Posted by FELISHA PAYTON (152.163.201.212) on October 01, 2001 at 14:04:33:
In Reply to: Re: Interested in becoming a CNA posted by Pam B on December 28, 2000 at 13:26:40:
HELLO I WOULD LOVE TO GET INTO A CNA CLASS I HAVE IN THE NURSING FIELD FOR ABOUT FOUR YEARS AND NEVER BEEN CERTIFIED AND HOW DO I GET STARTED. THANKS, FELISHA: : : I have been long discussing wanting to become a CNA, and love the idea, but I cannot seem to figure out what to do or where to start to become one. No one in this area seems to know what I should do. We have 11 nursing homes in this town and nobody I spoke with was any help. I live in Port Arthur, Texas and if anyone has any information or suggestions I would greatly appreciate it.
: "Sorry, it didn"t post the first time."
: Hi Maggie. My name is Pam. I used to live it Seagoville TX. in 1990 and started as a CNA in a small nursing home called Seagoville Manor. At the time I needed no formal training and was hired on as an aid full time. Most nursing homes offer a training class for certification to which is state regulated. Kind of a learn as you go program. Things may have changed in the past 20 years down there so I would suggest applying at the nursing homes in your area. Apply as an NA "nursing assistant" for that position is an assistant to a CNA and it will give you the opportunity to see if a real desire is there. I do warn you tho, CNA is a hard job that needs much compassion and patience. The patient to CNA ratio can be very high. I have worked as a CNA in places where my cares were as high as 12 people in an 8 hr shift. Patients is a must,CNA is a high stress job many times but if the love for the work is there you will make it. I live in Wisconsin now and have been licensed for 6 years. Home health aid is an option also, more one on one. Check with the area tech. schools also, most offer classes for certification.