Tallync

So I just finished my CNA class this weekend and I am horrified at what I saw/heard during clinical. When I went into a residents room with the CNA on staff, the CNA was pleasant, but she talked down to the resident and complained about the resident's room being cluttered. Even a child could figure out that it was not appropriate nor nice. Afterwards she complained that said resident was "mean and angry all the time". Well, duh. Treat her like she is and she will be! When we were instructed by our teacher to do hand/foot care, the LTC facility supplied our wash basins and supplies. There wasn't even enough basins (in the whole facility) for the few of us there were, let alone one for each patient. And the nail files they gave us were used! I almost downright refused as this seemed like abuse on the patients to me. So many of my fellow students saw things that were way worse, like the CNA leaving them alone to do a full body bath (for the first time). Many of them stated that they would never work in a LTC facility after being there. It makes me sad to hear that. Those residents NEED good CNA's. THAT made me want to be there, to do the right thing, even if it was going to be hard or go "against the grain". Are all LTC facilities like this? Just cut corners, cut costs, no matter who it hurts? It drove me crazy!

I am your same size, 5'2 95 lbs. I went to my local store and here was my find: Sketchers cargo pants were slightly baggy, but definitely do-able. Cherokee workwear xxs petite was PERFECT. The few others I tried didn't even compare, and unfortunately I can't remember their names. As far as tops, Grey's Anatomy was an amazing fit. It's pricey but worth it. And the Sketchers contrast wrap top was also a good fit. I tried Landau, Peaches, and Cherokee tops and they were huge even though they were labeled XS. I recommend going to a store that supplies scrubs. It is a good way to find out what actually fits or not. The internet is not reliable until you actually have worn them.

If you go to the Pearson Vue website, they have a NC Nurses Aide handbook for candidates of the exam. It gives sample questions and has a list of every task that you could be asked to do along with the correct process and steps. I haven't taken the test yet since my CNA class won't begin until September, but if you study and have done the tasks, you'll be fine. Good luck!

While in CCCC, do you think it would be possible to work and go to school? I just don't have the ability to quit my job and I'm afraid the program will be too inflexible to allow me to do both. Thanks!

I just got my ATI study guide. I think I'm going to focus on the reading and math and make that part more solid to make up for my shakey science. Thanks for the help and advice everyone! :nuke:

Thank you so much for the advice and suggestions! I have until November to sit and study and prepare for it but it just doesn't feel like enough time. Your advice will be extremely helpful. Thank you!

CONGRATULATIONS! That is an amazing score. So now that you've taken the TEAS, how would you say the science section is? I haven't taken chemistry, physics, or classes like that. Was there a lot about that stuff? Thanks and good job!

What program at CCCC did you graduate from, LPN or ADN? I've been dying to talk to someone who actually went to CCCC's program (any of them) before I get into it. What did you think of it? How were the teachers? Any information you can give would be FANTASTIC.

I haven't received my ATI study guide yet. Kaplan is thorough but maybe a little over done. For someone who hasn't taken a science since '01, it's a lot to take in. But I'm sure it will still help me prepare once I get back into it, hopefully lol!

Sorry, I know this doesn't answer your question, but how did you find out about the tuition scholarship? Just as a resident of Jacksonville of over a year I can tell you that I haven't heard too many horrible things of Onslow Memorial. Oh, and their maternity staff seems to get good reviews, again as far as patients.

When I wanted to refresh my math skills for my schools regular placement exam (just to apply to the college) I bought a SAT/ACT math review book. It was the only thing I knew I needed to study and it was AMAZING. It covered everything I needed to know. As I've started going over my Kaplan study guide for nurses entrance exams, I realized that the things I learned from that book apply to the TEAS. The SAT/ACT book was by McGraw Hill, but the exact title is escaping me. Oh, and the Kaplan nurse entrance exam book is not that great for science, for anyone who wants to know. I learned more online so far from geography4kids.com and their other pages, biology4kids.com, etc. But the practice tests are useful. They have one test in the beginning of the book to let you evaluate what you need to study most. Hope this helps!

Thank you so much for replying! I guess I just needed to hear it from someone who wasn't pessimistic about it lol. So many people seem to think it is this horrible idea. Again, thanks for the response!

I am planning to attend the local community college next fall for the LPN program. The gen ed. classes are during the summer semester, all but one I have already taken. The fall and spring semester consist of two classes each. One is 10 weeks, the other 6. Do you think it would be possible to take these classes and still work at least part time? I have to pay rent and other bills, so I cannot be without a job. I have a previous degree which is useless (court reporting, ick), so I already have student loan debt that will have to be put back into grace, interest gaining status. I really want to become a nurse, but I just can't afford to be without a job. Any advice or thoughts? I know there are other threads but it seems like those were people saying that they were taking other classes along w/ the LPN clinicals, etc. Our program doesn't seem to be the case. Advice, thoughts, or anything else?? Thank you in advance!

My community college gives you "points" based on your score on the TEAS. Top scoring gets 20 points and they go down from there. These points are used along with points for classes taken, being a CNA, etc. to determine placement in the class or not. The higher your points, the more likely you are to get a spot. Coastal Carolina may not technically be considered wait listed, but since there are so many people here (Marine town of course) competition is no small matter. I almost feel like its more pressure to score well because not only do I have to pass, I have to get top scores in order to get the points to be out everyone else. Fortunately I don't test until November (for Fall '10 admission). Lots of time to study... and worry.

I am really worried about the science portion myself. It has been 8 years since I have taken a real science course (my high school allowed you to take forensic science in place of chemistry) and it is going to be my weakest point. I am extremely rusty as my Kaplan study guide showed me. These websites, geography4kids.com, etc. will be a fantastic refresher. Simple english to bring it all back, hopefully. Just wanted to say THANK YOU! for the helpful sites!