Starting PCA Today! 3 month course.

paacollins · Jan 7, 2010

I completed a 6 week CNA course at the end of 2004. It was 8 hours a day, 5 days a week and it was a 90 minute drive each way, but I chose this course so I could it done and start working. There were about 10 of us and 1 instructor. When you say you have 6 instructors, is that just for the one class? No clue why'd they need that many.

I enjoyed the class: we learned how to help with ADLs like eating, dressing, bathing etc, how to make beds, both occupied and unoccupied, taking vital signs, etc. We also obtained our CPR certification during the course. We did our clinicals at the local nursing homes and hospital. I had a wonderful instructor and really enjoyed it.

After I finished the course, I worked PRN as a CNA in a nursing home while doing pre-reqs for nursing school. Your pre-reqs will depend on the school but most ADN programs require english, math for nurses, psychology, A and P I and II, etc. You should be able to pull up programs for schools you are interested in to see exactly what you will need to take.

I chose to do an RN program because it was 5 semesters and the LPN was 3. Only 2 more semesters and I had the higher degree. I also had a BS already so I had most of my pre-reqs completed.

As for the test taking, nursing school tests are generally different than any test you've ever taken. They were for me anyway. The make you really think what the question is asking and sometimes you will have to "select all that apply or SATA for those of us who would like to remove those from our memory banks" lol Once you get your pre-reqs completed, hopefully you will have conquered your test taking issues. There are usually counselors who can help you overcome test taking anxiety as well.

I grew up in Stuart and my Grandmother lived in Lantana so I know the area you are in. I live in NC/VA now about 45 minutes NW of Winston-Salem. I've heard from my FL friends that is unusually cold there right now. It's 33 as I type this with a forcast for snow showers if that makes you feel any better.

I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors. If you would like anymore input feel free to ask. You can PM me if you'd like. I just recieved my RN license this week so I've been right where you are.

lina.561 · Jan 7, 2010

OH WOW Thank you so so so much! Thats funny Last week I was near Winstien-Salem!

I went Skiing At Beech Mountain on Dec. 30th First time..so if guess how that went.

I stayed at my sisters house in Wake Forest. Silo Glen neighborhood. She is part owner of the Pinnacle Home Builders. Thank you so much for your input. Congrats on your new RN License. So was it a tough road to get there, Im sure its alot of hard work. I just hope Im up for it. Thanks again.

paacollins · Jan 7, 2010

Nursing school to me was a breeze but I thoroughly enjoyed the content of my classes so that helped a lot. The rest of my life, while in nursing school, was not a breeze. My dh and I separated during my first semester of school and we went from one household to two, so twice the bills. I had hoped to work part-time while in school but my schedule didn't allow it. I ran up a lot of credit card debt during school. I was homeschooling my oldest child and my youngest was getting ready to start K. I also lost my babysitter, my FIL, because he had to change jobs due to outsourcing. When I began my 2nd year of nursing school, I started both children in a wonderful charter school and met some great people who covered my child care needs if I ever got stuck in a class or clinical. My mom is almost 91 and lives with me so that added more stress. I also began a new relationship (bad idea lol) that added more stress than anything.

All that being said, everything worked out, largely by the grace of God. I finished school with honors, after almost failing out for being late for clinicals. Thankfully I had very understanding instructors. I was out of school for 18 months before taking the NCLEX because of my mom's health issues, my own health issues (largely due to stress), and finances. I studied like crazy though and passed my boards on the first try. I also applied for a job yesterday and did my drug test and background check today. If all goes well, I start orientation next week.

My philosophy is: anything is possible if you want it bad enough and trust in God to guide you. The road to becoming an RN isn't going to be easy but it can be enjoyable and you CAN do it if you want it badly enough and are willing to work to get there.

lina.561 · Jan 7, 2010

Seems like youve been through very hard times and still was able to get great scores and pass everything, I will do alot of praying and studying. Thank you for your responses.