MDS:CNAI

Even though I did not have anyone answer my questions...I do have information for anyone interested in Durham Regional Hospital. I applied for a position in the Emergency Department, and was recently HIRED by the department. I started orientation on Jan. 3rd, no experience needed. Thanks anyway!!!

Unless things have changed since 2008 when I enrolled in college at 19, my advisor found a way to have me considered as an independent...I worked through highschool and lived with my grandmother. I just had to have documentation that neither of my parents supported me with finances. (both are still alive). BTW- I live in NC. I'm sure there are options out there, you just have to do your research.

I am just curious to know why all of you that have negative things to say are even working in the field. It really makes me cringe when I think of all the miserable workers out there. I may be just a kool aid drinker to you but any blind man could see, you shouldn't be at anyone's bedside with an attitude like that. I'm sure like myself, most of the newbies on here did their research and have looked at what the pay is for the area of work they want to go into, and for me personally, it does benefit me to switch careers, I would not go into it blindly, for the OP I hope that she has done the same...but since you know more than I do, maybe you could tell her better...and a little encouragement from someone would be nice. Maybe we should all try to be optimistic, and not kill it for everyone. The OP isn't going to benefit from anyone letting out there miserable frustrations. Signed- The Kool Aid Drinker:mad:

I hope there is someone out there that could answer my questions or has some advice...please help:confused::confused:

Good for you....I hope your interview goes well. Please keep us updated. It's good to see that there are still people out there graduating with an open mind about the job, and that aren't just focused on the pay or using it as a stepping stone to a healthcare career.

I know this is a bit late, but did you research the tuition reimbursement option for Watts? They have a program where you graduate from their school and if you sign a contract to work for Duke and/or any of its partners for 3yrs after graduation, they will pay back 2yrs of your tuition (which would most likely be the 2yrs spent at Watts), I think they break it up to pay 1/3 at the end of each yr, which is about 13k a year. Go to their website or google it and see, it may not be too late if you are still interested. Good luck

hi everyone, i am a newly graduated cna and i am looking for employment in the durham, nc area. i have applied for a few positions at duke and durham regional hospitals, but i am a bit nervous about the process. could anyone give some advice on good units to apply for that will give me some well rounded experience in maybe ekgs, drawing blood, that type of thing. i am really interested in peds/niccu or even l&d/mother and baby...but i am open to anything that will be good experience. also could anyone help me in figuring out what the average starting pay is for someone with little to no experience? i made this career move hoping that it would be better support for my growing family...i am most defiantly going to move on to nursing school, but in the mean time i wanted to find a stable income that would get me through the next 3 yrs of tuition, and the scheduling at the hospitals seem ideal for a working student. any insight and advice would be helpful. thanks :redpinkhe

Interceptinglight: I apprecitate your response and I agree that education is key, but I'm not saying everyone has to go to Nursing school to be sucessful either...at least where I am the Community Colleges offer great programs for continuing education adults that don't require a lot of time or money. To the OP: I would say that it depends on how much time you are willing to put into it after you are certified, most work places such as hospitals will pay of you to become a CNAII and that will help you get more money. Either way good luck to you. I hope everything works out for the best.

The looks may have been because in most classes that I have researched and the one I attended have a dress code and they require you to wear some type of solid color top and white pants and shoes. :)

I hate to see so many negative posts about the field. If you are looking for a quick certification, that is inexpensive and worth it I think that it is a good move. I am currently seeking employment as a CNA (recently graduated), I have no experience and hope to get into one of the hospitals here in the NC area. There is very high demand where I live. I have great hopes that I chose the right career path. The medical field is a great way to go, and with further education, you have so many options.

That link should do it for you, when you register they ask you if you want to challenge, I think it is maybe $101 to take the test...but if you need to take a refresher course, just for example Durham Tech has a refresher course that doesn't take long at all, and even their Nurse Aide class is only 3 months and $235 (I just graduated that program). It is really easy, just study the skills book and you will be fine. Good Luck