strawbrykiwi

While I've enjoyed my time as a CNA-- if you've been accepted into a LPN/LVN program... do it! Out here in CA the most I made as a CNA was $9.50/hr until I reached my on call position in a hospital and that was $15/hr but still not a liveable wage.

Aside from getting/staying in shape, getting help with moving patients, using the machines for all lifting... the biggest thing that has helped me-- is to move the beds up to do patient care! I now work in a hospital with beds that work-- and when they dont.... THEY GET FIXED!!!! This was amazing to me, and my back has been extremely grateful! :)

Wow, I hadn't heard the incredible negativity until I looked on here.... Here's what I found from my research in the Sacramento area: Most programs that are accredited by the State of CA are expensive. That's the reality. The Unitek program here is 11months long. That's really fast paced and isn't for all people. Different schools are for different people. I'm excited to have gotten into a program and have more opportunities to move forward with my nursing career. Glad to hear from Elorraine11 ! :) Good luck to you all!

Hi all! I'm 23, I've been a CNA for 3 years, I'm finishing my Phlebotomy license and now I'm starting LVN school! I'm hoping to work my way up to RN and maybe even up to NP. :)

I realize this isn't anything new, but aside from "ignore them" what can you do when faced with the comments that LVNs aren't real nurses?

I decided to suck it up and do the Unitek college program up in Sacramento.

Working on call has been one of the best things I did to keep my skills up as a CNA. I had a steady job and then worked on call. I work for what's like a healthcare temp agency, you might look for something like that in your area.

I love my Danskos, they're a bit less "cloggy" and have really rather thick soles. About the only things more comfortable on my feet are my back packing boots... and I cant wear those at work!

This is way way old but I just wanted to say when I lived there I got my CNA through Valley West Healthcare Center.

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I know these posts are a little old-- I'm starting the program in the Fall. I chose it because it was the only one I could start in immediately (in my area) that's accredited, and didnt require a ton of pre reqs that would take me more time and money to do. It's a lot of money, but they really worked with me, answered all my questions. They have a really high pass and job placement rate as well-- the Sacramento campus. It is fast, 11months, full time school. There are breaks... anyhow, if anyone has more questions-- I'll try to answer once I'm in the program and graduate! :)

Hi!I'm in an 11 month program, we have breaks so I start in Sept of this year and end Sept. 2011! :)

Thank you! I am planning to actually go to work as a CNA and I'm redoing any classes with less than A's and working to get A's in the rest. :) Thank you!

Hi! I am currently training to be a CNA and recently switched from an undeclared major to nursing and now in the process of completing prerequisites for the nursing program. What I am trying to find is anyone who is or has worked or gone to school for nursing or nursing assistant here in Oregon, I know some things have changed this year... Really I'm curious what to do if I don't get into the nursing program. Do you just keep applying every year working as a care giver or cna until you are able to work towards RN? Or what is the best course of action? Anyhow thank you for your time! :)