stine75

I start my orientation on the 3rd of December, so I'm not going to be of much help.....but from what they told me today, the first few days are paperwork and videos,etc (casual clothes)....and then after day 4 or 5 I'll be on the floor with another CNA for the first week or two. Hope that helps! Christina

Yeah!!! I passed my CNA test last Saturday, and landed a job at the Veteran's Home today!! I was VERY nervous, but my interview went really well, and I start my orientation on the 3rd of December!!!! Christina

I am a trainee CNA working at a LTC facility. Today one of the guys planted a big fat smooch on me when I wasn't prepared for it, and afterwards I was told he has c-diff. Should I be worried??? Christina

I bought some cushy nursing shoes from a nursing supply store when I bought my scrubs. They work really well, but I can't remember the brand. I see a lot of people in Crocs, but I can't imagine actually wearing them! Last night one of the gals in my class was in crocs, and we did showers.......her socks were soaked a whole lot more than mine were in regular shoes. You can also get inserts for your shoes. Just makes sure they're comfortable because you'll be on your feet a whole lot. Christina

Yes, you should find out from the instructor what you need for your clinical days on the first day of class....but I'd assume you'll need scrubs for clinical....and no stethoscope. I'd bring a small notebook and pen that you can keep in one of your scrub pockets during clinical. Other than that, decent shoes and a smile!! Christina

Hello!! I'm not finished with my course, and therefore have no idea what the most important things will be on your certification exam, but I'm trying to think of what my instructor has really emphasized thus far. Hand-washing, definitely. OH, and charting/legal stuff. Transferring residents, and feeding. Not sure if that helps though!! Christina

Wow.....tonight we basically just went through what we were going to do, and the first chapter in our textbook. I have 4 chapters to read and do summaries on before tomorrow nights class though. I plan on doing that when my kids leave for school tomorrow. I'm absolutely jazzed by my first class though......and came home high as a kite!

Katie, I'm planning on continuing my education after this, and am filling out applications for LPN classes already! I too was thinking that it would help me decide whether nursing was really for me. My first class went great. I was by far not the oldest. There are 15 people in my class, and most of them were my age or older. I felt instantly comfortable, which was good because I'm a stresser and a worrier! I can't wait for class tomorrow night.........and I have 4 chapters to read and do summary pages on before 6 pm tomorrow night!!! Fun, eh???

That's the same time mine ends. Supposedly the class is 75 hours of classroom, 100 hours of clinical....but I'm not sure how that's possible based on the class schedule. I guess I'll find out tonight!!

That's great! How long is your training?? I've noticed that everyone seems to be going for a different amount of time. Just curious...

bakpakr....I was reading your posts earlier. Congrats on getting started. It's nice to know I'm not the only person over 20 starting this career. And the only man huh? That's crazy...... Good luck back to you.....

Well, I start my CNA classes this evening!! I'm so excited. I'm doing a 6 week course in the evenings, and a few weekends, that cost $500. I'm planning on using it as a stepping stone in nursing, but who knows...I may love it and decide to stay an assistant. I AM worried that at 32 years old I'll be the oldest person in my class I have been a stay-at-home military wife/mom for many years now, so this is my first time doing anything other than volunteer work in a very long time. I feel like I'm starting Kindergarten or something! Anyway, I just thought that I would introduce myself. I'm sure you'll see me on here often. Stine

Thank you guys so much for the information! I really appreciate it....

Thanks!! Any info of the surrounding area, and the school, would be great!! I appreciate your help....

Thank you for the response. I'm a little stressed out at the moment, and my patience is the first thing to go!!! I did notice that this forum was awfully quiet! I have checked the website, and received information in the post...I was just curious if anyone had first (or second) hand info, since I've never lived in Missouri before. I enjoyed the other post about what's good and bad in Missouri!! It actually made me even more excited about moving there... So, I apologize for my impatience!!