PattieTarr

Thank you all for answering! The volunteering was started yesterday, but had already been planned into things at the beginning of the semester. I had already known about it. I have decided to take a few weeks off from the LTC, so that I can focus on school. School is my number 1 priority right now. At my school, it's points based. A will obviously get you the most points, and B gets half of that (A=500, B=250, C=0) I currently have a C in the class, but with our online work and the last 3 tests, I can bring it up to a B, if I study well and focus. Again thank you all for the advice. I really appreciate it!

I want to first state that I'm posting this not only for advice, but because I don't really have anyone in my family or friends in my situation that I can go to, so I rely on information from here (Which has been very useful thus far) A little backstory, I am currently in a course to be a C.N.A. I will be finished and certified by the end of December. I am also in school doing my pre reqs for nursing school to start next Fall. I also have 2 jobs, 1 as an aid at a LTC facility that I plan to work at once I am a CNA, and another at a retail store. (which I make more at the retail store soo..) I am also (as of yesterday) volunteering at the local Children's Hospital (which is where I want to be a CNA and an RN at) My dilema: I underestimated how much I would need to put into my pre-reqs. I haven't been in college for 3 years (since I recieved my other degree), so I'm a bit out of the loop. Right now I am hovering just about the C line in my Anatomy & Physiology class. I need a B or higher to get those points for nursing school. There are 3 tests left to do in 3 weeks. Tests that need adequate study time. Currently, I am working retail Saturday and Sundays, sometimes Fridays. I work as an Aid Mon, Wed, and Thurs. and I volunteer Tuesdays. Then I have class each night Mon-Thurs. This leaves VERY little time for basically anything. I've come to the realization that I MAY have taken on a bit too much. And my thoughts are that being an aid is taking up most time and paying me the least. SO I'm feeling like I should stop doing that until I become a CNA and can switch over to only having that job through school. What would you do if you were in this situation? I feel like Im over thinking it, but I feel like I need to put school first (especially since Im paying OOP) and the volunteer work as well since that is my starting point for getting to work at that Hospital (I've done research and unless you do your clinicals there, volunteering is the next best way to get in without too much experience) I hope that this isn't confusing, which it probably is. But I just wanted some advice or words on encouragment from others in this field or have maybe been through it. Note: I have to work through school. I am married and we can't live on just her income alone. So I do have to work something. Also, LTC isn't where I want to be, and the opportunity at Children's Hospital was an open door for me.

I don't know if my comment will help, but I just want you to know I am struggling with this so much right now. I'm in AP 1 right now as well. For our nursing program, it's on points. C is passing and eligible, but 0 points. B gives you 250, and an A gives you 500. Naturally you want all As. Right now, I am dangling on the C/D line. I do great in my lab class (for the most part, aside from the Chemistry), but lecture is killing me. I rewrite all my notes (combination of Powerpoints and my class notes). I make flashcards. I watch YouTube videos. I talk to myself outloud. Hopefully, someone who is already in a nursing program can answer your questions. But for now, I'm in the same boat as you. I do look forward to hearing how it ends up for you! We can struggle together.

Similar situation, I guess. My family supports me, and they are proud of me, but it's sometimes hard to talk with them about struggles because they don't necessarily "get it". When I decided to become a nurse, I didn't have any friends in the medical field. Now, my younger cousin is going to school to be a Surgeon, so we have a bit more to talk about, and we laugh and joke about all the gross things. And I'm finishing up school for CNA and I've made some really great friends in that class. We are all already signed to work at the same facility, so I know I will have them by my side through it as well. Sometimes you find the support in strange places. I had an amazing converstation with an older gentleman in Starbucks because he saw me studying with my Nursing Assistant books. I don't know if that helps at all, but hopefully it did. Keep youre head up and keep moving forward. Talk to people in your class, you never know they could become amazing friends.

Right now, my days off are spent studying or working at my other job. Im not certified CNA until December, so Im a Hospitality Aid for now. Im usually found at Starbucks doing homework or studying. But if Im not there, Im at home catching up on Grey's Anatomy, watching reruns of House (for the 1 millionth time), playing with my animals, or working on the tons of DIY Christmas gifts I have to make (mostly crochet) I also enjoy time with my wife, which usually consists of us laying in bed watching Netflix. We both work a lot, so that's our date nights: Wine and Netflix.

This is both discouraging and encouraging all at once. I am currently in class for CNA, will finish in December. I just started a new job as a hospitality aid at a care and rehab center. I will transfer to CNA once I am certified. I know for a fact I don't want to work in LTC or anything of the such. I want to be in a hospital. But, I have been told that around here you won't get into a hospital fresh out of school. I've signed up to start volunteering at the Children's Hospital. Im hoping that will be a shoe in to try and get one of the CNA positions, and eventualy RN once I finish school. For now, though, I am in LTC. So, my question is how would you go about my situation? I know going in that my facility is short staffed, there are a ton of CNAs and only a few RNs and LPNs. How would you go about "tolerating" it until you get experience? Now, I don't know if it will be terrible. Im only on my 3rd day of orientation.

Thank you all for responding. Im still starting Monday in the LTC facility. I don't know yet what I will do once I do get certified, I will see once it gets here. However, I am working towards volunteering at the hospital I want to work at, so I am hoping that gives me an "in" on making contacts and potentially getting a job there as a CNA.

Curious, you said that there are some areas in high demand, Which are those? Thank you for your response! I am actually looking at volunteering at the hospital I want to work at a couple days a week while I work in LTC.

Hello! I am currently in my CNA training and will be done at the beginning of December. I just got a job at a LTC center as a hospitality aid (making minimum wage unfortunately), since they sort of "sponsor" the class I am taking. They offer CNA positions to all graduating students from the class. However, I am interested in working in the hospital, specifically the local Children's Hospital. I've been interested in pediatrics since I decided to become a nurse, more specifically Pediatric Oncology. I feel like that is the place that I need to be, and I am drawn into pediatrics every time I do research on becoming an RN. I want to work in a hospital as a CNA while I am in nursing school. My goals are to get into the RN program next fall 2016, and after I get my ASN and take the NCLEX, I want to look towards getting my BSN. I've been looking around and researching local hospitals. There are plenty of CNA positions available. Most say Hospital experience preferred (not required) So my questions are: Is it difficult for new CNAs to get a position in a hospital? Do you have any advice for a new CNA trying to get into a hospital? Would I be able to go ahead and start applying now to hospitals? Do hospitals hire aides and students that are currently in CNA programs? Thank you! Edit: Maybe I should also add, I am willing to do night shift or any shift really.

If you perform a duty outside of a CNA's duties, it can be called practicing nursing without a license. I literally just had this come up on a test. I'm not trying to argue with you about it, and I wouldn't if I hadn't just seen this. And I know some states done need certification. Mine does. I know Florida doesn't (I believe)

I'm taking the CNA class at the same school I am going to for Nursing, however its under their "Workforce Training" program. So any other class I've taken don't apply. Having A&P doesnt give any credit or anything towards a CNA course. Other than, maybe helping with body functions and things like that, but nothing towards the actual program.

I am also in the beginning of my long trip to becoming an RN. I have to finish up 3 pre-reqs before I start the program, and I have to take an entrance exam probably in February or March of 2016. I have been out of school since about 2011, so not as long, but it's crazy how quickly you can get out of that routine of school. I bought a big planner, one of the ones that has plenty of space to write for both the calendar and daily. I've assigned highlighter colors for everything (A&P Lecture, A&P Lab, CNA Class, Personal, Event) things like that. Just to keep me organized. I'm actually starting this week to write out time frames for each task. I think it'll work out easier, because before I just had it written that I needed to do it, but by the end of the day I'd be like "Where did the time go?' Keeping organized and scheduling out times for each thing will really help you. Even if you have to schedule things not school related, since you have work and a 1 year old. Also, make flashcards! Then you can take them with you. Study at lunch, study at a red light, study during nap time. Flashcards are amazing. haha

I'm currently taking my pre-reqs for nursing school. Like you, I am hoping to get into my program Fall 2016. I just started classes for CNA as well. I got a new job just a week ago as a hospitality aid until I get certified, then I will work as a CNA through the rest of school. Where I am going has already talked to me about working me around school through nursing as well. Also, I had debated on being a CNA before and RN, but my new boss, as well as HR, and several others have all told me that being a CNA first is the best choice. I decided on it so that I could get experience in the medical field because I've never worked in that field before.

I didn't say CNA's were licensed. I said if a CNA did something outside of what a CNA does and they aren't certified, it's considered practicing without a license. I know CNAs are certified. I know the difference. I guess I'm just going by my state and what they are required. I'm not sure of what other states require. Im new to everything so I'm not sure.

I am currently in a CNA class right now. (Doing this before Nursing School next Fall) It's just one of those steps that has to be taken. If you're wanting to work as a CNA, you need to be certified as a CNA. You can be certified in many different areas, HHA, EMT, Etc. but if you work as a CNA, but aren't certified, then its practicing without a license. Unfortunately that's the way it works. And in class you'll learn the rights of CNA and exactly what a CNA can and can't do. And if you feel like you won't leanr anything, then it'll be a refresher. Everyone needs a refresher every now and then.