Serendipia

Hello all, Thank you so much for your replies! I have been looking around and have a pretty good idea of what the market is up there. I am trying to get into a CNA 2 position, but everyone wants at least one year of CNA experience. I guess I can just start out as a CNA then work my way up. I cannot wait to move to portland! = ) L.

Hello all! I am planning to moving to portland January 2011. I want to star fresh, but will be saving up for a deposit before the = ) I am a CNA I and was wondering if it was unheard of to make 11.50 a hour, full time as a new employee? I have been doing a lot of number crunching and figured that if I want to live somewhat comfortably, I need to be making about that amount. In January, I will have had exactly 6 months experience in a LTC facility. I am planning on going to nursing schools, but that's all later. Any advice from CNAS in the close in (se/ne, NOT gresham, beaverton,etc) portland area is much appreciated! -L

Hello all! I am finishing up my last week of clinicals and am doing some job searching. As a new CNA grad, I know that I will likely be working in LTC to get started. I am doing my class/clinicals in an absolutely WONDERFUL establishment, and I would love to work there. However, there are 9 students and two open positions. I have applied for them, but am facing the reality that I may not get the job.:crying2:Therefore, I am looking into other places to submit applications. I have heard some horror stories ( as with almost everywhere in LTC, unfortunately!). I would like to know what a place is like/what to expect in terms of environment before I begin applying to work in any facility. My question is: Do you think it is too much to ask to get a tour of the facility before I apply? I know that I cannot completely tell, but a lot can be observed by just walking around. I was also looking into Oregon State Hospital positions, but have heard it's completely different, and not in a good way. However, I would like to experience for myself. I do not want to be a CNA who bounces around all.the.time....I guess I like routine. I want to learn what fields I like and which ones I would like to stay away from = ) Any and all advice would be very much appreciated! Thank you! -L.

@pdx- yeah, I interviewed and toured the facility, it seems pretty standard. I am so excited! Thank you for the response!

Hello all, Has anyone heard any good/bad things about Dallas retirement village CNA program? I am super excited that I may be starting the April 26th class! However, I would like some input about the program, if any? Thanks folks! -Leila

Ok, thats what I thought. I am looking to different schools around the country...I think the biggest thing for me will be moving away from home = / Thanks for the advice!

Hello! I was wondering if anyone could tell me if it is possible to attend an out of state school and become certified in my home state afterward? I have found that I am drawn to a few nursing programs outside of Oregon, which is my home. I want to know what would be needed if I plan on attending (and graduated) from an out of state program, when I get back home? Is it possible to be licensed in more than one state at a time? This may seem like a silly inquiry...but I am a pre-nursing student who recently got into it = ) I would appreciate any and all advice ...

@joyfull77- Congrats! Where is the CNA program held at? I applied to Marian Estates in Sublimity and Dallas Retirement in Dallas, and am anxiously awaiting a call back = )

Hello, Thanks for the reply. That seems like an intense commitment..I think I may stick with my current plan of trying to get into a CNA class and doing that before I make such a decision. Thanks for your reply = )

Hello all, I am in need of some advice....Does anyone know anything about Valley Medical College in Salem? It is a private school, which may be a little on the spendy side. They only offer an LPN program, in terms of nursing. I know the credits may not transfer, but why does everyone say they "may"? They either will or will not, correct? Also, I was looking at the OSBN pass rates, and they were pretty high...nothing to be scared of. I just cannot afford to keep paying for school ( I receive no financial aid, including loans, parents, etc.) with my part time job..I am not giving up, by any means. This is my dream, but it seems to be becoming more and more distant as time goes on. I assumed that I could work part time as an LPN while working through my pre reqs for my ADN , while gaining hands-on experience. What do you think? Is this just another trade school trap? HELP!

Think about the excitement you felt going into the CNA course...:yeah:You can do this! Its the beginning of a new start = )

Is it very common for facilities to have these three shifts as a standard? I am looking into becoming a CNA while doing pre nursing courses. I think it would be nice to do a swing shift, like mid way through the day, is that common?