Nurse Aides?

[x0xerika]

So right now I am waiting to hear if I am in my BSN program. I am currently working as an administrative assistant at a physical therapy clinic, but I want to get the experience I am going to need once I become a nurse. A friend of mine mentioned becoming a nurse aide. I am looking into it and I am wondering if anyone is currently doing this? Also, where can I find a place that does the training? I live in Michigan. I've looked at the Red Cross online, but I can't find any information. Does anyone know where I can look online for a place to become a CNA?

[Tonim1229]

See if your school or a school near you has continuing education.

[x0xerika]

I found one school that has the program, but I want to see other options because what they offer conflicts with my school schedule I have now.

[LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN]

I sat for the exam after one semester of nursing school.

[x0xerika]

So if I finish one semester of nursing school, I can take the CNA exam? That would make things so much easier!

[mrsboots87]

Many states allow you to challenge the CNA exam after the first semester of nursing school. That's what I did, and I just got my first CNA job (yay!). To find out if your state allows this, just go to your state BON website and pull up the CNA application. Under the certification requirements it will tell you if nursing school education can take the place if a CNA program. If you can't find the info, you can just call and ask and they will tell you how. But if you don't get in to your nursing program this time around, many schools that have nursing programs also offer CNA programs. And there are usually private schools that offer it but they are usually more expensive. GL

[Nursing2102]

I am currently a nurses aide at a hospital. The hospital I work at requires 1 of the following 3 in order to work as a nurses aide:

1.) Previous hospital experience

2.) Graduate of a CNA/HHA training program

3.) Current Nursing student

-I satisfied option 3, so unfortunately I can't tell you about CNA programs. You could maybe try to call the hospital and speak to their human resources department or nursing recruitment and ask about and recommended CNA classes/programs that they accept.

[Nienna Celebrindal]

Many hospitals will let you if you are a student nurse, or they have student nurse positions (which is still a CNA really). I HIGHLY recommend this. Its hard work, its not glamorous, and its not even fun. But you see a lot, you really learn what patient's experience and you hear a lot of stories about all kinds of things. I wish every nurse had to be a student nurse/cna for a while.

[mindofmidwifery, ADN]

I'm a CNA and I got my certification at the medical center where I am employed (in the nursing home). Well, I took the classes there which took about three months, then took the exam at a local community college. The classes were free if I applied for employment.

[Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN]

Most community colleges do it. If you look on your nursing boards website you should be able to find all the places that do the certification.

As for me, I'm taking my CNA this spring so I can work and get experience while retaking my pre requisites. I figure it will give me a chance to get experience, and get saving!