thegiver

I dont have my own experiences to compare it to, but one of my friends works in LT care facility. I like that I usually work with the disabled vs the elderly. Death is a tricky thing for me so I think that would be hard for me, I would really have to work on keeping myself distanced from the patients. My work is called "elect to work" so I get to pick my hours, which works really well for me with small kids, I can chose to work 2 hours in the morning, 2 at night, alternating weekends, on tuesdays but not mondays, whatever fits my life, thats a big plus to me considering the cost of child care. I just work it around the kids. The down side for me is the travel, I like getting to work and leaving when Im done. This way Im in and out of my house and every one elses all day long, it leaves me slightly unsettled. I believe the pay is better in a facility as well. I know my friend makes about 16-19$/hour, but thats with tenor. She has been there for about 10 years. I make 14$ with just 1 year in, and Im due for my third raise. I started out 12 something, got one after three months, and another when minimum wage went up. I was making more then minimum but my company decided if everyone else should get one, so should we. I think it depends a lot on your employer too. I have a really good one. We get benefits if we work 20+ hours a week, after 1 year.

hi :) Congratulations on your new job! the biggest thing seems to be time management. Once you get into someones home it can be hard to get back out again! I feel like Im always looking at the clock, and trying to become more efficient. I believe Red Cross only allow scrubs that are there agencies colours (ie red or white) and youll need a pair of "inside shoes" that you wear only in their homes. I bring my own hand sanitizer because some places dont have it even if they should. Invest in a good organizer so that you can have your appointment times (some are only an hour long each) and the phone numbers of your clients on hand IN THE CAR because youll need to call them if you are running late. Check out if red cross reimburses you for travel expenses, my agency does, but you can also get a specific form for your taxes, your mileage is a work related expense, and it adds up, youll want to know how to properly keep track of tax deductable stuff. Also, be prepared... some people do not live in clean homes, sometimes the smells can be down right nausiating. Never be afraid to glove up, keep a supply in your car, some people dont like buying them, and when you are in the moment, you dont want to be without gloves things do splash! (and keep an extra set of scrubs in the car) Some people even want you to "just use ONE glove" I always joke and say "oh your so funny, one glove, two hands!" and put on two.

I have found that too, the wrong people get too many hours of care, and someone who could really use a few more hours, gets told there isnt funding for that. I spend more time with my clients then the nurses do, but I also get to know them more personally. (I also have way less responsibiluty and more leadway for getting support from supervisors) I think thats why they feel ok making some strange demands, but I am learning that I have to set a president early on, especially regarding time management. "I can definately wait while you have another cigarette, but then we wont have time to floss your teeth" :) It makes me crazy when the CCAC says its ok for us to go in for ie, 55 hours.. and when those hours are used up, thats it? well if they needed those 55 hours, and they are still in the same situation why should they have the stress of worrying about funding being available after the hours are used up? weird

I was waiting to hear from Conestoga, (Im in Canada.) I actually called the school to find out what was going on (a couple times)... the last time I considered blocking my number in case they recognized my voice. And I went out and bought scrubs.. even though a former student assured me I wont need them for some time, just a lab coat. I say .. they make nice pj's here in OCD world. AND all I can think is... its going to be a looooong summer, cus even though I know Im in, all I can think about NOW is starting! Lets get this show on the road LOL. Also now Im waiting on some funding information, and I log into that site about 3 times a day! Im glad the neighbours cant see me doing that!

Hi I was waitlisted, and got in. Just wanted to give you hope :loveya: I was number 3 and got in right after their second round, but still didnt find out until about 2 weeks ago. Good Luck to both of you!

Im a visiting psw, Id be intereted in hearing about it. I have considered going that way after school, as I would imagine you can pick your hours... but I would like to hear from nurses actually doing that work!

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Hey thanks for the heads up I did notice that the phy/anatamy coorifice is on line. I wasnt sure what that was all about, but I bet watching an online lecture is boring! Whats a bellringer? (hope that isnt a dumb question!)

hi. Im a canadian student, hope you dont mind if I join? I checked out the Canadian threads - not to rivetting over there lol Single mom of 4 kids, going to my RPN (LPN for you guys) I am working as a PSW in outreach (your version of CNA) REALLY excited and nervous, they pulled me in off that wait list, now Im trying to get my government funding and day care etc all arranged.

Not that this will help you - but for interests sake In Canada... RPN = LPN = 2 years RN here takes 3 years RPN to RN takes 2 years

Hi Every one... Im late! But Im in. Just got my acceptance last week :) Nervous (single mom of 4 kids working PT as an outreach worker for disabled) Starting at Conestoga in Ontario Sept 8

Hi, Im about your age and changing lifes patterns in the fall. I never knew what "I wanted to be when I grow up" I went through hair styling, day care, retail... but it was when I got involved with working as an out reach worker, helping the disabled that I felt for the first time...pride in my job, in what I was doing, and knew that it was more than a JOB. Im not ashamed to say that the money attracts me too. Your right, no one would work for free, the greatest thing is if you can do something you love, that brings you happiness, and make money doing it. Thats my idea of success. Good luck to you :)

Im taking all this in too! Im a mom of 4 kids ranging in ages from 4-14. I also work part time in the evenings, but only for 2 hours a night, and alternate weekends 5-8 hours a day. And Im going to have to keep on working! I just got accepted into our community college for RPN (Im in Canada) after working on the pre-reqs for the last year. Great post idea Jen!

Hi Everyone :) I just recieved my letter of acceptance a last week, RPN @ Conestoga, they pulled me in off the waitlist! (the waitlist is a cold cold place lol) I applied for osap before I was accepted but I havent recieved my notice of assesment yet.... just wondering what the typical wait is for that? Cant help but feel impatient! The financial aide office told me that osap was late coming out with the application this year and things are all backed up! Anyway, it would be great to make some friends here, maybe even some who might join me in the fall at Conestoga! Any advice from year 2 students would be appreciated. Whats the homework situation like?