JumpingIn

Graduates, current students, and those awaiting entry into HCC's LPN-RN bridge program, please post your experiences, thoughts, advice, etc. about the program here.

Has that person mentioned what their current plan is now that their original plan was derailed? I actually spoke with a representative of Mount.State and was told that those students who's graduations were delayed r/t the accreditation problem, would be directed to UDC and other DC metro schools to help. Apparently, Mount.State has a relationship with those schools and they are aware of what has happened. I don't really know every detail though. My reason for calling was only to question if they were ever going to get the accreditation back--still don't have that answer. Whatever happens, I'll pray for those folk.

Mountain State University has an LPN-BSN program. "Google" the website. I think it's 5 or 6 semesters and you only go 1-2 nights a week. One of the float nurses where I work mentioned the school. There is also a posting on this site that talks about Mountain State U in WV.

To answer your question, no; less time spent in school is not always better (for some). If you generally adapt well, maybe it will work for you. My question for you is, what is the name of the school only requiring 3 courses for transition?

Do they conduct the program at the Martinsburg, WV or Washington DC campuses?

Without compromising your integratey, you may just have to put someone in their place (whether in private or subtley out in the open). IF SOMETHING OR SOMEONE IS TAKING YOUR SUNSHINE AWAY, you may have to take a proactive approach and speak up. Most times we have to let things roll off, because we know that some things just don't make or break us. The world is rough so, we all take our hits. HOWEVER--DON'T ALLOW ANYONE OR ANYTHING TO MAKE YOU FEEL SO BAD THAT YOU CAN'T SEE PAST IT. DON'T GIVE THEM THE SATISIFACTION! Good Luck to you and God Bless you! Keep up with your studies and do what you have to. The HATERS don't put food in you mouth, clothes on your back or a roof over your head. JUST KNOW THAT YOU'RE IN SCHOOL FOR A GREATER PURPOSE; TO IMPROVE YOURSELF. DISMISS THEM. Remember that.

I say do both. Any education that you can complete in a short amount of time that applies to nursing, will most likely help you now and in the future. ~Now-- you may be able to increase your income (while in or awaiting nursing school) with the new qualifications. CNA salaries suck when you don't have any specialized skills. ~Later-- the phlebotomy will help tons after becoming a nurse. Many new nurses aren't skilled in phlebotomy or starting an IV, because you aren't given in depth teaching on that skill in nursing school. Phlebotomy can be intimidating for some at first. So I say learn it now, while there is no pressure.

In Maryland we don't have CNA II registry, but a patient care technician certificate. That is what CNA's here do to advance as a CNA in a hospital. With that you're able to do venipuncture(phlebotomy & IV's), insert foleys, EKG's and some other somewhat invasive procedures in addition to the normal CNA duties. Is the Patient Care Tech in Maryland, similar to CNA II and Acute Care CNA's in other areas?

Are the compression socks something like TED Hose?

I agree with rotating shoes until you know what's good for you in particular. Trial and error is what did it for me. I buy good sneakers with some room for movement and potential swelling. I also use gel inserts. I've tried Danskos and Crocs but, I guess my feet and those shoes just didn't get along. By the end of a 12, my dogs would be barking. Now I always invest in good running shoes.

I did that exact CNA training with ARC--3weeks classroom/1 week clinical. They had other options for class length, but I chose the short one because I was able to use some of my vacation time at work and still get their good training in a hurry. It was fast paced, a lot of reading, and tests. We were tested on something daily. As far as the pass rate is concerned, not quite sure. Many of the girls were very private about there grades. The biggest part of the course are the skills tests. You'll be instructed on particular skills and assigned text. You must read and practice those skills-- you will be tested on both the very next day. The skills are the bigger deal because you must execute the skills exactly the way the BON has specified (you'll receive a manual on skills to help you study). Not passing your skills tests, will hurt your more than anything. Just remember to pay close attention to SAFETY, INFECTION CONTROL, AND PRIVACY, when doing your skills test and you should be fine. Get a couple of highlighters and read your text good, and you should be fine. Part of your grade is based on your class participation. Usually the class discussion is only based on whatever you read the night before, so if you do the reading you'll be able to contribute without a problem. Try your best to do what you have to in order to keep you GPA high. Your GPA obviously determines whether or not you become certified, but prior to getting to that point it will also determine what order you go to clinicals. Everyone doesn't go together. Small groups of students go to clinicals a week at a time based on GPA's. It was a good experience and I really learned a lot. Of course your real education will come once you start dealing with actually patients. Classrooms never prepare you for that. I've gone on and on, so I hope this helps. Regardless of the sacrifices, the pay offs in the end will have made it all worth it. God Bless!

Check with your local american red cross. That's where I earned my CNA. Class was only 3 weeks and Clinicals was 2 weeks. Very fast paced and intense. $800, but you'll know that you're getting a good education from a good organization, that's not just trying to get over.

I heard that they actually send you away for training; is that so?

I've only worked in hospitals. At the hospital I work in, there are a few people who definately don't belong there with regards to patient care (some are my peers and some aren't), but there's always someone checking behind everyone (atleast during day shift) and it seems that they will fire your behind in a :redbeathe. Also the CNA's and Techs don't actually work for the RN's. RN's have their clinical duties that are clearly defined as do the CNA's and Techs. The RN's are Techs are responsible for checking on all of there assigned patients every other hour (RN's evens & techs odds). Everyone does there own computerized documenting and issues of concern are then reported. But the RN's and CNA's/ Techs seem to be on a similar plain. It's possible that employees are more relaxed during off shifts, but I've never worked any shift other than day shift, so I can't be sure. I am curious to hear from anyone who's worked in both a hospital and nursing home/ assisted living or who have seen differences in shifts. Bottom line is that the issues being spoken about are simply terrible!

This may be a silly question but... What type of stethoscopes are best for clinicals? Should I invest in a really expensive one or should I just get an affordable one that can get me through clinicals? I'm afraid of the whole "you get what you pay for" thing, but I don't want to spend too much if it isn't necessary either. What stethoscopes did any of you use during clinicals?

Patient care is EVERYONE'S responsibility and TEAMWORK is key! We can't make blanket statements based on a few peoples short comings or frustrations for that matter. Everyone has encountered a particular coworker who seems to be lazy and out of breath for no apparent reason, whether it be a CNA or even an RN. I've worked with some RN's who, if they could get away with it, would delegate the med passing to someone else. I've also worked with some CNA's who would leave a patient wading in urine if they could get away with it. Point being, there are employees period, regardless of credentials, who are just plain LLAAZZYY (even some physicians)! Can I get an AMEN! Everyone of US who knows their roles as health care professionals have no problem doing what we have to do and even helping others. I must say that the folks I work with presently, are a die hard crew. RNs, Techs, CNAs alike all get elbow deep in poop and pee and whatever other body fluids daily. GOD BLESS EVERYONE WHO DOES THEIR JOB WELL-- BLISTERED FEET AND ACHEY MUSCLES AND ALL!

I just submitted my application/exam package as well. It's nice to hear that others from Maryland are talking about the school also.

Has anyone here (or know anyone) who's gone through the Northern VA Comm.Coll. nursing program? I am aware of 3 seperate Nursing degree plans, but one in particular allows for you to graduate with 2 associate degrees. One degree is your RN, the other an associates in gen. studies. Both of which (if combined) transfer to George Mason U, and in 2 more semesters you're awarded your BSN. Just wondering what prior students thought of it.

"Uniform City" is the uniform storm located on N. Charles St.

Hey there. I went through the program. It's a good way of getting yourself established as a CNA especially in a hospital; especially if you have very little experience or if your're in or planning on attending a nursing program. The only problem that you'll probably have will be the pay. At entry level the pay is only $13 day shift, $15-$16 for nights after the PCT training is completed. Although, prior to the completion of the program the pay is less than $11. So depending on your life style, the money makes it a lot to think about. But like the other poster said, this is a "paying dues" period to ensure you're serious and not trying to waste time or money. Overall the program is really good. It's taught at the community college(HCC) next door to the hospital, and it's taught by the Director Of Nusing at Howard General (very nice and down to earth person--seriously). While your're in the program you only have to work 4 days at the hospital instead of 5 because the hours you spend in class count as work time. Another option is to take the class and bear the expense out of your own pocket. A lot of times the hospital offers PCT positions to people who've taken the class on their own and maintained good GPA and attendance. Good luck with your plans! Perhaps I'll see you around the hospital one day.

Does anyone have any info (good or bad) about Standard Health Care Services Inc. PN program or Ultimate Health School's PN program:up:?

At the hospital that I work for, the day/night shift refers to the 0700/1930 shift. All of us reg.full timers do 3 twelves. Long days:yawn:, but there's self scheduling.

I do agree with the posts that talked about taking responsibity for your performance as a student and making the absolute most of your education. Nursing, clearly takes a lot of work, time, responsiblity. Although, after reading all of the posts about the nursing schools from hell :angryfire, I think it also boils down to RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH. One of the best options for searching for schools are using the BON websites for the specific state. BON usually provides info on the state's accredited nursing schools. NLNAC.org:up: provides a search for nursing programs that are nationally accredited at all degree levels. I've even found a lot of info on discovernursing.com :up:and definately from the forums on this site (allnurses.com). I think many of us feel anxious because of the competitiveness of nursing school, but we have to be extremely proactive in researching prospective schools prior to applying to them. Think about it, we've spent a year completing pre-reqs, the cost of an education can be outrageous, earning an education is extremely time consuming and as student nurses, we're learning to sustain another persons LIFE:redbeathe. Why throw all of that hard work and responsibilty into the hands of a program that won't even provide the BASICS? It is our responsibility to educate ourselves about these programs and to some degree educate each other (allnurses is perfect word of mouth). Consider having a loved one being in the care of a person who didn't take their education seriously. Or having a loved one being cared for by a person who wasn't given the proper clinical/skills training (as described in some of the other posts). It definately can be hard and sometimes discouraging. We must weigh all of our options and most importantly PRAY for the clarity needed to make the right life changing decisions. I'm sorry if it seems that I'm coming on strong, but it's unfortunate that there are so many programs out there trying to take advantage of what people don't know.

I agree with the beige and even the boy cut underwear. White panties under white scrub pants makes your butt look like it's glowing! You'd never know of course, because no one will want to say anything, but I see it all the time.

Has anyone heard anything about the programs at Lancaster General College?