jaratarRN

Congrats! I just graduated in May, and it was ALOT of work, but you can do it if you put in the time and work hard! I worked full time and still managed almost all A's. My advice to you if you want to work in a hospital when you graduate, is to get a job as a PCA while in school. People are having a lot of trouble finding jobs, and only those of us who did just that have found hospital jobs. The others are in LTC.

I was in a similar situation, but on the other end, as a MA in a busy surgical practice. Myself and the other MA trained the RN, and resentments built up over the years. Being that we were there for a longer time and went above and beyond, the docs often came to us first, which worsened the situation. I was also in nursing school at the time, so that too blurred the line. It was difficult for our RN, but she wasn't the best communicator and on the downside of her career. My advice to you would to be constantly communicating with your manager and the docs, and looking for opportunities. As the newer person, you may have a fresh set of eyes and be able to critically think about how to approach aspects of patient care and policies better. In a clinic, there aren't as many oversights and regulations, and perhaps you can help create some to promote safety and improve patient care. Identifying needs and then acting on them will help set you apart. Educating and helping your MAs will help them to see you as a valuable resource, and not an overpaid MA. Anything you can do to be proactive will help, just be careful to not make the MAs feel like you think you are superior to them. (Not that I think you would do that; I'm sure you are a fabulous person! I just know from experience that it can be a sticky situation!). Good luck!

I have been reading through the various posts on day vs nights for hours, but still have one question. First, let me give some background: I was just hired, as a new grad, onto a telemetry floor in a pretty big teaching hospital working nights (7p-7a). During hospital system wide orientation today, I took a trip up to my floor to see my manager. She said she just had a day position open, and wanted to offer it to me before she posted it. Now after speaking with other experienced nurses during orientation, I was told I would learn a lot more on days. From reading on here, I also have a pretty good understanding of the differences between the two shifts, but my question now is: do any night nurses feel like career-wise they have suffered being on nights? I know there is a lot of politics in moving up the ladder, and do you feel like you missed out on networking opportunities because you are not around during the day when all the big wigs are? Any input is much appreciated; I have to give my decision on Monday! Please help!

I took mine today too, and had a similar issue. The internet was super slow at the testing center. One girl's test didn't even download and she had to leave and reschedule her test! I want to do the PVT trick, but mine still doesn't say delivery successful, so I can't even try! Its killing me!

It all depends on what part of the state you are in. I took mine through Brookdale CC, where I am also going for my RN. The class was very good and I learned a lot. I don't have the link off hand, but the state dept. of health and senior services has a list of CNA training programs online. You might have to do some google'ing and digging, but I remember looking at it somewhere on their website. Good luck finding a program! :heartbeat

I have heard, and read on some websites, that in NJ, as a new CNA, if you are hired at a licensed LTC facility, the facility has to reimburse you for the cost of your training. Now I have been hired and working at a facility for about two months now. I asked someone in HR about this, and they said they have no idea what I am talking about. She told me to go speak to the administrator in charge of our facility, but I wanted to have some info on hand first. Does anyone know about this rule and/or have you taken advantage of it? Does anyone have a link to the actual rules? I found some websites that had some info, but they didn't look super professional and I wanted to be armed with some good info before I went to talk to her. My facility is one floor LTC and two floors subacute. Does anyone know if this still applies at facilities like mine? Any info is much appreciated! Thanks in advance! :heartbeat

I am actually a trainee right now. I am a brand new CNA, so I was told I would be training for about a month before I am on my own. I just ended my 3rd week and I have had some wonderful CNA's who have trained me. The facility trains us on all the floors in case we need to be floated around, so I have been with a few different preceptors. I have learned so much more than I ever expected, like the small things that you don't learn in class and even the politics of the floor- who to watch out for and who will have your back. They have even checked up on me when I was on other floors or with other people. I had one person that just kind of handed me some people off her assignment without really teaching me, but I was only with her for one day. I am so grateful for the trainers I have had and hope that one day I can show someone the ropes the same way that I have been taught. I was so nervous starting my first CNA job, but now I feel pretty comfortable for when I will have my own assignment. And I know that I can always come to my preceptors for help when I need it. :heartbeat

Yeah, I know. Luckily its just me, no husband or kids yet. I figured its good experience while in nursing school. I will have to make do for a few years. It will be tough, but worth it.

Starting out, brand new, you can make about $10-11/hour, plus any shift differentials.

I took my skills test a couple of weeks ago, got the results and finally got to take my written test yesterday (7/14/09) and I passed!! I have had a job lined up for a few weeks but I was just waiting on my certification. Now I can finally start my training and orientation in a couple of weeks! :heartbeat

I actually still haven't started. I was waiting for my state exam, which I finally took and passed yesterday! I have my pre-employment physical tomorrow and I should start orientation in a couple of weeks. I will keep you posted! From what I have heard, Meridian does have good facilities. I actually did hear not so hot things about the one in Brick though. The application process takes a while, so you just have to be on top of them. I have actually heard it is faster if you go to the facility you are interested in to fill out an app, instead of the corporate offices or online. Good luck!

What about for selling? Has anyone sold their books online? And if so, what is the best site? Do they charge listing fees or take a percentage of your sale? And have you been successful selling them quickly? I have purchased off amazon, but never sold, and I want to unload my CNA books.

I am in NJ and I just had my test this past Friday. I had 1) Handwashing 2) Weight of Ambulatory Resident 3) ROM - Knee & Ankle 4) Cleans Upper or Lower Denture 5) Foot Care For me, foot care was the hardest because it was the most involved, but it wasn't that bad. Now I just have to wait the couple of weeks to hear the results!! Ahhh the waiting is going to drive me nuts!

I am actually going to the info session tomorrow too!

Does anyone know if there are any side effects? My mom just stopped taking it because she was having some problems, but I think it was because she was taking it during day light hours (she goes to bed around 8) and she was taking it over an hour before she went to bed. And can it become addictive like other sleep aides? She has been sober for 14 years, but does have a substance abuse history. I am just very apprehensive about her taking any sleep aid with her history. Thanks for your help! :heartbeat