Calling all nurses! (Or nurses-to-be)

[imabrat]

Certification as a nurse's aide is a simple matter, and many hospitals don't require it at all. But yes, working as an aide, whether you are certified or not, can be a great way to see what nursing is all about, plus you can get benefits (including tuition reimbursement) while you work, and get first dibs on nursing jobs when they become available.

I didn't think about all those things. Hmmm

To be honest, I did the CNA program because I just need a job during college. There's absolutely no way I can afford college but the $14,000 a year I can get from being a CNA will help. I never thought about the tuition reimbursement or the jobs thing!

Do you think having a CNA certification under my belt by the time I apply for college will help be get first dibs in nursing school too? I try to ask these things to my instructor but she's very vague because she doesn't like me very much. She doesn't like that I've been on the opposite side of the spectrum as a patient and that I know when and how to call her bull.

 

[laurie31]

I didn't think about all those things. Hmmm

To be honest, I did the CNA program because I just need a job during college. There's absolutely no way I can afford college but the $14,000 a year I can get from being a CNA will help. I never thought about the tuition reimbursement or the jobs thing!

Do you think having a CNA certification under my belt by the time I apply for college will help be get first dibs in nursing school too? I try to ask these things to my instructor but she's very vague because she doesn't like me very much. She doesn't like that I've been on the opposite side of the spectrum as a patient and that I know when and how to call her bull.

Shame on your instructor!! She should value your experience rather than look down on it. You will be such a comfort to patients and their families since you really will know what it's like to be in their shoes. You'll be a more compassionate nurse for what you know. Your instructor should be using you as a resource (if you are willing, that is) and should NOT be slinging any bull, then she wouldn't have to worry about being called on it.

I'm sorry, I don't know the answer about CNAs getting into nursing school more easily, but you could call the college admissions office and ask. I do know working as a CNA will help you with your nursing classes, though. Because it won't just be abstract theory to you; you'll be seeing it in reality. Which -as you already know - can be vastly different from what's in the textbooks.

 

[imabrat]

Shame on your instructor!! She should value your experience rather than look down on it. You will be such a comfort to patients and their families since you really will know what it's like to be in their shoes. You'll be a more compassionate nurse for what you know. Your instructor should be using you as a resource (if you are willing, that is) and should NOT be slinging any bull, then she wouldn't have to worry about being called on it.

I'm sorry, I don't know the answer about CNAs getting into nursing school more easily, but you could call the college admissions office and ask. I do know working as a CNA will help you with your nursing classes, though. Because it won't just be abstract theory to you; you'll be seeing it in reality. Which -as you already know - can be vastly different from what's in the textbooks.

Thank you. The thing that chaps me is that she was an oncology nurse for the longest time, and as an oncology patient I thought she would understand. Our latest headlocking was over BP. She felt we as students didn't need to know that BP could be taken on the thigh, I felt we should be prepared for any instance. You simply don't know when you're going to be thrust into a position when a patient has two IVs in. I just thinks she's old and stubborn, lol!

In the beginning she told me I wouldn't be able to be a nurse because I had a knee replacement. For what it's worth, I have a different kind of knee replacement that allows me to run, jump, kneel, etc. (Even though I'm not supposed to, but what my doctor doesn't know won't hurt him ) My latest report card had nothing but positive comments, such as "shows leadership quality" and "very knowledgeable" on it.

I guess it's that whole "nurses eat their young" mentality? I don't know. I just know that this is going to help me in some way, because I think it'll make me a better nurse and a better student.

 

[xCourxCorex]

Sonya, I think having a job as a CNA could maybe help you get into a college program - it depends on the school. Some look just strictly at GPA and class rank and SATs, but others want to see more of a complete picture - those schools would LOVE to see you working in a hospital-type setting if you're looking at a nursing major.

I'm trying to figure out my working plans for the summer & beyond. After this semester, I will be certified to work as a CNA with 2 clinical rotations (Fundamentals & Med Surg) under my belt. But I have a part-time job at a grocery store (which I hate) and I also work a few days a week at a dance studio, and will continue this in the fall (which I love!). I would like to work as a CNA someplace maybe just for the summer, and per diem during the school year, but I'd definitely have to give up the grocery store (which probably wouldn't be such a bad idea lol). I guess I just need to look around and see which hospitals are hiring.

 

[AshleyW]

I didn't think about all those things. Hmmm

To be honest, I did the CNA program because I just need a job during college. There's absolutely no way I can afford college but the $14,000 a year I can get from being a CNA will help. I never thought about the tuition reimbursement or the jobs thing!

Do you think having a CNA certification under my belt by the time I apply for college will help be get first dibs in nursing school too? I try to ask these things to my instructor but she's very vague because she doesn't like me very much. She doesn't like that I've been on the opposite side of the spectrum as a patient and that I know when and how to call her bull.

I'm sure it's probably different at different schools, but just wanted to throw in my two cents about how it works at the college I go to. Basically, there are a bunch of pre-requisite classes you have to take before entering the nursing program: health skills 1 and 2 (which teaches basic handwashing, vitals, positioning and ambulating patients), A&P 1 and 2, intro to psych, first aid, developmental psych, intro to sociology, etc etc. After you take all those classes, you take the TEAS (test of essential academic skills) and are placed on the waiting list. The highest scores from that test are admitted each semester. If you weren't in the top scoring group, you get stuck on a waiting list to the program.

We have a lot of CNA's in the program now who are kind of annoyed, because they still had to take the basic health skills classes and whatnot even though they've already been certified in those skills, and because it doesn't really benefit them in any way in regards to entry to the program.

 

[Beka]

Hey all! I'm in my last semester right now (see the ticker!!!). I'm on scholarship at one of the hospitals - tuition reimbursement - whatever you want to call it. I stopped by HR last week & filled out an application (why I had to do it again, I have no idea), and then called them to find out what the hiring process is after graduation. I was told "We're deciding how many of you all we will bring on after graduation. I'll call you in a few weeks." I mean, either way my school was free, but I WANT TO WORK THERE! I will talk to the unit coordinator when I precept next (the 8th) & let her know I'm on scholarship, want to work on the floor, & know there's a night shift position open (which I think will be a good shift for a new grad since it's a little quieter than day shift). Any other suggestions? I'm precepting with the charge nurse who will put in a good word - she & I get along really well.

I'm trying not to stress about it! God brought me to this profession & I know he'll find me a job!

 

[Beka]

'K nurses, we gotta keep our (Mickey) gloved fingers crossed!!

Keep in mind that me getting a job = a WDW trip!! This trip will include F&WF AND MNSSHP!!!!!!

So the last time I precepted, I mentioned to the clinical coordinator's boss (whatever is above her) that I'm on scholarship. She said she wanted to talk to me later, the next time I precept (the 22nd). The clinical coordinator said she wanted to talk to me that day.

So we talked later that day. They had just filled the 2 available positions on the unit I want to be on. However, they want me. They like the way I work, know that I understand the pace, etc. I told her that I don't need the insurance, which is a bonus. So now I think it's just a matter of them crunching the numbers to be able to bring me on.

!!! I'm trying to be calm! I'm excited though, but don't want to get my hopes up!

 

[attain]

good luck, Beka! Hope you get the job!

 

[saffron1000]

RN for 6 years. First 3 years in pediatric ER then OB. Love it!!!!!

 

[emh1129]

'K nurses, we gotta keep our (Mickey) gloved fingers crossed!!

Keep in mind that me getting a job = a WDW trip!! This trip will include F&WF AND MNSSHP!!!!!!

So the last time I precepted, I mentioned to the clinical coordinator's boss (whatever is above her) that I'm on scholarship. She said she wanted to talk to me later, the next time I precept (the 22nd). The clinical coordinator said she wanted to talk to me that day.

So we talked later that day. They had just filled the 2 available positions on the unit I want to be on. However, they want me. They like the way I work, know that I understand the pace, etc. I told her that I don't need the insurance, which is a bonus. So now I think it's just a matter of them crunching the numbers to be able to bring me on.

!!! I'm trying to be calm! I'm excited though, but don't want to get my hopes up!

Good luck!!!!

 

[Mandychelle79]

My first year of my ADN is coming to a close. Just have 1 20 point quiz, 1 day of clinical, an test on GI and Immunology, and my final to go. I cant believe how fast this has went, how stressed ive been and how supportive my family has been through this endevour. I couldnt do it without them. I took my first HESI on Friday that covered Fundamentals and what weve have covered this year for med surg. Scored very well 1082 which meant a 44/45 for a test grade for the program. I have a solid B right now, can still get the A, but can only miss one or two points over the next week or so. Dont think thats going to happen.

 

[dakcp2001]

Hi everyone! DO any of you live in an area where they DO hire new grad RN's into the hospital? I am graduating in May, will take the boards in July, and my fiance just got laid off. I am willing to relocate! No one in Massachusetts hires new grad nurses. Heeeelllp! I am putting my house up for sale and crossing my fingers!

 

[AshleyW]

Hi everyone! DO any of you live in an area where they DO hire new grad RN's into the hospital? I am graduating in May, will take the boards in July, and my fiance just got laid off. I am willing to relocate! No one in Massachusetts hires new grad nurses. Heeeelllp! I am putting my house up for sale and crossing my fingers!

They do at both the hospitals here in Cedar Rapids, and the U of Iowa in Iowa City does, as well! I don't know how it works at the U of I, but the hospital I'm familiar with in Cedar Rapids will even repay student loans for new grads, the amount depends on how long you sign on with them for. For one year it's $2k, for 2 years it's a total of $5k and 3 years it's a total of $10k.

 

[Beka]

Hi everyone! DO any of you live in an area where they DO hire new grad RN's into the hospital? I am graduating in May, will take the boards in July, and my fiance just got laid off. I am willing to relocate! No one in Massachusetts hires new grad nurses. Heeeelllp! I am putting my house up for sale and crossing my fingers!

Here, the local hospitals primarily hire within. Meaning, if you were already working for the hospital as a nurse tech while in school, they'll likely (but not definitely) hire. Also, if you're on scholarship (like me) where they pay for school in exchange for a job. The only unfortunate part is that there are very few (if any) positions open around here.

 

[dakcp2001]

Our local hosptials (3 of them) just told all of my classmates on scholarships that they are sorry, they cannot hire them, but they do not have to pay back the tuition. So much for a "guaranteed" job out of school. I need to move somewhere that the cost of living is better. I am done with Massachusetts, and all the fees and taxes. I need someplace warm.

 

[Beka]

Our local hosptials (3 of them) just told all of my classmates on scholarships that they are sorry, they cannot hire them, but they do not have to pay back the tuition. So much for a "guaranteed" job out of school. I need to move somewhere that the cost of living is better. I am done with Massachusetts, and all the fees and taxes. I need someplace warm.

Try Texas or SoCal. The job market in the South (at least most of SC) is non-existent. The hospital I have scholarship with did the same thing for some of the new grads; I just hope I'm not one of them. I was suppose to find out last week if I had a job, but now it's been pushed back to the end of this week.

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

Hi all! I am hoping I can join in here....I am finishing up micro this semester; lab final today, lecture final next Wed- hooray!! Then I have 2 summer classes to take to finish all pre-reqs for the nursing program.

I will start nursing classes in the fall at Penn State. I am accepted to their accelerated second degree program (have a previous BS in health science/sports medicine). It will be 4 semesters straight through, so I will graduate in December 2011, and I will end up with my BSN. I have talked to some people in the program now, and it is very intense, so I am a little worried about it- there are 2 people in the program now that each have 1 child. I will be the first person to go through with 2 little ones at home. I know it will be extremely challenging, but I really feel this is what I should be doing!

I am excited and nervous all at the same time!!

Lisa

 

[npmommie]

Hi everyone! DO any of you live in an area where they DO hire new grad RN's into the hospital? I am graduating in May, will take the boards in July, and my fiance just got laid off. I am willing to relocate! No one in Massachusetts hires new grad nurses. Heeeelllp! I am putting my house up for sale and crossing my fingers!

What part of Mass are you in?
there are lots of places that will hire a new grad RN

 

[emh1129]

Hi all! I am hoping I can join in here....I am finishing up micro this semester; lab final today, lecture final next Wed- hooray!! Then I have 2 summer classes to take to finish all pre-reqs for the nursing program.

I will start nursing classes in the fall at Penn State. I am accepted to their accelerated second degree program (have a previous BS in health science/sports medicine). It will be 4 semesters straight through, so I will graduate in December 2011, and I will end up with my BSN. I have talked to some people in the program now, and it is very intense, so I am a little worried about it- there are 2 people in the program now that each have 1 child. I will be the first person to go through with 2 little ones at home. I know it will be extremely challenging, but I really feel this is what I should be doing!

I am excited and nervous all at the same time!!

Lisa

Good luck! I had some people look at me like I was crazy to go to nursing school while my children were young (I have one semester left and they are 2, 5, 8. I took a year off when my youngest was born- and picked up where I left off when she turned one).
It can be done. It's not easy and you will need a good support system- but it can be done. I truly learned the meaning of "work hard, play hard."
When it was time to work, I worked- hard. But when I had free time, I gave my kids/husband my 100% undivided attention- no e-mail, books, cell phone, etc.
I haven't seen friends much, but that's what e-mail is for..and they understand.. but your kids will still need you. So I learned to make the most of my time, whether working or playing if that makes sense.

On the weekends, I would make meals for the whole week and try to stock the freezer as much as possible (casseroles, lasagna, etc). On Sun nights I would put out complete outfits for each child for the whole week. I also stocked healthy snacks that the kids were more than welcome to help themselves to (prepped carrots/dip, apples, small yogurts, etc.)
Those are just some of the things that helped me, but you'll find your own sanity-savers. Your program sounds intense, but don't get yourself freaked out.. you came this far, you can do it!

 

[Mandychelle79]

I passed my first year of my two yr ADN program with B ( got a B in both semesters). Half way done.