Semperdave

Most hospitals and agencies will want experience, but most nursing homes and long term care facilities (around here, anyway) don't require it. Check into some of them. Here are 3 companies off the top of my head, and sites for Colorado. LIFE CARE CENTERS for Colorado HCR ManorCare Kindred Healthcare From my experience, weekends are the hardest slots to fill, and we have people who just work weekends. I worked doubles Saturday and Sunday for a while to accomodate my school schedule. Best of luck!! David PS: Congrats on passing your test!

For the record: I am a CNA. I think in hospitals, if the pt:nurse ratio were low enough, that would probably be better from a nursing and patient standpoint. That said, I don't think there is an LTC in the world where that would work. With pt loads around 25 or more, and all the crap nurses have to do besides pass meds... Might work with 50 nurses in our facility. Instead of 4 or 5. The cost would be soooooo extravagant... and I would be out of a job.... Bad idea... sorry to ramble... David

Oh yeah, it also depends on if you are an RN, LPN, CNA, or whatever... :)

That all depends on where in N. Va you will be. Check out http://www.inova.com That is the website for Alexandria Hospital and Fairfax Hospital. I know there are many more around, but that is off the top of my head. Best of luck! David

Ya know, from some of the things you say I wonder if she even IS an actual nurse? Can you check her name with the board of nursing and get verification of her credentials? Sounds to me like someone who saw a few too many episodes of ER, House, and SCRUBS and thought it would be cool....

I work overtime when I can get it, 97.3% for the cash (time and a half). As an aide it is readily available, since some of the other aides have no work ethic and call in all the time. I had 82 hrs (42 overtime) last week (pay week ending Tues) and will probably get more this week. I thinkI have been averaging about 50 hrs a week, and more now around Xmas. Management likes to gripe when I do this and they see my hours, but then they turn around and call me in for a double shift on my day off. Go figure.

I meant "just an aide" as in I am working on becoming a nurse, but not one yet. I in no way meant to denegrate aides or minimize the importance of their role. And I am glad that nurses recognize the contribution. Now if we could just work on the pay aspect!!! My brother, who is an LPN (or LVN), says that a good aide is worth his/her weight in gold, and a bad one ain't worth a stack of dirty briefs. Cheers!! David

i hate to say this, but welcome to long term care! :welcome: i am just an aide right now, but that is what it is like for most, i think. it is a prison, of sorts, to most of the residents, regardless of quality of care. but... "hopefully, i can help make her last years somewhat more enjoyable. " that shows me that you do have what it takes to work ltc, as that is often the reward we get. lord knows it's not the fantastic pay or wonderful scheduling!!! nor the families of the residents being so kind and sweet... :trout: best of luck, (and thanks for caring!) david

You could look in the LOCAL tab at the top of the page, choose US and then PA and ask there...Maybe someone can give you info. Or just check with some of the Long Term Care facilities in your area. Lots of LTC's will sponsor you through a class. Also check with your local Workforce Development / Unemployment office as they may have some sort of funding or program available. Best of luck, David

I just got word today.... I PASSED!!! Now I an just waiting on the BON..

My mom LOVED working at Alexandria Hospital on Seminary Rd. (http://www.inova.com/). She got her diploma there and worked there for YEARS. Depending on the commute you want and where in N Va you live, there is also Fairfax Hospital. I think it is on Gallows Road? Anyway, they are both INOVA hospitals, so the above link should give you contact info for both of them. Just don't stay where you are miserable. Best of luck, David

To me the insurance companies can be clients, but the people I am caring for are patients or residents. Or if a patient is a self pay, then they can be both. Client for the business office, patient for the nursing staff. But beware, the term "CARE RECIPIENT" is just around the corner... :trout:

My class was $600, so I understand the ouch!! factor, but if it is the means to get the required training for the job you want, it really isn't that much. Check out your local community college, as they might have courses. Here (So. Az) it cost $47 per credit, and it is a 5 credit course, I think. I am sure prices will vary, but you could TRY to get sponsored by a LTCF in your area and work there afterward. And if you are a veteran who was recently discharged you can go the vet rep at the unemployment center and see of there is any funding available. Best of luck David

It might depend on your military experience, but I would be inclined to say no. Each state Bon has requirements for taking a class that has so many hours in clinicals and so many hours in classroom before you can test and apply for your cert. Besides, the class is worth it. You learn alot even if you think you know most of it already, and they are usualy not that long or expensive. Best of luck, David

Depends on the pt. Sometimes a walk, sometimes a run. One lady's alarm went off while I was talking to her in the hall...a wanderer got tired and took a nap in her bed...then got up and set off the alarm.

I am just starting as an aide, and not even a CNA yet, but here is what I have found: Yes, the job can be hard, dirty, smelly, trying, you may feel underappreciated by patients and doctors and family, and the hours and pay may be less than desirable sometimes. Notice CAN BE and SOMETIMES. That said, there is something about helping someone who can't help themselves that makes you feel good. Cleaning someone while doing your best to allow them to have some dignity, and caring for someone who may not have anyone else to care for them and can't care for themselves has its own intangible reward. You are making a difference in peoples lives, and in LTC particularly at the end of life. It has been said on this board that if you are going into nursing for the good pay and 3 day work week, go into something else (I am paraphrasing). I have held many many other jobs in my life, and none of them comes CLOSE to being as rewarding as this. I guess it is just the "warm and fuzzies" that I get that makes the difference. Best of luck... David

Thanks EG, That gives new meaning to "The Tao of Pooh"

Here is some contact info for Life care Centers in Columbia. Life Care Center of Columbia 2514 Faraway Drive Columbia, SC 29223 Carol Cordan, Executive Director Office: (803) 865-1999 Fax: (803) 865-0759 http://www.lcca.com/facilities.cfm?mode=detail&id=241 I know the local Lifecare here will sponsor people, check with your local facility. Best of luck David

Sometimes nursing homes and hospitals who hire CNAs will sponsor you in a class. Check with some local prospective employers and see who has a program like that. Or check with the unemployment office/workforce development in your area. They may have some sort of funding available. Best of luck!!

"what they should be doing, instead of playing up the sensationalism" sensationalism sells papers and keeps you tuned until after the commercial break. period. that is the concern of the media. if a thousand people die but they can get one more person to watch their stupid a$$ show that is fine. (maybe a slight generalization, but you get the point) david

I have heard M.R.S.A. and "mer-sa" both, but personaly prefer "killer flesh eating super bug!!!" (thank you prime time news!)

The BON will do a check when they get your application for license. I have been told that ANYTHING will show up, so just be upfront and honest. But also ANYTHING will slow the process down. Lots of places will hire you and start you, but maybe at a slightly lower pay rate until you get your paper license. Glad I could help, keep us posted! David

I think it depends on where you are trying to work. I am finishing up CNA classes on Friday (10/19) and I have a job already, and one of the ladies in my class is working while in class for her CNA. How long it takes to get your actual paper license after passing the test kinda depends on your background check I believe. Best of luck!! David

Is there any way you can get a leave of absence? If you have started on an anti-depressant maybe you could put in for a medical leave?

I had a math teacher a few years ago who dropped a half dozen kids for acting like asses. No problems after that, except the material...