Woo hoo. Still can't believe it's already been 2 weeks since I graduated from Niles College's CNA program. My whole experience there has been phenomenal. From the day that I first walked into Niles to talk to Fe, the program director, about their CNA course to the day I last walked out (after taking the CNA state board exam), I can honestly say this was really an outstanding and remarkable experience... and bittersweet. So let's begin, shall we!
After finishing my pre-reqs for Nursing, I was in the midst of applying to nursing school and needed something more than just my grades and volunteer services. So I decided to take a CNA course to gain more experience and to learn more about hands on nursing skills. I was browsing the web when I stumbled upon Niles College and I read up on their program. I was really interested so I called and Fe picked up. She was super nice and helpful and told me to drop by so we can meet in person and talk more. Next thing you know, I'm at the college and i'm talking to Fe and then I'm doing the paperwork!
Literally one week later, i'm starting class !
LECTURE/DISCUSSION:
Gina, Fe's daughter, was our instructor. She is certified as an LVN and has worked in multiple hospital facilities throughout her nursing career before teaching. Throughout the whole course, Gina was very informative and taught us the right ways to perform certain skills to learning the basics of nursing assistance and the tasks that nursing assistants do on a daily basis. The first and half week of the program consists of lectures/discussions where we learn through powerpoints, handouts, and a powerpoint binder. Class starts at 8:00am-4:30pm. Yes. i know.. bummer... class is 8 hours long. BUT, rest assure, it is THEE most fast and worth-it 8 hours of ur life. Being in class for 8 hours NEVER feels like 8 hours cause it goes by so fast and you're in constant learning mode. Gina does most of the talking and we follow through w/ the powerpoint binders. In the chapters, we learn about: roles/responsibilities, abuse, proper body mechanics, positioning, infection controls, taking vital signs, personal hygiene, intake/output, safety/emergency procedures, nutrition, long-term care, restorative care, observations/reporting, and death/dying. This is a lot of information to absorb in less than 2weeks and we do take 1-2 tests daily. But they are completely doable tests if you follow along and pay attention in class. As long as you take notes/listen and really apply the things Gina says, you will definitely pass the tests. She goes through every chapter thoroughly and she helps you and engages you into what she's teaching. Gina is a great instructor and she genuinely wants everyone to pass and succeed, but most importantly, she wants us to learn and fully comprehend what we're learning and not just study and forget after. Honestly, with all the practice tests, study guides, and handouts she provides, you'll even surprise yourself with how much you really do retain. We also get a few 15 mins breaks throughout the day and an hour lunch break so time is not the problem here and overtime, you honestly start feeling like family with your classmates and w/Gina and her mum and dad. The program tuition (~ $1,400) also includes your CPR certification which is great if you aren't CPR certified yet. We literally got certified in two hours and we learned hands on how to perform CPR on an adult and baby dummy and that's it! You are now certified for the next two years!
CLINICALS:
After lecture/discussions comes clinicals which is only two weeks long! Clinical is where you apply what you learned in lecture. It starts at 7:00am to 3:30pm and the clinical site is at Burlingame Long Term Care. My experience there is yet another memorable one for me. Throughout my time there, I met some great CNAs and my daily task was to shadow them and learn from them. Through watching what they do on a daily basis, I seriously have a new profound respect for CNAs and nurses in general. This also sparked my passion even more for becoming a future nurse one day. The two weeks really went by so fast and on the last day, I was actually kinda sad to say goodbye to everyone but also happy that I embarked on this journey and that I came out with more knowledge after being there.
After clinical, we take our final and a week later, we take the state boards exam. Gina prepped our asses off for this exam and we all passed! Hands down thee BEST CNA program, imo. In one month, I have gone from knowing nothing about CNAs to being one.
Thank you, Gina and family, for teaching me, inspiring me, and believing in me. read more