Sep 01, 2006 09:48
I've debated with myself over a nursing career path for a long time and finally decided that since I still don't have a clear career path I should start nursing. I have been accepted into a State Tested Nurse Assistant training class which runs for two weeks beginning on the 6th. Once I finish this course I will need to take the state test and then I can begin applying for a STNA or Nurse Assistant position. I've called a few employers about possible employment once I complete my training and pass the state exam. Akron General said they offer tuition reimbursement of 2250/year for full time employees and the nurse assistants start at 10.88. Their unit clerks start at 12.01, but they have to attend a 5 week training, which I am unsure if its paid or unpaid training. I called the other major hospital chain in Akron, Summa Health Systems and they said all jobs are posted online and all of my salary/tuition assistance questions would be answered within the scope of an interview. So not much help there. I know Sunrise, a long term care facility a friend of mine works at said that STNAs start at 10-12 and just an off the street care giver (which she is) makes approx 7-8.50. However, when I called and talked to Sunrise (at the front desk, they said they had no HR) the lady said STNAs and care givers earned the same salary. I can't really see this, but ok. Molly, my friend who works here, says that they give her 50% of tuition and 50% of books in assistance after 90 days of employment. This is really good. Laurel Lake is another big possible employer. It is a long term care facility. I called this morning and left a message for Shelly Bacon. I hope she actually calls me back. Last night after I found out I had gotten a seat in the upcoming class, Isaac and I went to Gabriel Brother's where I bought my first set of scrubs. This is all sort of surreal yet. Akron Institute, a local career college, said that they will begin offereing a 15mth RN program beginning in January. I've called a few times and gotten ZERO information about it. If they will offer this I am going to enroll. I went to another career college about their associates RN program and they made me feel horrible. That school's name was Bryant and Stratton. The interviewer kept asking me why I had any interest in nursing since I was a business and Christian education background. I explained it to her, but she would say, "Are you sure you want to do nursing?" She made me so angry, so I am not sure I would want to go there. Besides, its a 45 minute drive and their tuition is almost 7k/semester. That is a lot for an associate degree career college! I know state universities with lower tuition. I guess I need to call a few more places and get ready for work at Subway.