Unit Secretary pay rate??

[Pre-RN]

Does anyone know of the pay rate for a unit secretary in the Charlotte area? Looking to work my way through ADN and gain some job related exp. Would prefer to do CNA, but it just doesn't pay the bills. Still plan to take the course and maybe do some weekend work just for the learning exp. I understand it will make a big difference for clinicals.

I'm guessing the pay is about the same, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask...

If you have any other info.... job details, other ideas, etc. I would really appreciate it.

Trying to figure out this whole changing careers thing has kinda got me going in circles.

[Aladosha]

Hi Kathy,

Sorry I didn't respond earlier. Last week was crazy! I found out that my boyfriend was not coming home from Kuwait and was extended for 120 days due to the increasing violence in Iraq . He was to arrive on Easter Sunday at Pope AFB. So that was quite a disappointment, but I have accepted it now. Just gotta think positive and pray for his safe return.

I'm having a strange experience with Presbyterian. I applied in December got accepted/waitlisted two weeks later for the Aug. 2004 class. I actually applied for the Jan. 2005 class. So I contacted the Admission's director, he realized the mistake and said a new acceptance letter would be arriving in the mail soon. That was 3 months ago. I contacted Student Services and I show as accepted in their records for the Jan. 2005 class, but still no letter. So to be on the safe side, I applied to the Cabarrus College of Health Sciences (CCHS) in Concord, NC. They are affiliated with Northeast Medical. I've heard really good things about their program. They offer a ADN in nursing and have a BSN completion program as well. I haven't gotten an acceptance/rejection letter but I know my financial aid is being looked at (got a letter about that, they needed more information that I didn't put on the FAFSA). I live in the University area so both schools are equal distant from where I live.

Hopefully, I will take Pyschology and Sociology this summer online thru CPCC. At Presbyterian and CCHS you don't need to take any pre-reqs for admission, they are offered in the program. Of course, you save some money by taking them before you start nursing school.You just need to have taken some science in high school at a minimum. Actually, that could change now that Queens and Presbyterian are merging, but I think they are still ironing out the logistics. Realistically, I'll probably only take those two courses this summer because I work full-time. If my plan goes right, I want to quit my job in the fall, and take the CNA course. And start nursing school in Jan..

By the way, what does BLS stand for? And how much is the CNA course at CPCC? Is it really only $86 or does that not include the test to get the CNA?! That is a heck of a lot better than $300 that is charged at the nursing schools. Let me know how you like it, I am considering applying for that CNA course in the fall if it is offered.

Congratulations on what you have accomplished so far! It is scary to be going into a different field, but worth it in the long run.

Melissa

[sandy06]

Hey there Kathy and Melissa ... I know it has been forever since I wrote, but life it crazy these days. Ok, let me catch you up on what I know. Frankly, the admissions folks at Presby seem a bit frenzied all the time. I have called many times with questions since they are merging with Queens University and they don't have any answers yet other than that they no longer have the tuition forgiveness program (that is where you commit to work for them for the same amount of time you are in school and they pay for 100% of your tuition.) Apparently, Queens no longer wants to have that program. Yea. I just applied for financial aid ...

I am starting at Presby/Queens/whatever they call it this August 2004. I have already taken all the prereqs (with the exception of 2 psych classes that I hope to take this summer thru CPCC online) so all I have left are nursing classes. I have 3 kids and don't have time for more than one class per semester.

I had a hard time getting any answers from Carolinas College of Health Sciences - I acually got a letter saying I was 10th on the waitlist for August, but denied it since I want to go to Presby.

I got my CPR for healthcare provider at Lake Norman Medical Center (BLS stands for Basic Life Support) and it was one night and really cheap. I got my CNA1 from Carolinas College of Health Sciences and it was $300 (I think it just went up, too.) It was 2 days a week in the late afternoon and then one Saturday at a longterm care facility. I am now working at University Hospital on their ICU/Telemetry Unit and I LOVE IT!!!

The class totally prepared me for this. In a nutshell, I give patient baths, change linens, run patients to and from radiology, run specimens to and from the lab, pass out meals, feed some patients, take out the trash, stock supplies, take patient vitals, give patients diabetic blood tests (finger pricks) and stuff like that. Frankly it is not glamorous, but I work directly with patients and am around all the nurses who know I am a student and have no problem showing me procedures and letting me hang around with them (if I have time, I am usually really busy). It is a great job and I love the staff I work with and the patients are mostly great too. I don't make much - in fact, the unit secretaries make more than I do, but if I work at night and weekends, I get paid more. Honestly, I am doing this for the experience more than the money (although the money is helpful...)

Melissa - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your boyfriend and if there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. Send me a message and I will be better about getting back to you sooner. It must be really hard having him away for so long, but I really appreciate what he is doing and the sacrifice you are making.

I love chatting with you guys and hope to see/meet you soon!

Sandy

:)