csc 107- computer science is health

HED-150- contemporary health issues

Soc-121- sociology I

and HIS 132- History (my elective)

I was set to start my human anatomy and microbiology this semester so that I can start applying and setting up to start my nursing classes in Sept. But now my husband told me this past December that there is a huge chance we will be moving to NC before the summer. My questions are regarding the process in NC for their nursing program.

I am looking into Wake Tech..

It seems like my first step is to get my CNA.

1-Does anyone know if I have to purchase their uniforms? I already have navy blue scrubs they are plain. They don't have any logo on them.

2-My sister already gave me a stethoscope as a gift, do I have to purchase one from the school?

3-Also, I was planning on getting a job as a CNA while I take a couple of classes maybe one or two a semester. Do they hire new CNA new grads in NC or should I consider just finding a job in retail?

4-Does anyone recommend The CNA Wake Tech Program?

5-Has anyone gone from their CNA program to their RN program?

6- what is the average pay for CNA in the Durham/Cary/Apex area?

Any information would be greatly appreciated since I would be new to the area. I am trying to budget properly and if I can try and use my current uniform and stethoscope, that would help me save some $. My friends in NC tell me I am going to love NC. I honestly believe I will since every time I go I don't want to leave.

[Jpeters247]

Hello there! Well, hopefully I can help you out here. I'm a New Yorker and moved here about 7 years ago. I've been taking pre-reqs for the longest and lots change every semester seems like. For one, yes you will need to either 1- complete an approved CNA course or 2- have worked as a CNA with at least 200 hours. Wake Tech has the cheapest course around at less than 300 compared to others which are 650. The difference besides the prices is the time it takes, WT is about 15 weeks others are no more than 9 weeks (Care One Institute).

I believe all new scrubs will have to be purchased by their supplier. As far as grades please have as much A's as possible. This will be my second time trying (points system). I have all B's and just one A. In the process of taking two more classes to get A's (retaking).

[ladyingz]

Oh wow, I guess it's not as simple as it seems.

I know I have good grades just have to hope they take my credits.

I am hoping to take the CNA as soon as possible so I can at-least find work.

I saw they had online classes with one day to go in for labs. I will try and

keep an open mind.

I have been getting stressed because I read other posts and

it seems to take years to be able to be accepted into the nursing program.

Thank you so much Jpeters247 I appreciate the information.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

LOVE your avatar!!

I was a CNA and did home health while I was in nursing school. I love it, it was flexible and I got experience from it. Wake Tech is good and they have a good program. In NC we have a CN II certification that lets you do established, trachs, PEG tubes, wound care, place Foleys. Hospitals are desperate for CNAs right now, at least in the Raleigh-Durham area.

Johnston County has a CNA program-that's where I went. As far as getting into a school, living in the County where you want to go to school gets you points too. I live in Johnston County so that was a better option for school for me. I had to petition for them to use duplicate courses I had when I had a better grade in a class that was an equivalent (I have a few degrees)

The good thing about the CNA II is that you can make decent money so if it takes you a little longer to get in, you can survive. Good networking too. There are many hospitals in the Raleigh-Durham area so you would have a great selection. TONS of HH too. Don't get discouraged!! It is a great place for health care here.

[coneal783, ADN, RN]

Hey there, and best of luck with your move!

I got my CNA at Wake Tech and have just turned in my application for the Wake Tech RN program. If you plan to apply at Wake Tech, I would highly recommend getting your CNA at Wake Tech, because they like to see that on your application. Also, I would recommend doing your anatomy and physiology at Wake Tech as well, since they know their courses properly prepare nursing students.

I took the state CNA test last July, but didn't get a CNA job until November. I started applying multiple times to the hospitals in the Raleigh area as soon as I passed my test, but apparently the hospitals don't hire you until you get some experience. In November, I started as a CNA at a rehab/LTC facility. Now, I have just been hired by UNC Rex in Raleigh as a CNA. Last semester, I was taking 4 classes (13 credit hours), working full time (35-40 hours) and managed to pull off a 4.0 taking A&P I, sociology, microbiology and developmental psychology. I'm nearing 40 and I don't want to waste any time getting my RN. So, it's definitely do-able to work as a CNA while taking classes. However, I am not sure of their work requirements (or limitation) once you officially get into the nursing program.

Most of the facilities in this area hire CNAs anywhere from about $9-$11 an hour. Home health and agencies vary from that. The hospitals pay a dollar or two more, depending on the shift you work.

If you do the Wake Tech CNA program, you will be required to have navy blue scrubs. But you are required to pass the lecture portion and exam with a 78 (I believe) before you are allowed to go to clinicals, so your instructor will probably tell you to wait before you purchase.

As far as equipment for the CNA class, you don't need any. For the nursing program, I'm not sure if they require a specific brand or type. I have my own set that I purchased to practice taking vital signs for the CNA course, but it was a cheap set.

Best of luck!!!