MaleRNstudent21

FlawlessT.... How long have you been with the VA? And what makes you really enjoy being on federal grounds more so then nursing homes or hospitals? Also do you recall how long the training period was before you was out on your own? Is it the same in Cleveland that the CNA's start out more than the LPN's and the same as the Resp. Therapist? ctmed...... Yeah I have heard a bit about the 1:1 sitting type ordeal's. That wouldnt bother me since I do it now every now and then in hospice with cont. cares(last stages of life). Also I have heard about people seem to never leave the VA and how its hard to really get fired. I didnt know if that was true. But I guess if you hear it more than once to believe it. Its also funny how you said you hate you missed out on the hiring period. I had a coworker tell me about it and I almost missed out on it as well. It has taken me almost 4 months to get hired. Seems like no one ever leaves the VA.

Hello everyone, I'm a cna who is leaving my current Hospice job for the VA. I was just a little nervous since it will be ICU. Can any former employees from the VA or ICU CNA's give me any pointers? I talked to the nurse manager through the interview and she told me I would be doing cath's, tube feedings, dressing wounds and suctioning trache's. Which all sounded great to me as a cna that I would be able to perform these duties. Also the incentives sounded great like the pay and evening hour shift. I'm very excited but a little nervous about the lines and ventilators. I need a little support guys. And also let me know what to expect in ICU. Thanks:rolleyes:

I guess I stated wrong what I was trying to get at. I know you can't transfer your credits from Platt Dallas LVN program to a RN degree. Most public insitutions you can't. Maybe LVN license to a BSN though. I was just asking if anyone has went to Platt Dallas for the LVN program. I'm interested in knowning about their LVN program not transfering credits to a RN degree. If so, how was your experience at Platt Dallas? Was it very demanding, cost issues, prepared you for your LVN license, ect.

I have been looking into the LVN programs in Dallas FTW area and was wondering if anyone knows anything about Platt. I'm going to be in the North Dallas area so it wasn't too far away from where I'll be living soon. I talked to a lady at the school and she sent me info and was really nice. From what she was saying the program enrolls new students often during the year. I know it will cost more than El Centro but I just want to get in and get done. As well as be some where that will prepare me greatly for my NCLEX-PN for my license. If anyone has attended Platt or is now pls tell me how you like it,ect. Thanks!

I was thinking about relocating to Dallas or Houston and work as a CNA until I finish school for my RN. I was wondering what would be the best decision Dallas or Houston? Do anyone know the base salaries for CNA's in Houston and Dallas? Where would it be best to live as a CNA. Where is the best pay and in Houston and Dallas? Which hospitals would you recommend? Also, is it waiting list for RN students who are trying to get accepted worst in Dallas or Houston? Thanks everyone for the replies.

I dont think it would be looked as a bad thing. I'm a male as well and unlike our fellow woman a shaved head is normal. I'm 22yrs old and sometimes I wonder if I'll have to shave my head in the long run. My hair is thinning on the sides in my temps,lol. And shaved heads are really becoming for men with hair lost. Its a absoulute normal thing to do. I don't think you should worry about it. I think you are going to be fine. Who knows you may even have someone become very interested in you on the floor;)

I was wondering would it technically matter if I was get certified in another state then the one I live. I have seen a couple of jobs that ask for you to be certified in the state. I find it kind of silly though since people often times move to different states. I'm wishing to get certified in another state due to the cost here in my city for the program. I would be saving about $800.00. Has anyone who moved from another state had problems with this? I would hate to pay for the course and then not be able to use my cert. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Was it hard and is it hard to find a job in this field? I live in Memphis,TN which is a big populated city. Was it hard to find the 1st job since you had no experience?

Thanks everyone for the input. I just didn't know for sure on the situation. I think I'll be fine. My dad always says I'm alot stronger than I think,lol. So maybe I will be Mr. SuperMan! I'm excited for a new career path in life. I hope to be certified by March and have my 1st job by April. I just hope all goes as plan. Clevian

This may sound silly but would you recommend a Male CNA who is a smaller fellow? Whenever I speak of becoming a CNA people always tell me about the lifting and hardwork. I'm a male who is 5'7 130 lbs when dry,lol. I have always been a lil guy and just concern if I would have problems with staff and pts? By all means I dont have problems with any of the body waste cleaning( urine/feces) blood or any other extremities. I just don't want to be put in a position where I'm inadequate for the job description or because of my stature. Thanks everyone for your advice and opinions.

You can find a job as a LPN in Memphis,TN. True they are trying to phase them out but it won't happen any time soon. Also, its many LPN's who work at the VA downtown among many other places. I don't know of the pay rate though sorry.

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First of all thank you both for replying to my post. The information was very informative. I was kind of confussed of what was the job description of a officer and how it fit with being a nurse. So what is the staffing in this nursing profession. I'm used of hearing CNA's, LPN's,RN's and then MD's, the common floor nursing staff. So when you say teaching is it that your more so of management being a Officer. Is it that you do your practice " nursing" and give orders over the medics,ect? Also this may sound silly but what is the difference between deployment and being overseas? How easy is it to move up from 01 to 03? What is it that initally made you all want to join a branch? I ask this because I kind of ask myself the question at times when I think of this kind of being a life contract. I would hate to just join for nothing and be unhappy with my decision. I think I would enjoy the experiences and life changing opportunities. I have time to think about it though. I live in Memphis,TN. I'm a 22yrs old male and I'm a pre-nursing RN student. My main objective for joining is global travel and great retirement opportunites. This is why I asked about traveling aboard and having a great location the 1st 3yrs. What was your reasons for joining?

This type of career is a interest to me but I do have a few questions. What exactly is the description of a Officer? What role in the navy or any branch does the officer Nurse corp fit? What is a average day for a Nurse corp? Also is it true that the 1st three years you dont do any traveling outside of the states? As for as travel do you get to choose where you are stationed at 1st? San Deigo isn't really where I want to live. So could I choose somewhere else to be stationed? Also how many days a week would you usual work a week compared to being a civilian nurse?

I just am a bit sick of going to different doctors. I have been to a few and can't seem to find a good one and one who actually know their skills. I just was in a different zone at the time being of my appointment. Usually I would of stood my ground and told him to flake off and that would of been the end of the visit. I know he wasn't professional I just was kind of blew away. I never had anyone judge me is such a way and try to manipulate and make me believe not strongly in myself. I guess it was just a desperate measure and awkward situation that kept me from reacting in a put you in your place attitude. My situation with doctors in this year have all been bad. I had one doctor who didn't give me a prescription or any feedback for a whole month. And then when they did I couldn't get the prescription because of the reason they only sent me a card with my results in the mail. Also, she had never gave me a return date in a follow up. And this was one of the doctors who seemed concern but was very gung ho in the effect of this is my show and I run it how I want. And I would agree he was trying to work on my issues through myself. Since he goes to a church that is largely in number of homosexuals. I guess thats why my sexuality was of importance for some reason. Since he falls short in his own arena. But, I will never return to his clinic again! Pls everyone continue your responses.

I lately went to the doctor and as of my visit the doctor was a bit too assertive in giving me his opinion on my life. I know with any illness a doctor should ask general questions to form an assesment on the patient. But, he was truely in a opinion state frame when greeting me. The 1st thing he asked was why do I have earrings in my ears. Since, I'm a a male I guess he thought it wasn't of character. Then lately he went into what is my sexuality? What age was my 1st sexual encounter. Do I know of god? And do I have a relationship with god ect. Also he stayed that I was unhealthy just because I'm 5'7 and 138lbs as a male. Stating that I more than likely was eating too much sugars and needed more vegies,ect. I just found the experience sort of BS. I have always been thin and my father has always been a lil guy. I mean I felt it had nothing to do with my situation for me visiting his clinic. I found it to be very disturbing that he told me to take out my earrings after I was the one who payed a co-pay for his service. I feel that yes it is a personal experience with a patient at times but it is a certain way to conduct a profession. I'm not anti-christ but if I needed to be preached to and convicted of my sins I would of went to church instead of a doctors clinic. I think alot of times because of my youthful appearance many elders feel the right to give me their opinions of trying to construct my life. But truely I'am a adult and I feel that I should be spoken to as an adult. After this experience I was dumbfounded and speechless by the experience. After I left his office he asked for me to repeat a prayer after him in front of the receptionist. I know its such a word of concern but sometimes concern only goes so far when you are a strange phyisican. I hope that I won't turn out to be a nurse who communicates with my patients of this nature. Do you feel this was a bad encouter? And would you return to a Doctor for another visit due to the sort of concern but rude gestures? Please, tell me your opinion and how would you had handled the situation and should I go back to him for a re-visit?

I had to respond back to you since I'm going back home as well to get my CNA certs. I live in Memphis, TN right now. And the cost for the training is very high. You can go to the Westbank- Jefferson Parrish area and get the training for free at some of the Nursing homes and also they will pay for it along with giving you a job on contract. I just left New Orleans about 2 wks ago and my cousin had started a new job as a CNA at a nursing home on the Westbank, Gretna area... and she started off with 10/hr with no experience. So I wish you luck. I bet as far as agencies and hospitals the pay is even better. Who knows maybe we will run into each other. I hope to move back down there about Mid Feb early March. IF you need any other info hit me up. I'm 22 as well, wish you luck!

okay, i know were you are coming from since i sort of had this situation coming up in the near future. my brother works in the same field as you do. and i know i could of had a job doing the same as well. he makes the same as you do per hour. as a cna sometimes you dont even start out with $8.50/hr. i know here in memphis tn my cousin started out with $7.00 5yrs later she now makes $9.50/hr. now me myself i'm going to be a cna soon hope to get my certs this feb. in the city i'm relocating to they will start me off with 10.00/hr but this work schedule will be 4 days a week. i think you have alot of flexiblity in your schedule now. i think it is great to become a cna before nursing school, but if you aren't able to study as much its not great at all. at your job now you have alot of flexiblity. many times you probably are able to study while your client is in his/or her room ect. as a cna you will have a understanding boss possibly who will support your schooling but you won't have time to study as much as needed. i think you should take advantage of this situation. if you are a person who learns quick cna first then maybe monitor tech or pct. as a monitor tech or pct you can make more that will allow you to school and afford your bills,10-12/hr. you have to have a cna cert 1st though. wish you the best!

I'm glad to hear the great news. I probably will return back home in Feb or early March. Yes I agree benefits are always a plus. You never know maybe we will run into each other on the floor! Best of wishes to you.

Thanks, I tried to pull up the site where you could look at the curriculum but it wouldn't allow me online. I know you don't need Pharmacology or Pathophysiology since its a ASN program. And I have taken English Comp1, Principle of Nutrition, Psychology, and Intro to A&P1 already to name a few. What is Math118? How do they formulate the program.... What are all of the pre-reqs required? Do you have to take them before entering the program? Is it a enterance exam required. Here in Memphis,TN we have to take NLN or a Hobbet exam. Do they send out catalogs? I shall call them I guess and see if they can send me one.

Thank you all for your support and advice. I'm actually trying to get my CNA cert's soon. I'm taking a big route but quick one to get this done. I'm also taking this spring semester off to do so. I plan on going back to school in the summer to finish my pre-reqs. It all depends on my living arangements and if I'll stay in my current city. Yes, I would agree I have a hectic life but its livable,lol. I will get my BSN before joining the navy and hopefully be accepted into becoming a Naval Officer Nurse Corp. My main reason for this goal, for becoming a RN is for global travel. So I believe the best way to see the world is through the navy helping lives daily. The only thing I worry about is the pay. As a civilian you make about 30,000 more as new grad if I'm calulating a rank of a 01 salary pay. It was about 29,000/yr. I know you get alot of benefits as far as housing and other things. But is that salary really livable living aboard?

Hi, I'm also thinking about moving back home. I actually was down there this week. Most of all my family live on the westbank in Jefferson Parrish. I don't know much about the Nursing Conditions for RN's but I do no that the Picayune Times newspaper had atleast 3 pages wanting for RN's,LPN's and CNA's. Also my cousin just got her CNA certs about 2 weeks ago and started a new job that next week starting off at 10/hr at a Nursing Home from 10pm-7am. This being said just image the pay for Hospital jobs in Nursing and pay rates. I know in Memphis TN as a new CNA your lucky to even start with a base pay of 8.50/hr. Also I have family members who work at West Jefferson Hospital and they seem to be doing fine. New Orleans is slowly recovering. I would say that most people are on the Westbank and they are doing wonderful. I plan on moving back in Feb. Hope this helped you out! -Clevian

I can say you should try calling local nursing homes and see if they offer free classes that will grant you your CNA certs. Many nursing homes offer these options and also grant you a job after you complete the traning after signing a contract. Also try calling your local American RedCross. Another option could be to call your local community colleges and vocational schools to see if they offer anything. I know it is very discouraging trying to find a afforable CNA course. I have been trying to find a program that would fit in my schedule for the last 6 months due to my RN pre-reqs at my college. Now I'm taking a semester off and going out of state 5hrs away to live with fam members in New Orleans to take advantage of the free and aforable courses they offer. Also they start CNA's here 8.50 at local hospitals. In New Orleans they will start you off with 10/hr at a nursing home with no experience. So just image how much a experienced CNA can make at the hospitals. In Memphis,TN the cheapest runs at 1,300. When I can go there for 3 wks and only pay 400 for it. Nevertheless, I wish you the best of luck. And all good things come to those who continue to push forward.

I was wondering if anyone could give me the site to look up charity school of Nursing's curriculum. I live in Memphis,TN and plan on moving back to the west bank of New Orleans. So I'm trying to weigh my options on if I should go to school down there or continue my education here. I'm pretty glad with the curriculum here. To obtain a BSN you don't have to take Chemistry or any gen bio classes. The sciences here at the college I was looking into only ask for A&P1 and 2, Micro,Patho,and Pharm 1 and 2. I feel that is pretty reasonable instead of alot of classes like gen bio which is giving in A&P along with chemistry. Nevertheless, so if anyone could leave the site for me with Charity curriculum I would greatly appreciate it. Also, is Delgado ASN program joined to Charitys or what is it? Please explain... Thanks a Million!

Any of you guys went through the navy and work as a Hospital Corpsman while going to school for nursing? I was just wondering if it was possible? Or would it be best to get your BSN before joining the Navy or any service?