Jessicainsantafe

Like most of the posters here, I am excited and terrified at the same time. I have purchased most of the required books already, and the classes start on 8/26. Of course, the med-calc book isn't in stock yet, so I am trying the med-calc for dummies as a refresher. As the oldest student in the class (I'm 50), a lot of the students say that I am an inspiration.....yeah, right. I just waited a lot longer than they did! But, I will try my best, use what I have learned as a CNA and study like crazy. We should all be OK; heck, we got accepted into the program(s), and that alone is saying a lot!

I used the ATI study guide and went over each section. The chemistry was a bit tricky for me since I hadn't balanced an equation since high school back in the 70's. Basic algebra, though, that isn't too bad. The ATI book gives you two written practice tests you can take at home by timing yourself, and then there are two timed online practice tests, too. It was worth the $50 for the book since I only took that test once and passed with an 80%. To me, it was worth it to take all the tests provided with the book. I scored a bit better with each test and got the highest score on the ACTUAL test, where it counted.

Unless it all came easily to you, review your A&P. I am constantly saying the bones/muscles/insertions/origins on my CNA patients. The ones who can, laugh!!!

Microbiology-B Microbiology Lab-B Computer Technology-A Intermediate Algebra-A+ Intermediate Algebra saved my GPA!! On to the ADN program in August! To all who post---if I can do it, anyone can!! I've been out of school since 1983, and only returned in 2011. Study, study, and study some more! You can do it!!!

almostnurse25-I begin the ADN program at my CC in August, and I am one of the more 'senior' ( I'm 50!!!) students....I don't have children either, but quite a few students who have been with me sweating along from A&P I and II and Micro are single parents. In fact, one of the best and brightest students is a single mom of 2---wow. I have been lucky with the Pell and Honor scholarships that cover most everything, but this will only be enough for my ADN. After that, the $$ is going to have to come from working. I haven't taken out any loans, but I am surrounded by students who are already in debt from pre-reqs on, so be careful with that. The schools are quick to offer those loans, but if you can, try to work at least part-time so you can be considered an independent student with a minimal income. Take advantage of Pell while it is still here...there is no guarantee that it will be around forever. Also, if you have to move, see if you can 'room' with someone you can trust...that way, rent is cheaper. I couldn't do this without the support of my life partner. I would be living in a rented room somewhere, busing to school. The single parents in my class seem to work a lot during the summer and then work less during the classes. There are a lot of support systems out there, almostnurse25. I hope you are able to utilize them to your advantage, since once you graduate, YOU are an advantage to yourself and your community. Good luck to you.

angelfocusbroken----I feel your pain! It took 5 semesters of pre-reqs to get to the ADN program that begins in August, too. I work as a CNA, and I sometimes feel like I have overlooked or under-done a skill set, but ultimately, I begin to feel better. I give the best care I can as a CNA, and I know that what I am doing will be a big help during nursing school. I've been able to keep up the GPA for the pre-reqs (3.75), but all the nursing students I talk to tell me that the studying for the tests is different since most of the testing is done online. I guess we will just have to take a deep breath, keep to a schedule for studying, work, family....I anticipate at least 3-4 hours a day of study along with the classes. At a minimum. I am going for the ADN first....that way I will know if I have what it takes. I admire all of you going straight for the BSN.

Like most of the posters, it was the cost that was the deciding factor for me as well. Even with being accepted into the nursing program, I am still debating whether to take more Mathematics courses. While doing the pre-reqs, I found out that I was pretty good in Math and my instructors have told me I would be an awesome Math teacher! Go figure!

I know there is a CNA out there who will read your post and be very, very thankful for a patient like you, Wheels28. Thank you for saying "Thank You"! Sometimes, that is all we ever need to hear.

At our school, there are signs everywhere warning about drug testing and DUI's, and how it can affect your place in the program. You can also lose any grants you may have to help pay for school, too. My classes don't begin until August, but during our orientation in April, we were told that we will be drug screened right before the classes start. We were not informed about any random drug tests during the program, but I am sure that when the classes begin, this is an issue that may arise. Like most of the posters, I don't have a problem with random drug testing at this time in my life, but when I was younger, well, let's just say I would have been a little nervous. Moonchild86 brought up a good point, though. What if you are on antidepressants, and do not want to divulge this information? It IS a slippery slope of sorts.

There is a site called 4YourCNA, with a lady named 'Patty' who demonstrates a lot of the skills needed for the CNA test. The strange thing about taking the test is that you are tested on your handwashing skills, and they don't say it.....just remember to sing 'Happy Birthday' to yourself twice while washing your hands BEFORE you attempt that first skill. Here in New Mexico, the proctor/RN is right there while you wash your hands, not saying a word. Don't wear any rings, either, since you will have to remove them. Also, Glycerine82 is right, every state will have a slightly different skill set. When I took my test last year, the BP skill was removed because the CNA classes teach it with different methods (manual vs. electronic). And, if you get the 'feeding a resident', be sure to open the curtain. That is the only skill that shows the curtain open as opposed to most other skills. Identify yourself to the resident and say the resident's name in almost every sentence. Remember to say to the resident the skill you are about to perform, and say out loud the steps you have to do. It helps you to remember the sequence. I hope this helps you. Don't be afraid to do these skills on your family members and teddy bears...I did! Good luck!

kantuta----Whoop whoop whoop dee do! You go, new RN!!!!!:yes:

blondebabe- I am so sorry you got fired. That being said, remember that this will not be your only job in your life, and if you believe that you gave the best care to the resident that you were able to give, then don't feel too poorly about it. Just make sure that if you want to remain in health care, you get this straightened out so you don't have a negative mark against you. Sometimes a job and a person are just not a good fit. I left the LTC where I worked for only 4 days, because I knew if I stayed, I probably would've been fired too since I wasn't one of the speedy CNA's. I work home health only now so I can care for one person at a time...not so much rush, rush, rush. Good luck with your move and your next job...I'm sure you'll be just fine.

TurtleCat, You are SO not alone in how you feel. I'm a CNA who only worked in an LTC for 4 days. I couldn't handle it either. Home Health is both easier and more difficult--you only have one client to assist, but you are in their home, and you have to be creative in some things (like a plastic lawn chair for a shower, things like that.) On my 4th day at the LTC, I made sure everyone on my side of the wing was cleaned up, fed, showered....and then turned in my ID card and AccuNurse headset. It wasn't worth it for me. And just like you, I am about to start those RN classes and I'm thinking, do I have it what it takes? It has taken me two years to finish the pre-req's and working as a CNA is tough, and I am kind of nervous about the class load to come. I think the first semester will be the deciding factor for me. If this doesn't work, then I'm switching my major to Mathematics....but will continue to be the best CNA I can be! I wish you luck in your endeavors. I know you will make the right choice as far as your career goes.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you, MomRN0913. I am not even a nurse yet; I start the classes in a few months. My classmates were amazed when I told them I am only interested in Home Health...and since I am much older than most of the students, I only plan to work about 40-50 hours a week. I admire all the nurses who work in the hospital setting, and I know I will have to get through those clinicals to get my degree, but hey! I want to have a life, too, and I would rather be happy and not have the fat bank account....can't take your dough when you go! You go and enjoy your kids....enjoy your life. The patients you helped heal will always remember you with kindness.

tr1216- Our age will work for us, not against us. I am 50 years old and beginning the Nursing Courses in August. Am I nervous? You bet. Am I willing to forgo many things I like to do so I can study for my tests? Absolutely.My course is for the ADN to start with; I am hoping to get my BSN by the time I am 55-56 (at least that is the plan). As nurses, we will always have work available to us and believe it or not, working as a CNA has helped me too. I found that the patients were more responsive to me in many ways since I was older and, I hate to say it, I did not have any tattoos or facial piercings!! Some of the residents would complain to me in private about those tattoos and I would never say anything bad about my co-workers.....but I had to laugh! I had one lady tell me right to my face that she didn't want any of those 'youngsters' handling her.....especially if they had facial piercings. She called them 'scary'. All I could do was laugh. So no, tr1216 . Our age is going to work for us in the most interesting ways...you'll see. Good luck with your courses and keep us posted on how they are coming along....you'll be fine.

Chasgnmydream, congrats to you!!!! I have to agree with some of the posters here, though.....if I had to wait on lottery results, I would've torn my little bit of hair out! I wish you luck in your classes.

Speak to them privately first to see if there isn't another underlying problem first. If nothing changes, then write them up/report them. We all have problems in our lives, but if a CNA isn't able to do their job safely and effectively, then they need to be replaced. Quickly.

Traditional Nursing Class of May 2015 at Santa Fe Community College. I'm so excited!!! Congrats to you all!!!

Even with the ATI study book you have to study a bit more....a bit more A&P, a bit more Life Sciences. The best advice I got was to make sure I read the answers twice. Use the study guide online tests to get comfortable with the 'timed' part of the tests, and remember to take a mental break between the tests themselves, don't rush in and hit 'next' because the button is there. I didn't do great (only an 80% on the sciences), but I got a 91% in the reading and 90% in the grammar section. Overall, my test score was only a 73.3%.....it was good enough to get into the ADN program, but I know it is not good enough to be the nurse I want to be, so I have to keep trying. I could only afford to take the test one time, so I have to do alot better in the classes.....and I will try my best.

I really think that having the CNA program as a pre-req should never be taken off the nursing school roster. If you can't handle the bedpan as a CNA, you can't handle the bedpan as a nurse. The BM's and urine come with the job, no matter the title you may have at the time. Just in case you're wondering, I AM a CNA getting ready to start the nursing program. I actually feel bad for the guy. That is alot of class time he has already spent, and alot of those credits won't apply towards a non-medical degree. Very sad. But it is a good thing that he decided to leave then, not after getting the degree and then providing sub-standard care to a patient.

If you start out as a part-time volunteer doing CNA work, that will work in your favor. Just like you, I had a pretty extensive work history that had absolutely nothing to do with nursing of any kind. Just keep applying, volunteer when you can, and then you will get hired. It's pretty simple to do! If I can do it and get a job, then anyone can who has their CNA in hand. And I'm over 50 years old!

LPN, RN, MSN....they are all nurses. I applaud any and all.

Congrats to you!!!! I got mine last week for the ADN program....contingent on passing Microbiology. I know you have to have the BSN to get anywhere with this, so this is step #2....CNA was step one. We have alot of work to do, future nurses......stay positive!!!

Just see yourself already with your CNA license in hand. Visualize yourself helping people who really need your help. Read what you have to, study what you need to, and above all, care about what you are going to do. You'll be there.

If you are able to take some pre-reqs that will meet your degree requirements and they are actually interesting, you are one of the lucky ones! I am in Micro now, sweated through A&P I & II (it was tough for me), but I took a 'Counseling' class that taught me new perspectives on dealing with people. This was not a pre-req, but I figure I'd better take the courses I can along with the courses I need....once I get into nursing school that is all you get to take---nursing courses!! I am looking forward to those classes, but I am enjoying the occasional 'I just want this course'.