tamanta

wow.... that sounds like an awesome schedule! maybe someday I'll be able/experienced enough to get something like that. I have to work in LTC for at least a year, or I have to pay back my CNA tuition [which isn't to say I wouldn't, if something like what you're describing came up- I would take that in a second] Benefits are not an issue. We already have coverage, and fortunately we rarely need it.

Thanks for your response, Coffemate- it's good to know what I'm getting myself into. It makes sense that you get the more difficult assignments. The experience thing is what I'm the most worried about. It seems like it's stressful enough to be a new CNA as it is- let alone a new CNA who doesn't get much experience. Really, I'm hoping to find a facility who is willing to let me work part time. The problem is that I have kind of a goofy schedule to work around. I know all the days I can work for the year [quite a lot] it's just that those days don't follow a regular pattern from one week to the next. And I have class 2 days a week. So I'm not counting on anyone hiring me p/t with those parameters. PRN seems like the only option. Mostly, I want the experience of CNA work before I go to nursing school. I'm not willing to be a nurse without having done the harder job of being an overworked and underpaid CNA :)

What's your opinion on working PRN [or per diem as I've heard it called]? I'm completing my CNA training in June. After that I'll be in a LTC for at least a year. I'll be working PRN if I can, but I'd like an idea of what it's like- especially as a new CNA. I'm a little worried that I won't get the hang of the job for a very long time if I work PRN? So- your opinions? Pros? Cons? Rants and Raves?

Thanks! I appreciate the info on your experience. I think it is pretty much the same program, from what I understand. update: I talked to the director of the program, as well as the contact person in the health department, and they both confirmed that there was not a set amount of hours needed to fulfill the commitment, but that our work records would be reviewed to see if we were generally employed for that 12 month amount. So it's a little hazy, but she said I could still work PRN and it would be fine. Thanks again!!!

pyt86, That's all good to know. It's always nice to hear from someone who's been to the class before what it's like. Congratulations on the new job. Sounds like it might turn out to be a nice place to work!

I don't know where you're at, but OSU OKC has a 2 week course.

I'm fixin' to :) I'm going through OSU OKC's training on June 7th. They will pay for my training if I commit to working in a medicaid LTC for at least a year. I know that the pay here is just barely above minimum wage, but I'm trying to look at it as mainly extra experience that will help me later on if I get accepted into nursing school. If I can't be a cna, then I'm not cut out to be a nurse either, [i'm only speaking for myself here!] and I don't want to waste all that time and hard work in nursing school. Good thread!

Hey, thanks so much! If you don't mind my asking, how was your experience in the osu okc program? Do you still work in LTC or have you gone on to something different?

Ok, so it definitely sounds as though per diem or PRN is the way to go. I went to my school today to ask them how many of the CNA graduates go on to per diem work, and it seems like a fair amount of people go that route. I'm not too concerned about benefits, as we've got pretty good coverage already. The schedule takes a higher priority. But I'm still confused about the difference between per diem and PRN- are they the same thing? I asked the secretary at the CNA training school about "per diem" work and she had no idea what I was talking about. Then I explained what I meant and she said "Oh! You mean PRN?" So what's the difference? I know this is simple stuff- I'm just new and learning :) Thanks!

On the pants: I think the bike shorts thing is a good idea, also going up in size will for sure help. I also tend to have a "ahem" perspiration problem. I got this weird prescription deodorant from my Dr. and it helps a lot. You put it on at night and you'll stay totally dry the next day. The stuff I have is called "Hypercare" [kinda funny] but I'm sure there's a ton of different kinds. Also cutting down on caffeine helps, if you can take it :)

Hi everyone! I'm taking my CNA course in June, and I really appreciate the "real world" point of view that I get from reading everyone's posts. I think I'll be much better prepared for my job because of it. However, one concern I have about finding a job is that I have a weird schedule. I have 3 kiddos, and my husband will be home with them on his days off, so I can work then. I'm also in school part-time. The problem is that his days off are never the same. [He's a firefighter, so he's got one of those weird 24 hrs on, 24 hrs off then 3 days off in a row, etc.] I do know all the days I can work for the whole year though. It's just that there's no real pattern to it. Our job market in Oklahoma "seems" to be pretty good, as far as I can tell. Some people have told me that it won't be a problem to find a job that's willing to work with my schedule, but I'm still a little worried about it. Oh, and we don't have any family here to help out with the kids- it's just us. Can I really expect to find a job when I have an irregular schedule like this? What are your thoughts?

Juliaann and Alexzilla-Thanks guys! I appreciate your help. I have been talking to the director of the training program, who has been helpful. It seems that there aren't a whole lot of requirements that spell out exactly how many hours are required. I just wanted to get some opinions from other CNA's who might have already gone through the process.

Hi guys! I have a quick question, and any info would be a huge help! Well, I'm going back to school with the long term goal of being accepted to the osu/okc nursing program. In the meantime, though, I was considering getting my CNA license so that I could get the extra medical experience- hoping that will come in handy in nursing school! What I'm really hoping for is a 1 day a week CNA job, because I will be in school full time and I have 3 small kiddos. I'm looking at the osu/okc CNA program, and was wondering if I should pay for the training myself or go with the free option with a commitment to work in the soonercare LTC's. My question is basically this: How many hours or shifts are you required to work to fulfill your commitment? I know we have to commit to work for soonercare for a certain amount of months, but does it need to be full time, part time, or can it be even one day a week? Thanks so much in advance!! :)