MOSmom

I am actually looking for the same answer. I felt that if I test out of classes(CLEP and Excelsior), I won't have to spend as much money(GI Bill doesn't cover everything). Excelsior is well known in the military community, figured I could save time and money and get my BSN sooner. What's really confusing is that they have two different versions of the test. They have Anatomy and Physiology, then a I and II version. Which one are you supposed to take?:bored:Hmmmmm....

Savannah, I guess I'll just have to wait and see at orientation. And "Wannabe", Im glad to hear about the hours request. It makes sense, hospitals always need people huh?

Thanks for the info savannah. Ill have to ask around once I start Orientation about "bid shift". At my first job as a PCT at a LTAC Facility, i was getting overtime on my first week, but of course that was full-time. In regards to the PCA question...I already knew what that meant, I was talking about "hospitalist", I don't know what kind of department it is. I tried to research online but it only gives me information about physicians. The hospital that wants an interview for PCA is the only one in my area with that title. Everywhere else is either CNA or PCT. They did however want you to complete the CNA course and be BLS certified...so no biggie.

Hello All! I'm in a bit of confusion on what to do. I was recently hired by a big hospital here in DFW for PCT-Surgical Telemetry....:)YAY. It is only for part time weekend nights, but i figured it would be an excellent opportunity to get my foot in the door for Nursing school. My question is what is the likelihood of me getting full time-overtime hours, especially during summer months. I have no desire for benefits, so thats not an issue. I did ask my recruiter and she was told by Human Resources that "Employees can't work dual roles". Could I possibly float to a different department to get more hours? Or should I possibly apply for another part time at another hospital? Another big hospital has called me for a part time PCA-hospitalist (not really sure what that means) position...so I'm unsure. If I didn't have an extra mouth to feed and living expenses...perhaps it would be enough. Anyone have any advice?

Hope everything is going well with the ER. I'm sure you're busy, but may I ask how's life in the ER as a student? Are you able to balance work and studying with ought falling behind? I'm currently applying to PCT and Unit Secretary jobs (mostly and MED/SURG ER). Although I've volunteered at the hospital from my home town and went through CNA school AND am an Army Vet I am still terrified I won't find any employment, I know doing nursing Prereqs aren't exactly helping or hindering. I was hoping for Methodist or Parkland since they have a known reputation for getting you experienced. After doing 40 apps overnight (yes I'm a night owl), I received an email for a phone interview for Physicians Office Representative PRN (Baylor) the following day, not exactly what I wanted but hopefully I can get my foot in the door. Sorry for rambling, I just wanted to pick your brain for advice since you've gone through the anxiety phase.

Thanks everyone for your input. Hopefully I won't have to wait too long..... BTW I will be rebuilding my resume after I take/pass the State exam. Wanted to know if volunteering at my local hospital for 3 years is considered "experience". Mind you this was years ago and doing very minimal tasks, but trying to seem as attractive as I can be to an employer.....?

Thanks eelittle, out of curiosity, why wouldn't micro and pharm count for fall if it's a requirement?

Mamatwin, I will be completing my CNA certifications in a few weeks and hoping to find a job as a PCT in the DFW area. Could you give any tips?

Eelittle, congrats on pursuing the Nursing program. Me and one of my guy friends are trying to do the same thing. I believe he is applying for Fall with Mountainview while I'm applying for Brookhaven in the Spring. I'm currently taking A&P I with J. Slone. If available, I want to take A&P II and Micro during the maymester and summer. May be a dumb question, but exactly how "competitive" is the program? I know there only so many slots, but do people generally have to apply two or three times before they get accepted? Also do they give extra points for job experience?...Getting my CNA License. I've been so nervous lately, I barely have any fingernails!

Thanks for your input mmc. It's kinda funny you mention NC. My brother graduated as a phlebotomist over there and he said it was hard for him too. Took him about 9 months just to get in a hospital. What is the difference from a cna vs home health aide if you don't mind me asking? I was hoping I could start in a hospital or nursing home, but taking into consideration of what you just said, I may have start smaller.

Well, I've decided to join #teamawesomenurses, lol. I am finishing up my prerequisites and am applying for a nursing program in Spring 2016. I am also taking a four week CNA course before my semester starts up again. My question is, I'm seeing a lot of CNA/Medical Aide job postings ( I live in the Dallas, Texas area), Is it a pretty easy job to get a hold of once you're certified? Will this help me get accepted into a program? I apologize if I'm asking too many questions at once. I'm just extremely nervous, anxious, and excited all at the same time. I would love any advice from my new to seasoned nurses. Thanks.