Stehulak7

I ended up not doing Rio Grande's program due to my boyfriend getting hit with a layoff. It just isn't the right time, i guess. It is still on my list of possibilities at this point. I did look at Huron road since they do have an evening and weekend program but I am very uncomfortable with the area as is my boyfriend so as of now, that is a definite no go. I did recieve a postcard in the mail the other day about Fortis college in cuyahoga falls(formally NIT), and it said they have a weekend program. I may try to give them a call today to see if i can get any information on their program. Granted i would not be able to start at this time, but it would be closer than rio grande's program.

I called Rio Grande today and actually was pretty impressed. It is a online course with clinicals 1 day a week starting with the actually nursing courses(2nd semester). Granted I will have to travel approx 3 hrs, i am definitely considering it. Cost of program without books and uniform is a little over $7,000.00. I still have some questions about it but we'll see. If i get accepted by the oct 9th cut off date, i could finish by the end of 2011! That would be so exciting and wonderful! I would have to cut my hours down to 32 hours per week but could possibly change my scheduled days around.

I haven't heard wonderful things about ATS. I've heard that they make policies up as they go and credits may not transfer unless you do their lpn to rn bridge program. There are so many lpn schools in the cleveland area. If you are able to go full time, that opens up many doors. If you have to work, there are programs as well. CVCC does have a bridge program with Huron Hospital nursing program but personally i am not comfortable going out to east cleveland into the evening hours with the high crime rate...cars get broken into etc. Honestly, i dont think they will be phasing out lpn's anytime soon. I know certain units at CCF are all RN's because of the type of patients on the floor. I got offers ranging from $16.50-$22.00/hr depending on facilities. I wish you the best! if you have any questions, please feel free to PM me.

I dont know about the Cincy/dayton job market but the Cleveland market is saturated but jobs are still open. Employers just have a ton of options to choose from! I have found a great website that pulls from a lot of sites that may be helpful.... http://www.ohiomeansjobs.com it is sponsored by the state. It pulls from monster, newspapers, career builder etc. My biggest suggestion is to take a peek at your resume...are there errors on it? Try changing the format of it. Keep your head up! You will land a job soon. Also try contacting your school to see if they have any career finder assistance.

I graduated in 2008 from the part time/evening and weekend program. I absolutely LOVED it! I actually started the full time program in 2005 but was admitted to the hospital for a week , came back, finished my tests and took my final. Unfortunely I did not pass by 2%. That was not the instructors fault, they were very knowledgeable and helpful throughout my hospitalization...Mrs. George called my family daily to check on me! Yes did i waste money? Sure did. But with their encouragement I came back in 2006 for the part time program. The full time program is INTENSE! Its a full time job and next to near impossible to work. They tell you that at the orientation. So the second time around i decided lets go part time and it was the best thing I have ever done. Were the instructors tough? Sure but they wanted us to be strong intelligent nurses. I rec'd several job offers while working on my clinicals because it is a highly regarded school. We did clinicals at CCF, Southwest hospital, Parma as well as nursing homes. My instructors as well as Mrs. George were always willing to sit down and talk with me anytime I was having a tough time with a subject. I never felt intimidated during clinicals. If a procedure was new to you, they were next to you helping you through it. They definitely demanded a lot but I rec'd a great education. You pay for your schooling in 3 portions....if you dont pass a portion of it no other school would refund your money either! I just really don't agree with the above posts at all. It is a GREAT school with a wonderful reputation.

I've been searching for a lpn to rn evening/weekend program or an online program with no luck! I live in the northeast ohio area and most programs are days! Unfortunely right now my work schedule would not permit that. I spoke with NIT in cuyahoga falls today and the rep told me "well you might want to find a new job"....easy for her to say! Yes i'm sure that i can but i am contracted til July 2010 with my current employer and really enjoy my job. I've looked into excellisor and the skills test out really makes me nervous. I loved my clinicals when i was in LPN school because i learned so much. If i'm going to spend that much money, I want to get my hands dirty. Any ideas? Has anyone attended Rio Grande's online program? I know they are in southern ohio but if i only have to travel for clinicals, it wouldn't be too terrible.

In my opinion that is absolutely nuts. Every state should require a written and a skill test. That could sacrifice good care. I'm not saying that you are a bad CNA but i worked hard to get my STNA. I also don't like to think that i just wipe butts and bathe people. I provide holistic care to people that possibly don't have anyone else. Most of my residents think of me as their own child/grandchild. I am a healthcare provider and a "family member" to them. Being a CNA is a lot more than doing that and i hope you realize this since you are on your way to becoming a nurse.

I absolutely cannot stand to dump out bedpans, bedside commodes into the toliet. The sound is disgusting. I always stand as far back as possible. I also cannot STNA's who do not give proper care and then ask for my help. I used to work with a women who was constantly never to be found. One day i was taking one of my residents into the bathing room, and there she was talking on her cell phone. I reported her to the nurse. You are there to do the job, not talk on your phone. I could have understood if it was an emergency of some sort but they should call the facility.