starting CNA course in May. Not sure where.

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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?

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I would shoot for the hospital. Many CNAs get their license otherwise and then get stuck in nursing homes. You will get more experience in the hospital and hospitals will usualy give you additional training for free that you would not get else where. Good Luck!

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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!

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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

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