bitter_sweet

@worktoplay Do you recall when Piedmont Medical posted their GN positions? When did you apply? Sorry for all the questions. I graduate from nursing school in December and I am looking forward to moving to either the Charlotte, NC or Rock Hill, SC area. Thanks!

Hi, I took Develop Psych at STK, also in the WEC format. I had a different prof and my tests weren't take home. But overall the class was not that bad and the book wasn't necessary. My prof taught from powerpoint slides and the book was just in case students needed more clarification on an issue/ topic. I also took nutrition separately at STK. But it was during the summer session (one month of class every Mon-Thurs). Again it was doable. I think you should be able to manage both classes at the same time. Good Luck!

Hi Live&Learn, For my test out, I read and re-read the candidate booklet and watched CNA youtube videos. I also practiced on my fiance'. However, I will say to remember KWIPE for every skill. K - knock on the door W - wash hands I - introduce yourself to the client P - provide privacy E - elevate bed/ explain procedure (but remember to lower the bed when done) Also, it helped me to say all the steps of the skill out loud as I was doing it. My evaluator didn't care and it helps them because sometimes they dont watch everything you do. So if you say it as you do it, then they know you're doing it. Hope that helps! Good luck on your test!

Thanks for the congrats, bikelola! I am very happy to be done with that. However, my project for school is going a little slower than I had wished. I hope to be done by October. Good Luck in your CNA class. I agree that a more recent class should help with securing a CNA position. I wish you luck!!!!

Just an update- I passed both the written and skills portion of the NATO examination. I did not take a class, but I did use several youtube videos and the MN candidate handbook. The videos really helped for the skills portion of the NATO. Here's the youtube link if anyone is interested: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=270974B24753078D&search_query=cna%2C+nc

I agree w/ the others. Try half.com and/ or amazon.com. These are the two main sites I use when I buy/ sell my textbooks.

Hi LMT7018: I know that MCTC in downtown Mpls is a testing site. I am scheduled to take my NATO written and skills test there on August 26th. I am not sure of any other testing sites. However, if you go to the Dept of Health's website (http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fpc/directory/natrainingsites.cfm) and type in a zip code, you will get a list of NA programs and testing sites for that area. Hope that helps!

I've never heard of such a thing. I know many places have "on-the-job training", but this is usually after someone has finished nursing school and/ or passed NCLEX. However, if you do find out some more info about "on-the-job teaching" for nursing. Let me know, ASAP! LOL!

To the OP, I know it can be frustrating, but like the others have said - Take a deep breath! You've received some good advice. Keep a copy of all your documentation, and keep following up. But remember, the admission office has hundreds (if not thousands) of people applying to the school. It's got to be frustrating for them too. (I certainly would not want that job!) Good Luck to you, and let us know if you get in!

I'm currently taking pre-reqs for my Post Bachelors in Nursing. I start nursing school in January 2010. After I finish that I also want to continue school and become a Nurse Practitioner. (Not sure if I'll need a PhD for Nurse Prac, but I def want a MSN, to go along with my Master's in Public Health.)

Here is the website, if you are interested. http://www.hcmc.org and click "Employment" on the left side of the page

I agree with the above poster. I live in the Twin Cities and work in conjunction with HCMC. I know they are currently not actively hiring for staff RNs. Though they have several other positions on their website for RN supervisors. Good Luck!

kirchnerfamily: Where did you take your test out? I was planning on testing out this summer. I also didn't want to spend the money on a class.

Here's the website for St Kate's post-bacc program that bikelola mentioned: http://minerva.stkate.edu/offices/academic/nursing.nsf/pages/bdpplanpostbacc

alpha kappa alpha sorority, innnnnnnnnnncorporated! (pretty girl wearing 20 pearls!) skee - wee !!!

CONGRATS to everyone that survived A & P this semester! I found out I received an A in the class. Time for a well deserved break!

CONGRATS to all! I am so glad this semester is over. I only had one class (got an A in anatomy), but I was also working full-time and finishing up an non-nursing related Master's. Everyone enjoy your well-deserved breaks, because I know I will (even if it is only 2 weeks for me)!

I plan on relaxing also. I have a two week break and then classes start up again (ugh)! jdcurly: I really enjoyed The Coldest Winter. It's a good book!

I've been accepted into a post-bacc nursing program. I finished my Anatomy pre-req on Wed (yah!), so that means 4 more pre-reqs. Biomedical ethics - Spring 09 Devel Psych - Spring 09 Nutrition - Summer 09 (and CNA test out) Microbiology - Fall 09 And if all goes well, nursing classes begin in Spring 2010 (can't wait!)

Congrats!

CONGRATS! I have another year of pre-reqs before I can say the same thing! You'll do great!

Hi, You may want to check how long the nurse assistant certification will last. In my state (Minnesota), NA certification is only good for 2 years. If you have not worked for at least 8 hours as a NA, then you lose your NA certification and have to either re-take the NA class or you have the option to challenge the NA state test. Sorry, I can't help you with your second question. I work full-time (not as a CNA) and will keep this job during nursing school. Working as a CNA might be helpful, but is not necessary to get a job as a RN. Good Luck in whatever you decide!

For my letter/ essay, I wrote about why I wanted to be a nurse. I also wrote about experiences in the past that would make me a great nurse (job experiences, family experiences, classes, etc), as well as, what I wanted to do in the future as a nurse (more then just "help people!"). It seems to have worked, as I start nursing classes Jan 2010 (as soon as my pre-reqs are done!) Hope that gives you a start. Good Luck and Best Wishes!

Way to go, everyone! I can't believe we're half-way done! I'm happy with my "A" as well and hope to keep it through December!

I totally understand! My certificate expired as well, so I'm hoping to challenge the NATO exam in Summer 09. I'm using these websites to help me. Maybe they'll come in handy for you, too! MN Nursing Assistant Skills Booklet and practice test http://www.asisvcs.com/indhome_fs.asp?CPCAT=0624NURSE Online videos of CNA lessons http://deptets.fvtc.edu/nursing/index.htm