MsNancy

thanks for your comment. I know , I really should just challenge it, but I signed up, for the classes at the Junior College here in CA. I have heard that you don't forget your skills. I was thinking more on the technical stuff that they look for in the skills testing. I guess 3 months isn't all that bad. Hoping to find LTC, or a good hospital, maybe during the clinical training. I know I want to get something a little stable, than this care at home stuff. Now, it is time to do all the paperwork, TB test, and CPR. I am in my 40's. It will at least be a good refresher for the exam. I have too much anxiety to try and challenge it.

Hello all, I am having a bit of a dilemma in deciding what to do. I use to be a CNA for over 9 years, I let my CNA certificate go, now I am back on track with my nursing career. I got approved to challenge the test to get my exam. I don't feel that I have the technical part down for the skills, since it has been over 10 years since I worked as a CNA. I got accepted in the Pharmacy Technician Program, omg they want to send me clear cross the map to work for free. It isn't like nursing where you just learn the clinical skills and that is it. I decided to finish this semester up with Pharmacy tech and go for my CNA liscense. I am the only person in my household, and need something a little more solid. Should I take the CNA course through the community college, or the Red Cross program? I can afford to pay the fee for the Red Cross. I am already working as a private caregiver, and through In Home Support , but would like to eventually get into the hospital field. Thanks in advance for your opinions. I don't really like those home care jobs. I feel more like a maid than a nurse. Nancy

Just be careful with the home health jobs, unless you find a good agency to work for. I was a CNA 15 years ago, and trying to get things back up to date again, and hoping to be in the Red Cross Program in August. CNA is what you make of your job, not what everyone else thinks of the hard work you do. Remember you are a professional. Whenever I tell people I want to get my CNA again. All I hear is "Oh that is a back breaking job". or "Oh we are at the bottom , doing all the dirty work". Well hello we have to start some where what do you do for a living? Needless to say after being out of a job for so long, I have realized I respect the medical field of profession and pursuing that career again. There are so many possibilities to upgrade your career once your foot is in the door. That is the way I am thinking about it. Good luck to you! it is hard work, but pays off in the long run of things.

I realize it has been quit a while since I post an update. I was waiting for clarification from the state. I reside in California and put in a request just to see if I can be retrained for the CNA course through RED CROSS and was not sure based on my past felony conviction of vandelism that was expunged back in March 2012. The Red Cross said that I would have to submit my fingerprints and clearance before entering the program so I don't waste all that money. I did and had to wait over 3 months for an answer from the Public health Boards! It was worth the wait. OMG They sent me a letter of approval. Not to be retrain, but to take the exam! I am studying on my own a bit nervous with the skill portion it has been a while since I was able to work as a nurse. I want to frame the letter I was so happy! Now the studying and realization that I have a second chance! I am approved to take exam by ATCS. Just a note never give up!!!

I realize that it will show up when they do the background check, but it will show as a misdemeanor dismissed...I did go to court and the judge reduced the felony charge to a misdemeanor and dismissed it. I am just going to try an see if it is enough to allow me to go into the CNA program.

Hello, I am from California 45years old. I had a CNA liscense a long time ago back in 2004. I had to let it go because I had gotten in some trouble. Mixed in with the wrong crowd. Needless to say for some one who never been in trouble before I ended up with a felony charge of vandelism on my record. There goes my career as a nurse, or any job. I had gone through the changes. It is now 2013. I have paid all fines and fees on my record, did the time. I got the record expunged in March 08,2012. I did it myself before the judge and showed my rehabilitation I went through Empire Business College and completed the Medical Administrative Program, but with the charge still on my record, as a felony no one would hire me. I wrote a letter to the judge, and she reduced the charges from a felony vandelism to a misdemeanor and dismissed the charges! I have not had a back ground check done since then I do not know what shows up, but I am tired of working minimum wage retail sale jobs. I am going to try an take CNA classes through the Red Cross, and seeing if my back ground will clear. What do you think? Wish me luck, will follow through the update. The funny thing now the poeple that I got in trouble with years ago, are no where to be found, a lesson learned and never give up.