I am not sure what I should do. So, I am going to go for my RN. I am not 100% sure which program I will get into yet. (may go to Carrington/Apollo this spring) *In the meantime, I need to be taking my pre-req classes. I came up with an idea that now has me debating whether I should do it or not. I was thinking of doing the CNA class this semester. It is **Mon-Thurs 8-4:30** For only 6 weeks (fast compared to most programs in the area) Aug. 30-Oct 11! Which Would be nice that I could get a glimpse of what's to come, a certification to "fall on"/add to resume & if I NEED to work (while going to school) I could do CNA work, if my school does points-that's an extra point, or if it is a requirement- then I have it met, also I am anxious to get started w/ nursing stuff & this is kinda a "sample", also I read a hospital (assuming some are similar) that had a new grad student program that will hire u if u have ur CNA & are getting ready to sit for ur NCLEX exam. Also, it is a quick way to get 6 credits in 6 weeks (less homework & done for the semester after Oct 11)
Here is why I am debating to do or not to do it:
*1-I have to get the money to pay for the rescuer CPR, 2 TB tests & Health insurance I need in order to even register, almost $200 (they won't let me until I have ALL completed)
2-I would need a sitter on Mondays, My sister's schedule is currently off on Friday & works all other days... Mom could maybe, but I haven't talked to her in 2 months & idk how "Daddy" or I would feel about that. I haven't checked with my friend. But I MIGHT be able to find someone, but it might be someone I don't know??
3-Tuesday & Thursday I will be gone like all day doing the CNA class AND my other classes. (for 6 weeks) not coming home until late like 9p?
4-Not sure how My baby (7 months) will do & how breastfeeding/pumping will factor into the day etc. I am NOT giving up until 1 year!!! (I'm a stay at home mom)
5-I will miss my babies (2 kids) for those 6 weeks (it will kinda be like a very Full-time job bc I will be commuting about 45 minutes each way as well as the day there & classes after on T/Th) Will I be stressing the fam/kids? Spreading too thin??
So, would this 6 week strain be too much & not necessary? Or would the 6 week sacrifice be worth it?? Help? Lol thank u for any input or even if u don't have any, just taking time to read it!
PS-If I go to Carrington/Apollo then I don't really need to take pre-reqs bc She said they absolutely don't have any openings in other semesters, only 1st semester & she said "why would u want to take them in the fall of you are just going to retake/have to take them over again in January?) which I thought was a Good point. I'd rather do 6 weeks for 6 credits & get a CNA VS an entire semester & 2 classes full of homework & studying bc I'm gonna do a lot of that when I get into nursing school!! (PS-I AM going to school this fall, I have to do 12 credits)
Well I'm excited for you LotteryGirl. It's nice to hear positivity on here instead of the people saying "don't do it, they aren't any jobs, Nv sucks" blah blah blah.
Like you, I am very excited about pursuing nursing. My goal is to work in ICU for a year a so after I graduate and then go on to a CRNA program. I have zero pre-reqs so I think Apollo is the obvious choice for me. I'm then going to do a RN-BSN program online once I start working, and then into the CRNA program once I get accepted! It's alot but I think it's important to have a goal and never stop learning and moving forward. Although, I've heard CRNA programs are INSANE! Not only to get into, but also once you're in! I have been running my own small business for a couple of years now so I haven't had to do the whole college thing! I haven't been in school for about 10 years so I'm a little nervous.
After hearing about the CNA program through WNC I think I'm going to do it. I've read a lot on this site that it REALLY gives to an edge when you're graduating and trying to land a good job. I'll be finished with that before I even start the Apollo program. The timing is kind of perfect...so thank you for filling me in on that one. The only problem is the whole Fallon thing! I live way out in Spanish Springs so driving all the way to Fallon and back is going to be such a pain. And I have a 14 mo old baby so that makes it even more challenging! But I know I can do it!!!
It's good chatting with you! Keep me updated on what new :) I'll let you know how the CNA thing goes.
Hey! Leilani1983- How have you been? I am thinking about doing the CNA course now since reading on here it sounds like a great idea! How has that been going for you? Do you like it? Is it hard having the little one? Are you going to Apollo/Carrington? How is that process & does it seem promising? I am so anxious to start (ok apply even lol). I wish I had the money for Carrington but I already have a lot of student debt from changing my mind! lol (they sounded like I would NEED private loans to attend...) Anyway, Just thought I would check in for any update & info you had! Good Luck & hope all (&baby) is well! :)
Everything is going great. I'm about to be in my 6th week of clinicals for my CNA course. I decided to do the full semester program in Reno @ TMCC instead of driving to Fallon @ WNC everyday for 6 weeks! I'm liking the class. We are learning a lot of information that I think will be really useful when going into a nursing program. I'm getting comfortable working with patients and just seeing how everything flows in the hospital environment. I would definately recommend taking a CNA course if you have the time. I suggest getting into my teachers class, her name is Dolores Wonder. There are currently 4 CNA courses and I'm pretty sure we are the only class that gets to do clinicals in the hospital. Most classes have to do all of their clinicals in LTC which is NOT fun in my opinion! We were lucky and got to do 4 weeks at Renown and 4 weeks at Renown's LTC facility.
I am still in the process of applying to Carrington. They base admissions primarily off of the hesi exam which I took about a month ago. I scored 94.5%. They take the top 32 scores so I'm hopeful that will be enough to get me in for January. They send letters out November 12th so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I already met with financial aid and got that all figured out. It is really expensive but I got almost all of it covered with financial aid, which surprised me. I had a pretty good salary in 2009 (which is what they base your 2010 FASFA off of) and I got everything covered but around $5,000. If you're still considering Carrington you may want to meet with financial aid and talk with them. I met some of the current students who are about to graduate in Dec. and they love the school. I worked with a couple of them during clinicals and they seemed to know just as much as the experienced nurses which made me very excited! Anyway, I hope all is well with you! Let me know how everything is going :)
Leilani-That sounds awesome!!! How exciting! Yay 4 u & Congrats on the test score! I am thinking about taking the CNA course at TMCC next semester. I have been hearing good things too & glad to know that you are enjoying it! I am so anxious to start nursing school & to become a nurse. I am thinking about attending the Carrington College open house Saturday (Oct 30) Bc Maybe somehow I could just go there next year 2011 instead of waiting until 2012. Idk it is a weird decision for me that I'm feeling confused about lately. The one thing I do know is that I really want to be a nurse asap! Lol Good to hear about the current students' knowledge! Hmmm.... Maybe I should reconsider CC? Was the exam hard? What do u need to know? Also, let me know if you get in! Good luck! Ttyl
Leilani1983
30 Posts
Well I'm excited for you LotteryGirl. It's nice to hear positivity on here instead of the people saying "don't do it, they aren't any jobs, Nv sucks" blah blah blah.
Like you, I am very excited about pursuing nursing. My goal is to work in ICU for a year a so after I graduate and then go on to a CRNA program. I have zero pre-reqs so I think Apollo is the obvious choice for me. I'm then going to do a RN-BSN program online once I start working, and then into the CRNA program once I get accepted! It's alot but I think it's important to have a goal and never stop learning and moving forward. Although, I've heard CRNA programs are INSANE! Not only to get into, but also once you're in! I have been running my own small business for a couple of years now so I haven't had to do the whole college thing! I haven't been in school for about 10 years so I'm a little nervous.
After hearing about the CNA program through WNC I think I'm going to do it. I've read a lot on this site that it REALLY gives to an edge when you're graduating and trying to land a good job. I'll be finished with that before I even start the Apollo program. The timing is kind of perfect...so thank you for filling me in on that one. The only problem is the whole Fallon thing! I live way out in Spanish Springs so driving all the way to Fallon and back is going to be such a pain. And I have a 14 mo old baby so that makes it even more challenging! But I know I can do it!!!
It's good chatting with you! Keep me updated on what new :) I'll let you know how the CNA thing goes.