a_lopez1975

I start class in June and I'm a little nervous myself...............

Study hard and practice, practice, practice, practice (practice makes perfection). Take the State Exam and you will pass. Type "CNA Resume for Entry Level CNA" (if you're new) in Yahoo or Google and there are alot of good examples of resumes and letter heads. Complete and start sending them to numerous jobs. GOOD LUCK!!!!

Thanks for that idea Missing you. I'll definately network with other CNA once I pass and hired for a job :)

Oh, you have to love the workplace that promotes casual fridays. I mean, it does boost morale, but it amazes me when somone shows up with an extreme outfit or dressed as if they are going out to the club, LOL

Thanks DuskJewel. That was one of my main concerns about the scrubs from Wal-Mart, if they were made from cheap material or not. So with that in mind it's good to know they carry scrubs that last (as long as they are not 100% cotton). Oh, I'm definately a bargain hunter as well ;0) (thumbs up). Even though I like to wear name brands ( for example: tommy hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, ect), I go straight to the clearance rack. In the internet world, Amazon and Ebay are my favorite friends... I can not remember the last time I actually paid full price for name brand clothing. And I love how most of these websites have a "clearance" section in them. As far as pay is concerned, you're absolutely right that CNA do not make that much money compared to other professions in the health care profession. It's going to be a plus for collecting a retirement check next year once I retire from the Military.

My personal rules are practically the same. I prefer to wear what is appropiate for the work setting......

After the suggestions, KOI, Cherokee, and Grey's Anatomy for Men have definately caught my attention. I really like the Grey's Anatomy and though they are a little pricey, these scrubs have a good/clean/and sharp look to them. I guess the only issue I have now are my tattoos (both forearms and almost sleeved). However, I did notice that some individuals in the Medical Field wear long sleeves under their scrubs................

I really do appreciate the feedback, so THANKS!!!! At the time prior to posting this thread, the only place I could think of purchasing scrubs were at Wal-Mart. But I was concerned about the quality (fading issues after several washes/wear and tear/ect). However, after reading some of the comments, I looked up some of the brands online and the price is reasonable (cheaper than buying military uniforms for sure). I'm also assuming that it all depends on where you work at that determines which color scrubs you are to wear while on duty. I thought about buying several different color (work environment friendly, nothing too extreme), but I will put a hold on that. As for now, I just need to get a set of Navy Blue Scrubs for the clinical portion of the CNA course once I get to that part. Anyways, thanks and about to check out some more scrubs online right now ;0)......

I'm very new to the Health Field, so I was wondering what are some of the brands that are favored by individuals in this forum??? What's expensive, what's cheap, and which brand would you consider having good material quality? I'm mainly looking into scrubs and shoes... Any input would be appreciated.

@FunTimes: I also looked at EMS as well a year ago, but I'm going through Central Texas College. They Offer the EMT course, but they have a hard time finding a teacher to teach it (they mostly have the Criminal Justice coures avaible). Though I will start my CNA course in June, I plan on taking alot of the other courses the program has to offer, such as Nurse Delegation (9 hour self study course), CPR class for infants (7 hours), an additional Blood Borne Pathogens Course (9 hours), ect. Anything extra that I can add to my Resume is what I'm aiming for at the moment. I'm not even certified yet and I've already typed up my first Resume Draft. I figure getting an early start and staying ahead of the game is always a good option (something valuable I've learned in the Military). And I really appreciate the heads up and yes, it will be a big difference compared to being an Artillery Man, and the biggest challenge for me is settling back into the civilivian life ;0) @RunBabyRun: I'm currently Regular Army (Active Duty) and once my Retirement Packet gets approved, I'll be getting out April 2015. So taking these courses while I'm still in (having a steady check is always a plus) is what I'm aiming for. The Course only cost $635 (book, CPR Class, and HIV class included, but I have to buy a set of scrubs, non-skid shoes, and gait belt), but if hired within a year after the course, I will get the money back. Once I get accepted to this Community College, I will transer my G.I. Bill into the Post 9/11 bill because of the BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) in which I will get $1598 to pay rent for housing. Oh, and I'm fluent in Spanish so that will definately be a plus in my area.. Thanks..

Ever consider the military and going into the medical field? Utilize the CLRP (College Loan Repayment Program), travel around the world, save money, use Free Tuition Assistant while you are in the military, financial security, marry your boyfriend, start your family, ect. With the war dying down and the military resizing (getting rid of the old and bringing in the new), this could be a good opportunity for you. Reading the signature of some of the members in this forum, I've noticed alot are prior military and were in the medical field as well. Just a thought.............

Thanks Corpsman. At one point I did considered going to school for Medical Assistant, but the job demand for MA is lower, compared to CNA (at least from what I've come to find out thus far). Then I read alot of horror stories of individual who went through the MA program in regards to the high cost, hard to find a job, hourly wages are a little more compared to the CNA (even heard that depending on the location, CNAs make more than some MAs), and how some MA's have decided to go through the CNA program later on down the road. So I figure I play it safe and went with the CNA program. I really wanted to go for my 2 year degree in Nursing, however, with bills and a family, I'm not sure if I handle school without full time employment. Once I pass the course, State Exam, and become employed I will see how my work schedule is and shoot from there. I've already started my student registration through Sound Pudget Community College (Olympia, Washingtong) and once I get back, I have to take a placement test prior to enrollment. Even after retiring from the Military, I'll be 39 years old which is still young. And as a male, I'm assuming that the job demand for Male CNA could be high. Already have an Associates Degree in General Education, held numerous Leadership Positions, very pro-active, and an outstanding Team Player; so hopefully some of these things will look good on my resume. I'm an Artillery Man, so heavy lifting is not a big deal and fortunately my body (healthwise) is still in good shape. The only medical experience I have is the Combat Life Saver Course all Soldiers go through. Overall, I'm very excited and looking forward to this new chapter in my life....

I'm currently serving my third tour in Afghanistan and after doing some research on my next career move, I've decided I want to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. So during my off time, I've been reading an online Nursing Assistant Book/read through some online CNA Practice Tests (just to get a general idea of what to expect in the CNA Program), and have called several vocation schools in order to decide which one I would like to attend. So last week, I found a school in Federal Way, Washington (Divine CNA Training) and registered. So once I return back to the States, I will start the Weekend Class starting 28 June 2014. My career objective is to become a CNA in order to get my foot in the Health Care Field and eventually use my G.I. Bill and pursue a career in Nursing. So I found this site and decided to join to learn more about this field and read some insights from other CNA's and those who later became a Registered Nurse.