bknees

Stay at home Dad answering questions for Mona :nuke:. I have gotten these email responses to my wife's original message left here. I guess I can step in for her and answer some to the best of my ability as she is working tonight. "how things are working out for you in your chosen department?" She is doing great, loves her job. She actually is floating tonight and is working in mom/baby tonight. Normally she is in antepartum. She really likes the labor and delivery group so I think she is a great match. "Do you plan to further your education by going to nursing school?" That is the thinking right now, but she is learning so much, plus she has a family (3 kids not counting me) so it will probably be a slow process. "what state are you in?" Illinois, Peoria to be specific. "Can you give me any advice as to how to get noticed like you did?" Yes I can give you her story and probably a little more colorful and accurate than what she would write. First of all, Mona is one of the most positive people I have ever met and unassuming as well as kind. That's part of why I married her. I could go on, not sure if you would believe it all or not. Really. People are naturally drawn to her. She is extremely extroverted. And rarely meets a person she can't get along and makes friends readily. She is also kind and caring. Perfect qualities for a nurse, huh? Well did I mention she is smart as well? I'm not talking just book smart, she is street smart as well. She was asked to send in her resume for the job. She had NEVER filled out a resume before (she's over 40). So I helped her a bit. Remember she is a bit unassuming. I should post her resume. She has never been turned down for any job in which she has applied. Did I say she was an extrovert? No I mean EXTROVERT.:nuke: She is also assertive and proactive. Absolutely no fear of failure. She would not have looked in this venue for work had it not been for the fact I was laid off and we were to lose family medical insurance. So after taking the initiative to telephone and find out who to contact, she told the person that her resume doesn't show a lot of related/recent work history or experience in the field but would really like an opportunity for an interview. Her assertiveness and unique resume got her an interview. Another strength is her people skills. When she left the interview she had the job. Remember I told you absolutely no fear of failure? Well she also has no fear of man or position or rank. So she doesn't rattle very easy or get embarrassed very easy either. She talks to the janitor and the CEO exactly the same. She is the court jester; will make everyone laugh and feel comfortable at her own expense if necessary. While taking her CNA training she had 4 interviews with different departments at the hospital. At the end of her training she was told which ones were interested in hiring her. All 4 offered her a job. Now the reason I mention her attitude and demeanor is that is what INITIALLY gets her noticed. But she has brains and easily learns and looks for ways to improve not only her abilities but methods and processes. Is not afraid to speak up. She only has a high school degree but has a much broader knowledge base than any her age. Speaks French and sign language. She is a singer. And sings well. No, I mean Simon Cowell well. Plays music by ear, played cello and violin, can play a song on the piano by picking out the notes in her head. Can harmonize. Multi-talented. So don't let her fool ya. She is a 'card shark' or a 'pool shark' or a 'ringer'. I literally think she can do whatever she puts her mind to and excel at it. She is unorthodox. I will stop here. I could write a book, but I think this gives you a little insight. My advice to anyone is be assertive, be polite, be kind, creative, a good worker, don't think to much of yourself, have a positive attitude and think outside the box. That should get ya noticed.

Thank you for your input! I ended up choosing antepartum for several reasons. I actually will be graduating next week as a CNA, then I will continue to train on the floor as a PTC. I believe I shadow a mentor for about 6 weeks, then I will be on my own with 20 beds to care for! We are a referral hospital, so there are people sent from 13 other locations in the state when their situation deems they be in this level of antepartum (pre-labor before 32 weeks, pre-eclampsia, injury, complications, etc.) I am excited to get to my final "post". I will also most likely be cross-trained in Mother/Baby, Nursery, Post Partum, and Labor & Delivery so I can float as needed...all are on the same floor. I am going with 3rd shift initially, and not entirely sure how it will work. We have 3 kids, so I would be able to see them in the morning before school and still have some evenings with them and hubby. Set for 3 shifts 12 hours each. I'm a little worried about balancing sleep, family time and work, but I am confident we will find our rhythm. The whole family is so supportive. I knew I needed to find a job, and I am glad I started this when I did. Hubby has been laid off since the week before my class started! Ack! Kind of a new dynamic now, with me gone all day, and him playing Mr. Mom. In fact, I think it has had a positive effect...has allowed us to see things from the other's perspective. Well, sorry to ramble, I continue to welcome everyone's input and ideas and even "tricks of the trade" for dealing with family, job, bored moms on my floor who miss their lives, etc....so please keep em coming. I may even start a new thread, now that I am a little more familiar with this site. I have always been a big fan of learning from others...whether it be their ideas, their mistakes, or their experience...isn't it nice to have a forum like the internet now!! ~mona~

I am a new CNA. I have been certified thru a hospital program...interviewed with 3 nurse managers. All three have offered me the job, so I have a couple days to decide which department I would like to work in for a minimum of one year. Here is my dilemna: I will be on noc (3rd) shift...12 hours 7p-7a...3 nights a week. Med-Surg Intermediate care has many step-downs from ICU or surgery...many on vents. Next choice is Neuro...it is a much larger unit with pts who have trauma, seizures, brain tumors, strokes, etc Lastly is Ante-partum...part of the birthing center department. This is where complicated pregnancy patients stay (premie, multiples,high pressure, toxemia, etc).They may be there a day, maybe months on bedrest. To me, Antepartum sounds like the place I am most drawn to. I would have the opportunity to learn skills in the other 3 areas on the floor (L&D, Postpartum, Mom & Baby) and would even float if needed. The other floors sound VERY interesting and busy and diverse...however I am returning to work after 16 years, I have 3 kids in 3 different schools (primary, middle, and high) and a hubby to think about. My thinking is that Antepartum may be less stressful and more of a positivie environment. Since I am absolutely new to all of this, I thought I would ask those of you with experience what your thoughts are. Thank you!

My first reaction is don't worry bout it!! Here is why. You obviously are an outgoing, caring person. You were being yourself, right? If I were an interviewer, as long as the person is qualified, then the next quality I look for is sincerity. Besides that, if you are going to be at a school, you want to be someone who "keeps it real". I am a firm believer that professionalism does not...or at least SHOULD not equal stuffism...you know, being all stuffy! She asked if you had any questions afterall, right? I would find it endearing and genuine. As for the honeymoon info...I think that also is good to mention. It is not as if you are asking for a ton of time off, right? Maybe 2 wks?? No, I think if you are qualified, then your off the cuff, honest replies might even seal the deal. Maybe they find open communication endearing! If you don't get the job, maybe that is ok too...who wants to work for someone with no sense of humor!!! Please keep us posted as to the outcome.

Hello, I am a new CNA. I was hired by a local learning hospital directly into the class. HR dept forwarded my resume to department managers, with whom I have interviewed. I have been offered a position as a CNA with PCT training to follow (phlebotomy, foley cath, ekg, accu-check, etc). So, my question is, I have been offered a job on several floors, but I am not sure which would be best. The kicker, my contract states I must stay on the floor I choose for a minimum of one year. So, between Intermediate Med-Surg, Neuro, and Ante-Partum (which is in same dept as Labor & Delivery/Postpartum/Mom & Baby.) SO, do any of you have some input on what I should consider before choosing? Also, my hubby and I thought 12 hour (3 nites) 3rd (night/noc) shift would be good for our family. Maybe it is an idealistic idea, but that way, I thought, I would see the kids in am before school and be here when they get home. I welcome all ideas and input. Thanks! ~mona~ )