BuddahNature

My honest opinion is, it is a bad idea all the way around,because mixing friendship with business can result in unpleasent outcomes, which can result in your friendship going down hill. if you want to help, pitch in ,and lend a hand from time to time, and maintain your role as a supportive helpful friend. A friend/ employee, is just too conflicting. I have a handful of times helped my close friends and family members out, but I never worked for any of them, so always maintained control over what I did and when I could come to do it. By keeping things that way,I always came out in the end smelling like a rose, by not being viewed as an employee. I prefer to remain on the sidelines :coollook:while hearing the moans and groans :crying2:about other nurses,home health aides, who had not met up to friend's exspectations. Once money crosses hands it is a totally different ballgame,:banghead:and in a situation like that friends often feel you should go the extra mile,and further base wanting to pay you cheaper rates, just because you are friends. I would think this one over carefully.

Had no idea a new CNA had such problems finding a job, being as in long term care there is a really a huge turnover,from what I have seen. However,maybe you can tip the scales more in your favor. These may be things you already know,but Ifeel they are worth repeating. Let's start with the application,if it is done offline,and it is possible take it with you and get it neatly typed. Also when you pick up the application,come dressed ready for an interview. I have seen applications filled out on the premises,and the person told,they would be interviewed then,and there. Don't bring others with you.Let them wait elsewhere,car,etc. You are in a spotlight from the time you enter the building, and word does get back to the powers that be. If you cannot leave your kids and others at home for an interview,then what about coming to work . Start making your impression from the front door. Dress appropriately for an interview. I have seen some sights,from '' I have not a clue," to those who are well put together,but wearing the wrong attire for an interview. It costs money to get a good resume done,but it can be instrumental in landing you a job. A professional resume writter can make you simply glow on paper about what your true assets are. did any job you did in the past use any of those qualities desireable in being a CNA ? For instance do you have customer service skills that spill over into healthcare ? Bring this out in an interview,how this will be an asset in healthcare. Impress someone during your clinicals ? Certainly could not hurt.to ask the nurses you encountered to place their positive impressions of you in a letter of reccommendation. Have you visited your local state unemployment office. they have services that could help connect you with a job. have you actually applied to all the places you can. Try googling a list of long term care facilities in your county and state. Look for healthcare jobs on craigslist,and also on the internet,put CNA jobs in your search engine to come up with multiple sites you can find a job on. hope you find something soon.

I would suggest you go apply. Many of those you have taken care of in nursingST homes were once consumers of home health. Can you work independently,have good assessment skills,and nursing skills are some of the qualities you need. Keep in mind in homecare you pick and choose your clients,also some clients will not be offered to you unless you have passed the home health agency course in that area,and then you will initially be field supervised. You also get oriented by one of the nurses,on the case already,before being left on your own. To find out if homecare is for you,keep your regular job,and work homecare also.Since you choose your own hours,you can work homecare easily around your current job.

I can tell you are going through a rough time at work. Like it or not here is the reality you will have to deal with. More education,equals more pay. I am not saying you do not deserve more pay,but in the work world, and certainly in nursing,that is not how things work. When I went frrom from nursing assistant to LPN, I saw a substantial increase in pay. I am working on getting my RN now. Meanwhile, throughout my LPN career,I have often found myself performing nearly all the tasks,of an RN,and sometimes with an increased patient load. I was not paid RN money. I feel you may have to go from CMA to RN to get things in focus for yourself. The only other suggestion,I would have for you is to go on a website for a nursing school,and read from beginning to end what the admission process is,then continue on to read about the courses they have to take. I feel you need to get a copy of your job discription,and one for the RNs so you can see the vast differences between CMA and RN responsibilities. Perhaps if you follow my suggestions you can better understand why an RN gets financially rewarded. You perceive that most of the nurses are "lazy" , and you feel you do most of the work. You may in fact be doing more work, and have more direct patient contact. That is just the way things work in healthcare, are, based on education. Why go to school to be an RN only to get the same workload a CMA does, along with RN responsibilities? You are there in many ways so the RN can be free to do those things only RNs can do, and please try not too be so shortsighted,to think doing a med pass is the only extra responsibility RNS have. I really do not feel you are in a position to label these RNs "lazy." Unless you are a nurse manager,you are not in a position to evaluate any professional, as that is not your place to do so. If you have some concerns,and can voice them in such a way to foster better teamwork,then speak with the appropriate person,in your dept. Meanwhile , I doubt,if your perception is true of the RNs you work with. No one would pay a staff that does not function. You paint a picture that makes it seem, patients would lack care, and not be safe with these "mostly lazy nurses." You know, everybody has an ego,some people's are bigger than others, but why rain on anyone elses parade ? I have met those types who think they are better. Long as I know my selfworth is not based on what someone else feels about me, I say those types are like the rest of us are allowed their feelings. After your 8 hour shift is done,you do not take any of these folks home with you. As long as they are not violating any policies concerning mistreating you as an employee,why not ignore their issues,and concentrate on doing your job ? Also,if you continue to base your career choice,on the reactions,and feedback of others,then you may wind up always dropping your plans because you are not liking what others are saying.

I have recently used this forum to read multiple posts anout TCN anf ISU. I was already strongly leaning toward Excelsior College,and after reading umpteen posts about TCN and ISU,I am now 1000% sure I have made the right choice for me. It sounds wonderful to get a BSN but doing things in stages,works for me. I took a look at the course content for ISU,and I do not believe at least not for me,that I would obtain a BSN in 4 semesters.I want to get my RN within 2 years,and make more money,and have a chice of more positions open to me. Now given my present circumstancesit would take me at least 4 years to get thru ISU. Also.I would not want to go through a program like ISU,which is much more expensive and time consuming,and also has the same problems as Excelsior.in that it is not recognized in some states. Any BSN I get must be recognized,in every state of the union, after investing so much time and money.I like to deal with and prepare myself for the worst case scenario. Let's say for instance, when I get my RN from Excelsior,it continues to be accepted in my state,but due to an unfortunate change of events,Excelsior is not acceptable to the majority of the state BON,and just so happens I maybe planning a move in the future to one of these states.I could easily deal with this situation by looking at my options for a brick and mortar school. I could choose to go to a brick and mortar RN program,and still continue to work as an RN. If I did a diploma program than I would continue on to a school that allows you to go from diploma to RN.Or I could seek a bachelors degree,in another major,and transfer into a nursing program,where you sek a second degree in nursing. I have no idea after putting in so much time, and money,with a program like ISU, how I could recover if most state board of nurses would not accept my 4 year BSN . I can move ahead with Excelsior in the worst case scenario with an ADN,and still continue to elevate myself,with a BSN from ISU you would have to do your BSN again,:oor go to an ADN program., or get a diploma. When I read about TCN, the complaints about it were basically the same across the board. Those modules are very expensive,and most posters resorted to not signing on the dotted line,and instead went to E-bay, or found other sources to get needed study materials. There was a big caveat from poster after poster not to contract with TCN. My feeling is that many red flags go up in my mind when it comes to ISU. My goodness they use Excelsior,if I understand it correctly for the nursing component. My feeling is why not just go to Excelsior otherwise you are racking up exorbitant expenses for extra things like TCN,which is only a publishing company I also do not like the idea of having to find a clinical site , and a preceptor.I will stick with the structured CPNE,when the time comes for this. I have a lot of confidence in myself,and know with preparation, I can master the CPNE also,as those before me have done.. Also,I read a lot of posts and not one that I can recall where someone actually finished.In contrast,I read all the time about people passing the CPNE. When I look at the two programs I feel the Excelsior students come out ahead because there is uniformity and standards with the CPNE. I will end here.

I totally agree with you. I think it would be better to contact ISU directly.I would tread carefully with them though because they supposedly work hand in hand with College Networks. In either case I say get lawyered up before signing on the dotted line.

Today, I spoke with an "advisor" from the College Network. I asked specifically about finding a clinical site and a preceptor.I was told if unable to find a preceptor,and clinical site,they can provide both to me.I asked if they would put this in writting,was told, 'Yes" that it is written into the contract.I was just on a fact finding mission, today. My plans are to go with Excelsior,however if I were to change my mind,before signing anything I would feel compelled to see a lawyer,especially after hearing your experience. If I was in your shoes, I would take my contract to a lawyer, to see if you are in fact entittled to have the school,find you both a clinical site and a preceptor.

I just want to add that post mortem care is not the sole responsibility of the CNA. While the CNA geneally does this,sometimes it is necessary for a nurse to help. I am a LPN who once had a CNA afraid to do post mortem care, but who more than meet exspectations otherwise. On a night shift with limited staffing I stepped in with another CNA and we did postmortem care together. In nursing there is no such thing as " not my job ," as nursing is a team effort. I do not think you will find in a LPN or RN job discription,that only CNAs do post mortem care. On the other hand you would not pull an LPN or RN away from nursing duties only they can legally perform,if there are CNAs,available.

Glad to hear everything is falling into place for you.Best to you in everything you strive for,future MD Shante.

Let's not mix apple and oranges here,present goals with future goals. Let's focus on immediate needs,and take your personality into consideration. Well,if you are impatient than take that CNA course. However,I feel the Multi Skilled Technician course will serve you better in the long run. yes,it is longer but you learn more skills,and your employment outlook is better,along with your starting salary. With a CNA, your only option may likely be in a nursing home. Multi Skilled Technicians are more employable by hospitals. You will make more money,have better benefits,and be in an enviornment of many other medical professionals,which is a much more supportive enviornment if you seek to become an MD yourself. You will also have a lot of learning oppurtunities,unavailable in a LTC facility,or a nursing home.Your age is not a factor here. Even with taking extra time by not taking the CNA course,you will still be young at thirty something, years of age,when you become an MD. then make it up by doing summer school, CLEP exams,and accelerated courses. Many options open to you. i think taking the fast route to CNa will rob you of many valuable experiences, and oppurtunities to network. Not to mention a better tuition reimbursement package. Give up something now,and gain more in the end.

I totally agree with everyone who says that being a CNA first has it's advantages.However,I feel your question has two differnt aspects to it. One part seems to ask ,Is being a CNA first better than just jumping straight into ` LPN school ? I personally do not feel working in a LTC facility,is the best way to prepare for a nursing career.Too many negatives there when it comes down to the way nursing is supposed to be.Not just my opinion,as I have read threads on this forum that RNs who have only LTC experience are considered not qualified to work in a hospital . setting. A better experience is to get into a program that offers you the oppurtunity to work as a student nurse tech in a hospital,where you can properly begin to fine tune and learn new skills. No need to work in a nursing home to find out if nursing is for you. Just go volunteer in a hospital. A friend of mine did this and in short time realized nursing was not for her. The second aspect of your question seems to be that being a CNA will offer you economic relief . If you need more money now to take care of you and your family,than being a CNA first would be the most logical thing to do.The training is short,and employment outlook is good. Most fulltime workers have a benefit package as well, with desireable benefits. There may also be tuition reimbursement,which you can use to pay for prereqs and/ or nursing school. That being said,making more money should not be your primary motive, in becoming a CNA.because it ,is hard demanding work, which in dealing with human life,one should have the compassion to do. You want to read these threads carefully,ask questions,along with getting some exposure to a nursing home setting,to have a better understanding of what working with a geriatric population would be likE. As for my own background thank goodness I started in a hospital setting first. I also worked in nursing homes due to a move, and it is an experience I do not relish. It was only tolerable because my heart was in my work in caring for my elderly residents. Kudos to all of you that deliver outstanding care,in such a difficult enviornment.

I would have no idea how to compare,one state to another,so,I am attemting to answer your question by telling you the staes and areas I am familar with. From my experience the Philadelphia.Pa. area has many employment oppurtunities. Also because,Pa.N.J, De. border on each other,you can really expand your employment oppurtunities. That being said, as a new LPN,just starting out with zero experience,and a raging recession on,there maybe a rocky road ahead for you. Experienced nurses,both LPNs and RNs are experiencing layoffs,and that overtime has suddenly dried up,that was readily available. This is true on my job,no one does overtime,also on my other job where I hold a prn position,and shifts were always available,this is no longer true. If I were you I would hedge all my bets,meaning seek out employment oppurtunities in Cali,along with other places I was considering moving. Do you have CNA certification. I know you want LPN work,but use your CNA to get in the door. Let a facility get to know you,and as a insider you may have more of a fast track as an insider to an LPN position. Most jobs here are in LTC,btw. Cost of living is reasonable .There is a range of neighborhoods that will accomodate your pocketbook,in and around Philadelphia.You might even make things cheaper with a roommate. Food costs have gone up everywhere but are more than within reason in the Philadelphia area. You can make it even better by buying on sale,and cooking from scratch,bypassing all those frozen,preacked and convenience foods. I practice frugality as if it was a second religion,LOL. Feel free to ask any more questions,you may also like to visit this site where youwill find lots of info about life in other parts of the country,housing,cost of living,etc. http://citydata.com

if you type into your search engine latino women and cultural beliefsabout pregnancy and childbirth,I think you may find a wealth of information, with references I did read and learn quite a bit myself.

I would suggest you go to the source. Do you know any Hispanic people,or Hispanic nurses ? How about hopping on over to one of the forums in a state that has large numbers of Hispanic populations and pose your question to the nurses there. I am thinking of states such as Texas, California, New York,Florida. There is also an OB/GYN forum on here,you may want to go there. Hope this was helpful. Also inquiring minds would like to know,so please come back and share your new found knowledge with us.

I am sorry to hear about the uncertainity you are going through. I have an idea,but you will have to check to see if this strategy is legal. I would give up my license in the state I am in and apply for license in another state. When things get better,you can always apply for a license in your state. I see your position was student nurse tech,and I would agree that since you are not a student anymore,than that job would no longer be yours. I know things look bleak now,but I hope you find it within you to be a bit more proactive about your situation. For instance ask yourself what are you willing to do to get a job, as an RN ? Are you will ing to drive a longer distance ? What about relocation ? I deally,sounds like you would like to work in a hospital,but I would identify other positions outside of the hospital where RNs are needed. Also do not forget to network with others. Can the school you graduated from give you any advice,or leaDS ? What about your former classmates ? Can you contact any and see if any have landed jobs and have any leads for you. Meanwhile,a sudden loss of income,can be difficult to deal with. I would suggest as a stop gap measure,you seek employment in a non nursing job. Afterall,money is money,and as long as the source is legal,than why not to get through a hard time. Also,because you have a healthcare background,see iif you cannot parlay that into other positiins in a medical setting. I am thinking about things like working in a doctors offive,in the front area. I am sure other nurses may have suggestions for you in here, and I hope things do a turnaround for you asap.

Thank all of you whose footsteps are way ahead of mine for your advice and encouragement. I see the consensus is to do one exam at a time,and the time for getting ready for the CPNE will eventually arrive.:)

Y0u know one reason I feel the average person is afraid of dead people are wrapped up in several reasons.Perhaps some of them apply to you. For instance,was your first exposure to seeing someone dead was at a funeral,and in a coffin? If this is the case,then I am sure that left a lasting and negative impression upon upon you. I was fortunate enough to see someone after death under more natural circumstances. My first brush with death was seeing my grandmother who died at home,soon after she died. I was all of 8 years old,when I saw my grandmother, (who went into cardiac arrest at home), lying peaceful and serene in her bed,under pastel sheets waiting to be transported from home . She was my grandmother,and she still looked no different,just appeared asleep. A sleep, I knew she would never awaken from though. I transferred my feelings of how natural people look in death,over when I started in nursing. My grandmother's death at home,in a natural setting had prepared me. When my patients die, I realize it is all apart of the ebb and flow of life. I was not around them all their life,but I too feel it was an honor to take care of them,when they were in their physical form,and provide them with comfort via my nursing skills. Now that they have made their transition,it feels for me that I am still apart of helping them complete the circle of life. My feelings are humans are involved with assisting each other both cycles of birth and death. Keep in mind this may be the same person whose hand you recently held,or brow you just wiped. Life and death are really something to marvel at,when you think about it.

I am about to start my journey with Excelsior.Those of you who are well along or finished,looking for some direction. I have spent some time reading the posts,and seems everyone has a healthy concern about the CPNE. My question is can someone like myself just starting out do anything to start to prepare from the beginning ? Can I do something for example like getting Bob's video, getting certain textbooks,working on getting prepared now for the CPNE in small steps and increment5s from day one while taking the rest of Excelsior courses to get my RN,or perhaps my base of knowledge is not wide enough yet,to thinkk about doing anything about the CPNe at this point. Thanks for your input in advance.

I say a picture is worth a 1000 words,but I just happen to need a few. :angryfire:madface::uhoh3:

In order to get into nursing school,you must be perpared at the high school level academically.Many blacks lack the necessary science courses to enter nursing school. Most blacks do not live in the 'burbs. In black neighborhoods the schools are substandard. I am African American,and I can tell you black kids have hopes and dreams just like white kids.White kids are just better prepared and equipped to make their dreams come true. We are all born equal but we are not all created equal.For those blacks that do beat the odds,then they have to deal with racism in nursing school,and so it continues into the workplace,which is what this thread is all about. I think the only white people who may have similar experiences are those who have come from an area,where there is generational poverty.Besides racism in America,there is classism.That is why I feel the only type of white people who have been through anything similar as blacks in terms of being part of a disenfranchised group of people in this country,and being systematically excluded is poor white people,such as poor rural whites,and those whites who are in places like Appalachia,and those pockets of white areas in this country that are economically depressed

Tmani, I am sorry to hear you are going through such a hard time.Do take care of yourself.If you have an administration that will not change,and tells you the RN does not take an asignment,then your choices are clear cut,stay or leave.If you stay,then you know what you will get.If you leave.before you go abide your time,in the best way possible,which means not complaining ,which may cause you not to get a good reference for your next position. Everywhere you go to work may not be cup of tea,but that is why you have a license.You have options out there,just waiting for you to explore. Try not to let anyone rain on your parade,if you want to be an RN,keep going.Don't let one situation impact you negatively.

Well, I just found this thread today,and have read the majority of it. Here is my opinion.Everyone knows regardless of their title what they can or cannot do in the scope of their practice.Everyone knows also why a CMA,or CNA, cannot call themselves a nurse,and a LPN cannot call themselves an RN. However,I do not believe the thread has really been about any of this. I think the essence of the thread is that some people who are in the healthcare field,who may not meet the legal definition of a nurse only want recognition for what they know,in spite of what level they are at. Excelsior College gives recognition and credit,for skills gained,allowing one to get an RN minus traditional RN school. Going to school and pasing the NCLEX gives you legally the tittle of nurse, however,if you are brand spanking new nurse to the field,or for whatever reason not ju up to snuff clinically, well,I am here to tell you,there are lots others out there minus a nursing school education and training,who in spite of not being the legal nurse,have honed their clinical skills,to the max,way beyond expectation,for their role.That same group can function alongside a skilled nurse,and perform just as well and better. Note, I am talking clinical skills,which is one of the most important components of delivering outstanding healthcare to those we are assigned to. I just feel there are those among us who are excelling in their role in that area,despite the lack of nursing school,and they want only some recognition,and approval for that acheivement. I do think we just need to reach out and embrace those who are doing more than a mighty fine job,and show more appreciation from time to time. That may be a trustworthy CNA who recognizes changes in a patients status as well as you do,and will always report to you any abnormalties,or the LPN,who has outstanding clinical skills, and functions clinically as well as an RN,and needs minimal RN supervision. That also goes to the CMA,who functions as well,as the LPN. When the going gets tough,titles seems to get blurred,and I know many an RN who appreciated the fact their team members were highly skilled and competent.No RN is going to get bent out of shape,because some MD,patient or family member is overheard calling a staff member nurse,who is not one,providing she is secure in his/her role,knowing no one has taken anything away from them,educationally or otherwise. What I feel is most important is that when taking care of patients, everyone stays within the scope of their practice,legally. When a particular situation arises that only a RN,or LPN can handle,then one would be deceptive not to clarify their status,and state they will send a nurse in. Furthermore,staff in most places have to wear ID of some sort which clearly states one title. I think there is more a perception of some non nurses trying to be deceptive,where it does not exist. Let's just reach out and embrace each other as each being needed,and valuable members of the healthcare team. I doubt if any of us would hold jobs and respected positions if we were not an asset to our various places of employment.

Yes,I agree it is a great thread also. Could it get a sticky,for more visibility. It would also help to foster more participation from the Excelsior grads.Thank all of you for the encouragement,for those of us who are walking in your shadow,at this time.

I feel in this matter there are some trust issues that need to be recognized. In order to regain someones trust,then you need time to do this. I feel,expresing apologies is appropriate,but we all know in certain situations an apology is not enough. This is one of those situations, where a passage of time is most needed , to make things right again.What will that take 6 months to a year to see if truly a new different and better person has emerged. Well,I can only guess as to how much time is actually needed,but I certainly feel if you are leaving shortly because of an up coming move,the best you can do to make this situation work out for you on your new job,is to resign now as graciously as possible,in order to make the best possible new start on your next job.

YEAH ! :balloons::balloons: