Should I go for the CNA program

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2011

Getting your CNA certification is never a bad thing! Add some volunteering at your local hospital and you will have some good healthcare experience under your belt!

jose2010 · Mar 3, 2011

A few weeks ago I did call the local hospital around here and and the Director of volunteers did tell me that I would have a application sent in the the mail almost 2 weeks ago and I haven't gotten anything in the mail yet. There are some nursing homes that I have not tried.

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2011

I would walk in there and speak to someone in person about volunteering. Try to get in a volunteer service that models the type of nursing you want to do. So if say you want to work with kids, try a children's hospital.

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Mar 3, 2011

Unless you already have a better-paying job, it can't hurt you to work as a CNA while you're in nursing school (or waiting to get into nursing school).

cmyer3368 · Apr 13, 2011

So did you get in? I was waitlisted for BHC's LPN program for Fall 2011. It is so frustrating that they only go by what semester you take (and when you register for) A&P. I was told I would be on the bubble for the spring RN program (already have a bachelors, etc) but in all honesty I am really hoping I get into the LPN program because I can't survive on a CNA's salary for 3 years (took a huge pay cut to go back to school).

I would recommend getting your CNA if you didn't get in. I just got my first CNA job at one of the local hospitals in the QCA and even in the few weeks I have been there I am learning so much and gaining great experience! Plus they have tuition reimbursement so it is an added bonus!

Good luck to you whichever path you end up taking (and hopefully we will be class mates this fall).

sunshine100 · Apr 13, 2011

I think you should take the CNA class and try to work as a CNA, even if it is only every other weekend.

jose2010 · Apr 13, 2011

Well Cmyer3368 I got the letter and i was put on the waiting list. So since no CNA classes are givin this summer i have to wait till the fall semester.

K_girl · Apr 13, 2011

Jose,

Did you try looking into other places to get your CNA aside from schools? I was not able to go to the CNA program at the cc's here so i went to a home health co that offers training to sign up. The class I will be attending is a little pricey (almost 1k) but it includes all fees except scrubs/belt/physical. Even if I had gone to one of my local cc's it would have been around the same price since you have to figure in books, licensing fees, fingerprint/background check.

i know some people have gone to red cross but my local red cross doesnt offer classes. also, you may want to ask around at some nursing homes since some will offer training!

Good luck!