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thanks texastaz- the hospital has its own LTC so i think i would essentially be starting out in a nursing home. i am anxious to get started and get certified, and for that reason, i did choose the hospital/ltc. it is very far drive, but i think it will be worth it. the comm. college did have quick classes also- M-F for 6 weeks, but they filled up in minutes, and all that was left were classes that were 2nights/week and lasted the entire summer.. may- end of august! i had expected to be working by then. (i have been out of work for 6 months because i was called out of town to care for my bedridden mother back in November) so working as soon as possible is definitely a priority for the family budget.
thanks for your reply!
Congratulations My Grandmother worked on the "Cancer" floor way back when. She would get burned out with dying patients about every 6 months - then the hospital would have her float. After 1-2 weeks of floating she couldn't get back to the Cancer Floor fast enough. - So I am sure you will get to see a lot of different areas as well. You are so lucky to be with the hospital. I wish I could have done my CNA that why-You Lucky Duck :heartbeat
mcnasty
24 Posts
I was accepted to a CNA program sponsored by a local hospital/ltc.They actually "interviewed" you for the spot, and offered some attractive incentives such as: 1) a weekly payment plan through the course (7 wks i think), 2) they pay for the state exam of the class's validictorian, 3)reimbursment of 70% of the program fee if you work 500 hours or 6 months for them, 4) stethescope, BP cuff, CPR certification & book rental included in tuition, and 5) very likely, immediate job placement upon certification. The cost is $750.00. It is M-Th 9-2pm, with clinicals starting in the fourth week at 6:45 am. (i'm not an early riser) lol..but it sounded great, and I was excited to start.
However, a few days before they called me back to accept me, I recieved the course information in the mail from my local community college. It cost $532.50 (all out of pocket, no reimbursement & does not include stethescope, bp cuff, etc).And I suppose I'd be on my own as far as cost of state test & interviewing for a position. But the great thing about the community college is that it is 2 miles from my house, (literally 6 minute drive, but I could also bike it) The hospital is WAY downtown. 30 minute drive each way. The other great thing is that they offer 4 or 5 different schedules for classes. either weekdays 9-2 or weeknights 5-10. Nights could work great for me because it would mean not having to put my 5 year old in day care while taking the course. So now I'm a little torn. I have to let the hospital know as soon as possible so they can offer the spot to someone else. (apparently, *very coveted* spot, the program manager said I got the "last seat") so I'd feel bad not letting them fill it up as soon as possible. But to get the schedule I want at the comm. college, I need to register tomorrow. 4/13. I am actually leaning towards the community college. I just want to get some opinions and make sure I'm not overlooking something on the pros or cons side of the hospital's program. I've read a lot on these boards about similar questions but still not sure. I wanted to leave my options open as far as employment. I just dont know if i'm overlooking the gift of placement/recruitment by the hospital/ltc. any opinions?