Newbie CNA to be here!

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Hi everyone!

I am registered to take my CNA class this summer. I am really excited about it, but I'm still not quite sure what to expect. I am taking an 8 week course, 6-9 Mon-Thurs with clinicals on Sat 7-3:30. I will also be working full time, and will be either at work or school from 9a to 9p. Is reading and homework going to kill me in this situation?

A little background, I used to work for my grandmother when she owned a boarding home for senior citizens (not a nursing home, more like assisted living), and have wiped a many behinds, assisted with feeding, and helped the hospice nurses when they came in to care for those whose time has come, and changing beds, helping with showering, dressing, etc. I do not know how to take BP or listen to heartbeats or pulse, etc. I feel this will be of assistance to me, as I am familiar with some of the things a CNA does, but I know there is a lot I need to learn.

Is there typically a lot of reading after each class in a CNA program? I will have Fri and Sun free to do reading, homework, etc. But I'm more concerned if the teachers will want us to read a ton of chapters between classes. I'd appreciate any insight anyone here might have to give me!

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Specializes in LTC.

There's a lot of reading, but it's usually pretty quick stuff. If you haven't taken A&P or nutrition or anything like that in a while, those chapters will probably take a lot of time, but it's manageable.

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Thanks, Fuzzy. I was thinking about buying the book a few weeks before the class starts to start reading ahead of time. That way I can review the sections as necessary. Because I really want to do well.

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I think that buying the book beforehand and reading ahead would be a really good idea, especially if you know you're going to have a really full schedule while you take the class.

Honestly, the reading/info. is not difficult. I really just skimmed through the chapter before taking the tests each week, and I did fine. I really think that the CNA course just teaches you how to pass the state test- then you'll actually start working as a CNA and REALLY learn what it's about. Not that the courses aren't helpful, just that real life is so different from the outlined steps in a textbook. The theory and practice of CNA work are worlds different.

The fact that you've done a lot of the CNA duties already will help tremendously, especially if you work in a nursing home. You're already a leap ahead of the other brand-new CNAs. Just feeling comfortable moving, touching, etc. the people is a big thing to know.

Good luck!

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Thanks Katie.

I don't actually plan working as a CNA at this point. I currently work in a dental office, and I make more than I could ever hope to make as a CNA starting out. I am taking the CNA as a prereq for the nursing program. But, if I were ever to lose my job or my hours cut horribly, the CNA would definitely be helpful as a back up.

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Specializes in Rehabilitation.

EricaB,

Reading the chapters before hand is a good idea. I know when I was taking the course I had a test every week. We were somewhat lucky that our program had packets for each chapter along with a study guide to fill out. It took a good chunk of time, but reading and filling out the guide really did help me out in the class. I do agree with Katie. You are lucky you had the experience working with residents. That will certainly help you with your clinicals and if you ever need to get a job as a CNA before you complete nursing school.

Sounds like you'll do great in the course. Good luck!

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Wow, you sound well prepared already from the experience of helping your grandmother. There is a nice amount of reading in my class but it is very interesting info so it'll take no time for you to get done with the reading.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

I agree with everything that has been said :) Also I just wanted to throw in that a lady in my class actually worked nights at an assisted living facility & attended class from 8:30-2. And she did pretty well! Plus with your experience you should do great during the practical & clinical portions of class. Theory imo wasn't very hard, but like someone else mentioned, buying the book beforehand & studying it will put you ahead of the class ! I think you're gonna do wonderfully:) Good luck & let us know how it goes:up:

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Thanks ladies for the words of encouragement! I just bought my book yesterday, and have gotten through 3 chapters already. I am really excited.

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