ebphillips

Newly Hired in North Central FL: $9.24/hr with 15% shift diff's because I work night 12's. No hospital experience and a collective year of LTC/ALF care. But they offer 90% tuition reimbursement and a nurse grant for continuing education, so I'll live with it.

I am a doula, currently a CNA, looking to get into RN program and eventually work in L&D. I always had the attitude that we are all there to work as a team. I am not against you (the RN, or OB for that matter) and I hope you don't have preconceived notions about what I do. I actually had a very hostile OB go "what do you think of that belly?", as in what point in progress is she in... knowing full well that I couldn't answer because I am not allowed to by the Scope of Practice (organizational policies, DONA specifically). I believe that a laboring mother should make her decision based on fair information. If you decide after educating yourself about an epi, then do it- I support you. I had a mother that stalled (truly) at 6cm and decided to go for a c-section. She asked for all information from her (perturbed) OB, and after many huffy answers, decided to go for the section. I said nothing to the Dr, in fact, I encouraged her to go with what she was feeling, and if it was right for her, I applaud her. I went over all the information I had about sections, and asked her to question the OB on whatever she wanted more info on, to be truly informed. I guess, in short, I'd love to see more cooperation between doulas and hospital staff. I do not deny that there are a few militant poo-poo heads on both sides of the fence, but for the most part, we work together well for the laboring mother...

I have a Working while in school plan. LPN school starts in March-ish at our local tech school, I will do the LPN-RN bridge at a local CC, and either stay there in their ADN-BSN bridge and then CNM (Masters) or going to a direct entry midwifery school... I'll decide that after my ADN is over.

I work 3p-11p Thursdays and double shifts (3-11p and 11p-7a back to back). And I have to say I like them equally. Well, maybe noc a little more because of how laid back it tends to be (unless I have a certain set of residents... then it's hell!)... 2nd shift at my facility is not SO bad. It's dinner, showers and bed... the vast majority of our residents are in bed by 7p- and I can count on one hand the residents that tend to live on their call buttons... so it's pretty ok. However, I do have to say I cannot wait to be a LPN. This work is important, and the closest level of care to residents, but it's SO hard.

Honestly, if I had the money at the time, I would have taken the 140 hour course- basically what Fl Med Prep teaches plus doing clinicals on actual people. Now that I'm in the field and working, it's taking me longer to get ADL's done whereas I'm wondering if I had clinical experience before being hired if I'd do a little better daily. I like the people I work with, and I like my residents themselves, but this job is no joke. I honestly can't wait until I start LPN school and eventually bridge into RN so I can get out of LTC all together. I can say with all confidence that once I am a RN, I will be SO much more understanding and willing to assist any CNA's/PCT's that I work with!

I was born in New England, but my family moved here when I was an infant, so I'm technically a native Floridian. At First we lived in Central FL (Ocala/Gainesville area), then NE Florida (Jacksonville) and now my husband and I live in Tampa Bay (Pinellas Side)... I don't like living here anymore. The bugs are horrid- palmetto bugs come around when there's a lot of water- hello! We live on a peninsula- there's water EVERYWHERE! And it even comes from the sky like clockwork between 2 and 7 daily from August to November. AND we have regular cockroaches to boot. There are spiders that I had to look up online to see if they'd kill me or not (google jeweled spider and you'll see what I deal with!), disgusting property values and even more sickening property taxes- all because people moved here in a steady influx for the past 50 years, and now that the economy sucks, TONS of foreclosed properties state wide. As a CNA, I have pretty much unlimited job opportunities, because we now live in Plaza de los Muertos/God's Waiting Room, which is pretty much the bottom 1/3 of the state... however, the pay is disgusting, the more I read about other states/areas. This state truly is the place where retirees come to die. Here in Pinellas County, we even have a poplulation growth from October/November to March-ish. They're the fabeled Snow Bird- creatures from as far as Canada that migrate and drive up gas prices. As far as education goes, I was blessed to attend private school on a scholarship through my junior year of high school- when I went to public school my senior year it was a complete joke... VAST educational differences. I wish we could afford to send our kids to private schools, but with pay being what it is, it's absolutely out of the question. So, if given the opportunity to move north, I absoultely would. I would take driving in the snow (which I've only done once, and slid through an intercection) than dealing with dummies down here. I would gladly pass up 95 degree weather added with 87% humidity (which equals about 110 heat index) for 85 degrees and little humidity with no a/c. I went to Denver Colorado in August of 1993, and I can tell you- 103 degrees in dry weather is Floridas 85 in August. And absolutely more comfortable! The only things keeping me here are our immediate families and finances... My

I've been reading through some of the other posts of this nature... I just got through my first week... one 8h, and two 16h doubles in two days. And to top it off, my doubles are night and noc shifts together. My LTC only gives you three shifts to train, then you're on your own... that means I had my first day, and my second day (my first 16 hour block of time) to orientate. As I was walking into the first shift of my first double, a resident was on the floor of her room. I reacted, asked her how she felt. She said she felt fine, and that she didn't think anything was wrong/broken, she wasn't in any pain- she just needed help up. So I helped her up. So I help her to her chair and report it to my RN. My RN promptly jumped down my throat and told me that I should have just left her on the floor and got her. Well, ok, I know that now, but I am new. I reacted how I'd hope someone would react should she be my grandmother, etc. I was talking to the other noc CNA's later and found out that I did it ok- she wasn't hurt, and I DID notify the nurse. That it happens all the time. And to top it off, the RN basically told me the rest of the night she was just here for her paycheck (she's PRN weekends) and to leave her alone so she can finish meds. Then my second shift, the get up and dressed list of residents was outdated, so I ended up getting three residents up that stay in bed for breakfast. And to top it off, I had a client have three explosive briefs in the span of 45 mintues. I was still getting my get ups up when am shift came in at 7. SO, to say I felt inept my first day alone would be an understatement. I broke down in tears at the nurses' station on the way out- my noc nurse said I did a good job- it's things that with repetition I will get... and asked me if I'd like some more time to shadow to feel better about things. I just don't want managment questioning why I'm having extra shifts shadowing when policy is 3 shifts... because my family and I NEED this job... and I want to be good at it, because I feel like the bedside manor and habits I learn as a CNA will help me in the future when I'm a RN... Anyway, thanks for reading... I just needed to know that I'm not the only one.

There is an appeal process for Prometric (not sure if that's the company your state uses), but I'm sure if you contact the company that proctors your exam, the should have an appeal process. I'm sorry you had such a picky nurse. Much luck next time if you have to take it over!

Almost every PCT posting in my area is looking for both Phlebotomy and EKG training and CNA certification and/or PCT training (which is somewhat redundant). I'm doing the same as the PP- get my experience as a CNA, which is a HUGE part of any PCT's job and I'm asking my DON if they do any training in-house for Phlebotomy and EKG. I do work at a nursing home (I start Thursday), and they do 3-day full time. I will work Thursdays from 3p-11p, and Fridays/Saturdays double (8 hour) shifts each day... all 40 hours in three days... that works so well with the path I'm on- CNA, PCT(maybe), LPN, LPN-RN (ADN) Bridge and then ADN-Masters bridge with Frontier School (I eventually want to be a midwife) So... to answer the OP, No, I wouldn't go through the expense of paying for a PCT course if it didn't offer what is needed.

Yeah, sounds like someone wanting to collect a paycheck, not someone wanting to do their job well. I have kids too- that's a BS excuse. I've already told my husband that I can't have my cell with me on the floor, but he will have every phone number and extension in the building for emergencies... she very easily could have given her childcare arrangement that same information. And I'm going to be watching my shadow CNA (preceptor) like a hawk. Our floor only has a 3 shift shadowing period. But SNF is only 60 beds, 49 occupied, so that seems about right, proportionally. Well, it's more, but they separate Memory Care from SNF... I can't believe she was an effective CNA, if she was even one at all... gloves off as you're leaving the room is CAS (common a$$ sense), forget aseptic practice/training.

I know in my state (FL) you don't have to have any schooling whatsoever to take the CNA test. And most, that need to get a job ASAP (such as myself), will take a "Prep" course... which means we are "trained to take and pass the test" (my instructor's words)- we don't have actual, hands-on clinicals like the Red Cross, etc. do. I took and passed the test, but I had to practice at home on my poor husband. In Class, we got a run-through of the skill and maybe 15 minutes of observed time to practice, then it was on to the next skill. While getting my TB test done with my DON at the LTC I've been hired at, she was surprised I didn't have to have a TB test for my CNA training. When I told her I took a prep class and tested as a challenger, she (very nicely) stated that she thinks CNA preps are a disservice to new CNA's- that we don't get hands-on practice with patient loads and real, breathing patients; She promptly asked me the same exact question you posted. Time will tell- my first shift will be next week. Do I feel like I can do the job with compassion and care? Yes. That's my nature. Do I think I can deal with logistics? Not so sure. Do I think I can if I had someone like you to assist/train me and take advantage of that? Absolutely. And PS- at my facility, cell phone/text usage while on the floor on duty is a fireable offense. They have to be locked in your lockers. The facility is very upscale with a few celebrities in it- they don't joke when they say that we are to give the best care available.

I'm right there with you! The next class starts in March here (Clearwater, FL)

I passed my test Saturday (8/22), and I landed a job yesterday- orientation is today!!

Just as an update- I passed! Now on to finding a job.

Prometric told me that they don't run the background check until after you pass the test... normal background checks (FBI Levels) take roughly a week... so I'd guess around that long.

I had Ray too. He's a fantastic teacher! Kept things interesting. I have my test next Saturday (8/22)...

I live in FL and I was told not to tell the patient for the reasons stated- they won't breathe in a way that would be accurate. It was also suggested to put the call button on their chest and pretend to take the pulse. And you start on the INHALE.

I just finished Florida Med Prep in Largo (66th and Bryan Dairy) last week. Really fast paced and you MUST practice/study on your own to 'get it'. It's a challenger course, so they're basically training you to pass the test. I had Ray as an instructor and he is awesome. Just enough insight to the 'real world', but definitely easy to learn from him. If you know anything about universal precaution, conditions that the elderly have, and pretty much common sense, you'll do fine. I live near downtown Clearwater, and it took me little more than 15 minutes to get there. The 140 hour courses are different (not just in money- my course was $249.00, average for the 140 is $500+) is that they do a clinical portion in hospitals, LTC's etc. I know it sounds like a promo, but I wanted a fast way to get my CNA training, and this did it for me. My husband and I can't afford for me to attend 140 hours and not be working. I think an advantage I have though (and why the course seemed easy to me) is that I've worked in hospitals for my clients, so I've been able to see how protocol works, etc.

Maybe I've had too much time to think about this... I'm starting my CNA class Monday, and I'm concerned- 1- how relatively easy is it after you have your license to get a job? Before thinking about CNA, I'd been trying to find work in my former field (office/administrative assistant), and basically got told that because I had two children in two years, didn't return to each job after having each baby, and that I've stayed home since 2006 (with only the occasional doula client), that I'm not a good candidate for office work. Forget that I have excellent typing speed, I know MS office almost like the back of my hand, etc. Anyway, point is- I need to be employed ASAP- my husband was laid off, and re-injured his back a week later. He's applying for disability, but we have rent, the lights and water to take care of- it took his dad the better part of 6 months to get approved for coverage. 2- Can I call Prometric (the state's testing company) and schedule my test now? I've read (here on the boards and in other places) that it could be anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months before they get you a scheduled date to test. 2 weeks I can do; 3 months, no way. 3- anyone start work as a CNA, and go back for Phlebotomy and EKG to be a PCT? There's a PCT at a really good Maternity ward I want to get in at... How did it work out for you? I'm attending Florida Med Prep for my CNA, but I'm looking at going to Reeds for Phlebotomy and EKG. Thoughts? Experiences? Am I just being paranoid? I'm on a 10 year plan to get my CNA/PCT, LPN, RN, RN-MSN bridge at Fronteer, and then my post masters to be a Whole Woman ARNP/Midwife. Let me note though- I understand completely that I will more than likely end up at a LTC/ALF as a CNA... it's what I'm willing to do until I can move on. Thanks all!

I was wondering if anyone has any tips about the math portion of the TABE. I can convert tsp to mL, really good with measurement and fractions... but ask me to solve for y, or how long it'll be before train A meets train B and my brain shuts off. I was told by the councelor at the vocational school that it doesn't matter that I tested into college my first year (which was 11 years ago- I quit after my first year and am just now going back) via my ACT and SAT scores... I had to take the TABE to get into the LPN program. I just spent the last 2 hours doing the Basic and Advanced Algebra and Averages/Rounding portions of a practice test I found online. And my highest percent of the three is 55!!!!!:uhoh21: How much does each factor into the overall score. I have no doubt I can pretty much ace the grammar and reading portions... I'm also worried that if I'm having this much trouble with the TABE, what the heck will happen when I take the TEAS? I can't afford a tutor, and I can't take the tests many times over... I'm worried!

I've been reading through the boards a bit. One of local challenger course boasts reimbursement if you're employed by one of their 'partners'. I wasn't surprised when I read that that just means they recoup the fees out of your hourly pay. I'm hoping I can opt out of having my hourly fee docked and just eat the testing fee so I can have a higher hourly pay. My plan (in my head, at least) is this- Take the CNA test, work (in home health, an ALF or NH if I have to- there are PLENTY down here in West Central Florida) and in the meantime do my prereq's and theory classes at the local community college (offered online!) to apply to the nursing program- then I would have to schedule work around my clinicals. I don't know if I want to get my LPN license between... I qualify for the Pell Grant, so why not just skip over LPN and go straight for RN since I'm going to be working and getting experience anyway? I know LPN-RN bridge shaves a year or so off your school time, but at the same time, the local LPN program is a year anyway... I dunno. I spoke with a LPN friend of mine, and she said had she to do it again, she would have just stayed in school for the RN degree, because the majority of the coursework in the bridge is everything you learned in LPN school anyway. My long-term goal is become a L&D nurse while finishing up my BSN and Masters to become a CNM. I am currently a birth doula and want to bring those skills in with the medical aspect... I LOVE what I do as a doula, it honestly just doesn't pay steadily enough. Forget that 75% of my clients had no idea what I did before I worked with them. On another thought- seeing as how CNA's are pretty much non-medicinal support (no giving medications, etc), would I do better to skip the $300.00 class and just take the CNA exam itself? I'm used to charting, I know how to change an occupied bed, wash my hands, provide care with dignity, etc... we didn't necessarily learn that in Doula training, I just watched and learned from the CNA's and nursing staff at the hospitals my clients were delivering at, and I also had a very good friend with CP that needed assistance quite a bit when we were traveling and whatnot, as she is wheelchair bound. Thoughts? Tips?