Chamorrita671

Maybe someone could help me with a concern I have. I currently hold my CNA license in the state of North Carolina & am taking a course in Virginia for training as a Medication Aide. The question I have is will the VA BON allow me to take my stateboards as a Med Aide even though I am not a Nursing Assistant in their state? I read online that the VA BON does not require one to be a CNA in order to be a Medication Aide. They only require that one have training in direct patient care or pass an approved NA course. If anyone has any information that can be of help regarding this situation, feel free to leave a comment. Thanks so much. :)

My honest opinion is that all those who which to become a RN - SHOULD be required to work as a CNA and see just how much hard work it is. I have seen many nurses that don't know anything about the basics of providing direct patient care. It is ridiculous!!! I honestly don't see what they possibly do that pays them so much... CNAs do so much and get paid so little. I think in order to be a successful/good nurse one must work at the bottom and work their way up. Simple as that.

As long as you have studied and worked hard throughout the whole CNA course, then you should do fine. It's healthy to be nervous about it, but do not go and stress your self out. Taking your State Boards is a chance for you to apply the skills that you have learned. Knowledge is only power when you apply it. Your instructor will probably have SB review prior to taking your actually test. This will help you become more confident and prepared when it is time. I am wishing you all the best. Remember you must pass both the written examination and skills evaluation in order to earn your credentials as a CNA. :)

I am elated that your clinical experience has been a positive one. With that attitude and a heart as yours, you will, without a doubt, be successful in this field. :) I've earned my credentials as a CNA back in May 2010... and it is one thing that I am most proud of. My clinical experience was great and I loved it. It was a wonderful learning experience and a lot of hard work. I commend you for wanting to become a CNA... however, don't just stop there. Further your education and apply all the knowledge/material you have learned. I believe that many people are forgetting what being a CNA is all about. It is more than a job, a pay check - it is a calling. :)

NC offers CNA1 and CNA2. CNA2 can perform all the skills a CNA1 can do while having additional skills such as: oxygen therapy, trach care, fecal impaction, wound care, and etc. :)

If you could not handle being a CNA, what makes you think nursing will be right for you? That means more responsibility, and I don't think you are ready for it. CNA and RN both deal with direct patient care. CNA is hard work, and so is RN. You have got to dig deep and recognize what your calling is in life. I believe that in order for one to be successful in the medical field, they have to have been born with all the required qualities and characteristics. :) Good luck.

You are not there to critique the work of the CNAs. You are there to apply the knowledge that you learned while in your NA course. Remember that, this is all a learning experience!!! :) Have fun. You will always see things that are not being done the 'right' way... ways that are different than what you were taught. It doesn't necessarily make it wrong. CNAs have found ways to, including shortcuts, to provide quality care. They do what works for them - so be understanding to that. Enjoy your clinical experience and be as active as you can! Volunteer and do all the work you can so you can have experience. Don't just watch the CNA perform his/her duties as many students do.

If CNAs did everything by the book, there would simply not be enough time to care for all of their residents. Honestly, you need to worry about yourself and those you give care to. As an instructor of mine told my group several times, "Do as you are taught, NOT what you see!" People are always going to do shortcuts... it saves them time. As long as no harm is being done unto the residents, don't worry about it. You will always see things that are not being done 'the right way'... see things that should not be happening. It's apart of life... so get used to it. Remember, you are on your clinical experience... this is the time to apply all that you have learned. It is supposed to be a learning experience... smile, be active, and have fun. If something is not taught the way you were taught, it does not necessarily mean it is wrong! Remember that.

Everyone's clinical experience is different! I personally loved clinicals. It was the best 40 hours/week of my life. :) It was a wonderful learning experience - one that I am thankful for and the memories will stay with me always. Since you have completed the NA course, you should not be nervous. Trust me. They say 'knowledge is power'. This saying is not true!!! Knowledge is only power when you APPLY it! Clinicals is the time to apply all that you have learned in your NA class. You will do fine. A little word of advice is to BE ACTIVE! Learn all that you can and volunteer to do everything you can get your hands on! Do not just watch the CNA at work... request if you can do it... Jump in it, but most of all- HAVE FUN! :) ♥ You will do just fine, so hopefully this has calmed your nerves soome. Also, when it comes to your stateboards... be sure that you are proficient in performing your skills! You cannot afford to make any mistakes... especially in the real word. Take care. -Desiree, CNA, CMAA, CBCS, MT, EHRS

I'm certified as a nursing assistant, but I have yet to get a job as one... due to the fact that I am in school still. Anyway, I'll answer your question based on my clinical experience and my constant volunteer work at the nursing home. :) Yes, I spend time with my residents when I get the chance to do so. It is always so busy and hectic, so when I get a moment to myself... I will go to this particular gentleman's room and check on him. As a professional in healthcare... we are not supposed to have favorites, BUT sometimes we just take a liking to some more than others. Every time I volunteer there, I make an attemp to see him... speak with him for a few minutes, talk, watch television, laugh, and just have a good time. I'm only 21 years old and he's an older gentleman. He is so dear and there is so much that I have learned. Senior citizens have so much knowledge and wisdom... something I can only hope to have when I am up in age. It's a great learning experience!

I think many of you are unaware of this.. They key is to not remember or memorize... The goal is to LEARN!

As a current CNA myself, that lady should not be employeed! She is verbally abusive to the residents... and that is serious. She has completed the program and has had much training, so she should know better. She needs to be reported, and as her superior, you need to correct the problem ASAP! As for the record: those living in a nursing home ARE home... that is their home, and we are their guests! We need to recognize this- every last one of us!!!

Sorry, but if you think you can pick and choose the tasks you want to perform, then CNA is NOT for you. If it is in your job description, then you need to carry out the task to the best of your ability. No one said "CNAing" was an easy job. There are the good, the bad, and the ugly. You have chosen the wrong field to get into if changing diapers is the most of your problems! *Just being real about it!*

I am currently a student at the BEST Job Corps Center in the nation. BRJJC ranked #1! =] I achieved my certification as a Nurse's Aide in NC through the program and I am extremely thankful for it. The center that I attend, in Marion VA, is all medical! They offer CNA, CMA, MOS, and upon completion of the course, you have the option of enrolling in the LPN program! You really benefit from a program like this! I have class from 8a-3:05p. Job Corps is not for everyone, so be sure to do your research!

I would advise that anyone wishing to become an RN take a program for CNA. It won't hurt... only benefit you and make you have an advantage over the other students. I, myself, am certified as a Nurse's Aide and I love it. I am in the process of becoming a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, Certified Medical Transcriptionist, and enrolled in a HUC (Health Unit Coordinating) class. I have no intentions of becoming a nurse! I am content with being a CNA... considering we spend the most time with our residents. I love what I do... I have a passion for it and although continuing up the ladder of success is somthing I want, I don't see myself as an LVN or RN. I'm 21 years old and am confused as to what I want to do ultimately in my life... perhaps becoming some type of doctor? I am undecided, but what I do know is that I am glad I choose the CNA program. It is the best thing I have done positive in my life. =]