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I'm trying to get into the LPN class for May and was wondering if I should go ahead and take a CNA class. I will have to quit my full time job to do this program and was thinking that if I get CNA certified that I could at least work on the weekends for spending money. What do you guys think? Will it be feasible to think that I could work a weekend shift as a CNA while in LPN school?

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I hope so because that's my plan for RN school. Before you make the decision, you should check out the hospital websites to see what CNA positions are being offered. You can also try to contact their nurse recruiters to find out the likelihood of you getting a weekend position.

The recruiter at the hospital I want to work for told me to contact her when I start clinicals and she'll get me in as a PCT on weekends so that makes me think that it will be possible for me to work weekends only as a CNA as well.

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I took the CNA course at NHC in Hendersonville this past month. They hired me the day of graduation and I start working this weekend. They gave me the exact hours and days that I wanted because I am in school for my pre-reqs for RN and will hopefully be in nursing school this next fall. I will be working Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 7P-7A. They are so nice and there was not fuss over my hours. They are very understanding and love it when people are wanting to better themselves.

Now, honestly I do not have any desires to work in LTC, but working for NHC looks very good on your resume. My plans are to at least stay with them for 6 months to show hospitals that I can work weekends with no problems. I have been told in the past from hospitals that they do not give their weekend shifts to new CNA grads. This is why I am going to get some experience under my belt first. I will also be working only the skilled unit, which is just basically a large med/surg unit. NHC pays a dollar less an hour than Vandy, but I get shift diff, and weekend diff. which really makes a difference. The other thing that is good, is that I will be taking my certification at this facility. It makes a difference if you know your surroundings when you are testing.

Anyway, I hope some of this info was helpful. If you have any questions, just ask!

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TNMommy - I now this is an old thread and I would have sent you a pm, but I do not have pm privileges! Anyway, great info. I am starting the CNA training program at NHC Cool Springs next month. I am hoping to work there for 6 months or so and then get a hospital job while in nursing school. I hope the job is going well!

Amanda

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Congrats on starting the program! Yes the job is going fine, but we have been short staffed lately. It makes it difficult to complete everything that you need to with a shortage. I start RN school at Columbia State CC at their Franklin campus this fall. I will be cutting my hours back starting in August. I am still trying to get on in a hospital, but honestly I have only tried Vandy. After I have finished my first semester of nursing school, I will apply more to the Vandy jobs and other hospital positions. Are you going to be starting nursing school?

Anyway, good luck and I hope you enjoy the field.

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Thanks for replying. Yes, I am at Aquinas College, off Harding Rd. I spent the past 2 semesters taking science pre-reqs and officially start the nursing program in August. I am planning to get my ADN, then complete my BSN in the fast track program at night after I get my license.

How old are your kids? Has it been difficult working with children? Mine are 2 and 4 and they do go to an early preschool, but I am anticipating a challenge with them when I am working and going to school at the same time.

Good luck in school!

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