andielbc

Have you had any luck finding a program that works with your schedule? Try one of the community colleges or aim for your ADN first. Where I go they have a night cohort available for those that work full time.

There are residents like that where I work, so I know what you're going through. It is pretty disheartening because you do want to provide them with care but they just won't let you and then lie about it. I suggest that you continue doing what you are doing and even if she doesn't want to get in her chair, just make sure she's clean, changed, etc. Whenever she refuses, make sure you let the RN know. "Mrs. Smith refused to get into her wheelchair again." I also second what was said above, if necessary, bring someone with you - even if it's just another CNA - so they can witness her refusal. Over time you'll learn how to talk to each of your residents and gently convince them to do things. (I have one lady that refuses to shower unless we talk for about 15 minutes before and I slowly talk her into it.)

Thank you for the advice! I'm happy to report that the Unit Manager offered me the job and we're just waiting for HR to get in touch with me to finalize everything.

I am so excited!! After a year of constantly applying to any and all hospital positions, I've finally scored an interview at one of the area hospitals. The best part is that this is the hospital I'm planning on doing my GN residency at. I've worked as a CNA at a nursing home for the past 2 years and while I have an idea of what to expect (I did some of my clinicals last semester in Med/Surg Ortho) I'm also kind of unsure of what it would actually be like. Any tips/advice? Also, any idea of what I might need to know for the interview? I know there's the possibility of shadowing, but other than that, nothing. Thanks!

I just saw this post and wondered if you'd managed to figure out a system? I hope so! I remember when I first started how frustrated I felt when my residents would press that call bell time and time again. (However, oftentimes it's because they have dementia and forget they've even rung it.) Now that I know them a a bit better, I can anticipate their needs and bring what they need when I round on them. I also let them know if I'm busy and that if they call it may be a while before I get to them. What about your co-workers? Do they not answer lights as well?

I've never used a gait belt in the shower and never seen it done. I agree with the others in saying that if there is no grab bar, the situation needs to be evaluated for the pt's safety. As far as them possibly slipping, I suggest a small bathing mat (relatively cheap) or even a hand towel so they can get a bit of traction against the slippery shower floor.

I've been a CNA at a LTF for the past 2 years and it is exhausting work!! I'm currently looking for a job in a hospital as a CNA/PCT because I know that the work load isn't the same as in the nursing home I'm at. To be honest, it depends on who your nurses are. There are some nurses that I refuse to work with (I'm PRN so I can pick what shifts I work) because they do nothing at all. (One loves to sit and file her nails while oh so helpfully pointing out that so-and-so's call light is going off.) The nurses I work the most with are helpful and are very willing to lend a hand if their busy schedule allows it. CNAs do the most back breaking work while the nurses are stuck giving out meds and catching up on charting and doing paperwork. It's all dependent on where you work, the shift you work, and who you work with. I highly suggest working while at school, cos you may get a chance to practice skills you learn and the skills you've already learned will come in handy while at school. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it. And I've looked up Khan academy as I'd never heard of them. :)

What exactly do you like about it? And thanks, I'll look it up as well. :)

Most hospitals are happy to hire RNs with only an ASN as long as they commit to completing their BSN within 2 years of being hired. Maybe ask around to see what the nurses at your hospitals can tell you?

In my experience and where I live, I know for a fact that hospitals are less likely to hire you if you graduate from one of the big private/for profit schools. They sometimes even require you to have additional experience and/or certifications before they'll look at your CV. Not only do you run the risk of that, but Chamberlain is expensive!! I would stick with the community college and get your associates, look for a job as an RN, and then start working towards your BSN. Does your hospital offer scholarships or educative incentives? If so, take advantage and have them help you pay for both your degrees. Good luck!!

I'm hoping I can get opinions from fellow nursing students. We've just started dosage calcs in my term and I am beyond frustrated that our "textbook" is an online thing that seems to exist only to drive me crazy and doesn't have a physical book equivalent. I've been wanting to buy a book or study guide to help me along with dosage calcs. What are your recommendations?

They sent us an e-mail because we were reaching the 10 week period and no letters. Our window to get everything done was closing up, so they sped up the process that way. If you don't have anything by the end of week 8 or by week 9 after having submitted your application, call the office. We were calling every day, up to several times a day. (When you have so many people calling, it gets their attention.) This is par on course so far in regards to how the program is run. You have to be on top of things. Good luck to you all!!

I couple of weeks ago, I was on the same boat as you. I was pretty dead set on getting physical books. However, the Elsevier rep did a pretty good job of convincing me otherwise. To answer your questions: Yes, all our books are electronic. We have two physical books, but that's it. While it is possible to get the paper copy, it will be an additional cost. The cost of the electronic books is included in our tuition. What they've done is taken the costs of the books (plus all the materials we get alongside them, like quizzes and such) and divided it out over the four semesters. That to me is a plus, as I won't have to be shelling out big bucks for my books. Plus, we get access to all our books at once, even the ones we won't be using right away. And we'll have access to them for life. Which is pretty awesome. I'm not awake enough to go into the full details of how awesome the whole concept of electronic books for our courses are, but I will say this: I am so looking forward to it. Our first semester we're going to need around 7 books at any one given time. Imagine lugging around 7 books. Most of which are going to be pretty heavy. That alone is enough to convince me. If I can be convinced of the advantages, I'm sure you can too. I've always hated electronic books for classes, but I really think this is the way to go for us. If you want more info, I can try to give more details when I'm more awake.

When I first expressed interest in nursing school, the nurses I know highly suggested I get a job as a CNA so I can get an idea of what kind of work I do. I work at an SNF and have not only become comfortable with dealing with patients, but I've picked up so much that I know will help me with school. (I had my orientation today and we were told that the first few days of clinical would be about learning the basics, i.e. hand washing, turning patients, transferring, etc. Those are all things that I not only know how to do, but I'm comfortable with.) Yes, some facilities can be short handed, it happens to the best of them, and work can be very exhausting. But if you manage your time you can spend some with family. Especially if you work PRN. If you don't need to work for financial reasons I highly suggest going part-time or PRN. You'd get the experience while still keeping your energy and having extra time.