Becoming a nursing assistant. When I first told my mom that I wanted to be a nurse (I was in HS), she encouraged me to take a CNA class and work as one before I started college so I could see what taking care of people was really like.
I worked as a CNA all through the last couple years of high school and all through college.

You'd get lots of experience, and it would look good on a resume.

I have to second that notion of becoming a Nursing Assistant first. Mainly for the insight, but for a tremendous amount of experience and exposure. If it wasn't for working with RN's and LPN's, Social Workers, and whomever else was involved with the cares provided, my peers and I wouldn't have gained the confidence needed to pursue Careers in Nursing.

Even though my School is on hold due to Military service, it is yet another stepping stone to take me higher and gain more and more experience, not offered in the classroom, that will enable me to cope with the stresses of schooling and a career as an RN.

Set your sights on what you want, preferably something that you enjoy doing, and don't let anything get in your way.

My wife and I have this quote in our house. "An obstacle is what you see when you take your eyes off of your goals." Anomynous

How do you become a CNA?

Thanks allykat! I found a CNA course at a nearby college for about $400. I will check the two nursing homes nearby also to see if they have an earn while you learn program.

Jillcoastie posted about the possibility of getting into an "earn as you learn" program at a local nursing home. Has anyone ever been through such a program, and if so what was your experience like?

I did the vocational route. completed a year program and then became certified by NCCT as both medical assistant ands what is Called PCT ( patient care technician). a couple of my instructors and the preceptor at the hospital where I took my climicals said I took to it "like a duck to water". I admit it was far more rewarding and interesting than I could have imagined. heres the problem, I have discovered that all my training and education is for naught. no college or nursing program (in Michigan) will give me any credit for what I've thus far have done. I would strongly suggest to anyone before paying the money for vocational training make sure the state acknowledges as well as the states nursing board accredited the program you are taking. I have tried to get into a nursing program and start from square one, however in Michigan Detroit and surrounding areas all schools academic have a waiting list of 2 or more years. ant advice I now the rules of education we all forget at least half of what is taught us. any advice I can not afford to give up house and home to relocate... any help would be appreicated

JonZ said:

Jillcoastie posted about the possibility of getting into an "earn as you learn" program at a local nursing home. Has anyone ever been through such a program, and if so what was your experience like?

Anyway, my experience going through this earn as you learn program has been good and bad... On the good side, going through the program in the facility where you'll be working is helpful because you get to know the other new aides going through the program with you, so when you actually get on the floor, you already know some people, and feel less like the new kid. You get to know your way around the facility, and you get to know the specific way that things are done in that facility. It serves as both your Nursing Assistant Training, and also your orientation to the company and facility.

The bad side is that the new aides have no idea whether or not they're cut out for the job. Training doesn't do a whole lot to prepare someone for the first time they physically walk into a patient's room and have to change a colostomy bag or perform post-mortem care. These things are difficult to deal with the first time you come across it. And many people who go through the earn as you learn program are doing it not because they know they will love the field, but because they think they might... So for a lot of people, when the job gets too tough, they quit. And because they didn't invest any of their own money into going through the classes, and actually got paid for their time, there's less incentive to "stick it out". For that reason, there's a high turn-over rate, and there's always inexperienced aides on the floor. There were 9 students in my class. A month after it ended, I was the only aide left. So, I think it's great for people wanting to get into the field, but for the facility itself, it probably costs them a lot of money, and provides them with inconsistent staffing.

I'm in Oklahoma, schava05.

I am in nursing school, work full time in research, and have a 5 month old; do I really need to get a job as a CNA to help me find a job as a nurse once I graduate with a BSN?