Realistic chance of being "trained up" as a CNA

[thriceamomma]

Hi. I have pre-req's, did 1 rotation to be an x-ray tech. and saw how much more I needed to be in the caring for people aspect more than just taking x-rays (not that there's no reward in that, either). I've also worked as a dental ass't. and receptionist for medical offices. Been home for almost 4 years (3 small kids). Need to do something fast and think I want CNA. How often do places really train or pay you to train for things like EKG and phleb.,etc.? I need at least 11.50/hr. Could I go in and realistically expect this to happen? otherwise, MedVance offers an 8 mo. accredited CMA prog. I'm loc. in the Treas. Coast FL area. They say LPN is 16 mos. there, and I was too late for Comm. College till Spring and i read LPN is only 1 year there. ANY and ALL advice I will truly appreciate!! Thanks!

[Boog'sCRRN246, RN]

My very first job as a CNA was at a teaching hospital in Tampa. They trained me in phlebotomy. EKGs weren't done by the CNAs, but by people who did nothing but EKGs all day long. The next hospital I worked at trained me to perform EKGs and reinforced my phlebotomy training. Niether place paid brand-new CNAs 11.50/hour, not even with shift differential. That kind of pay comes with experience or working in LTC. As far as LPN school, are there any technical/vocational schools in your area? A LPN program at a tech school generally runs 11-12 months if you go during the day or 16-18 months if you go in the evening. Definitely look into tech schools and community colleges as they will only cost you a fraction of what a private school will. There's no need to pay a ton of money if you do your research.