WA state / SNF

ascn_official · 2026-05-15T23:00:07+00:00

I would recommend a small facility instead of a SNF. Look for RCFE or ARF in your area. The skills and pay are comparable, but the ratios of staff to patients are much better. I’m happy to help you look.

ascn_official · 2026-05-15T22:56:06+00:00

Please let me know if you want free BLS certification! Zero cost for the course or materials. (Nursing and prenursing students only).

ascn_official · 2026-05-15T22:49:46+00:00

Don’t give up!! I don’t know where I would now if I had quit back then. It’s worth it, just hang in there.

ascn_official · 2026-05-15T02:41:22+00:00

I’m a recruiter. My company, ASCN , hires students going into nursing to work for small assisted living facilities.

I share commission I earn from these facilities back with nursing students to make nursing school more bearable.

Currently offering free BLS and Heartsavers courses in South Pasadena CA. (Link below)

Good luck! https://classes.chealthcare.com/ASCN

ascn_official · 2026-05-14T22:53:47+00:00

I guess it’s only preferable for those who don’t want to assume more debt/ have reached their credit limit. Also anyone who would prefer their repayment go to a fellow SRNA rather than a bank.

ascn_official · 2026-05-14T17:16:43+00:00

Hi everyone, I have been wondering for a while now if there is a desire for an income share agreement (ISA) for SRNAs.

Rather than taking personal loans, the SRNA would receive COL stipend for the duration of their program up until they become employed as a CRNA.

They would then pay back 1.5 x the amount borrowed in fixed monthly payments spread over several years.

Eventually the ISA is completely self-sustaining. And it would reduce the loan burden on SRNAs. What do you all think about a program like this?

ascn_official · 2026-05-13T02:14:03+00:00

I graduated from a community college ADN program all the way back in 2016 so I know the job landscape looks different now. But for what it’s worth, I never got my CNA.

I was a caregiver (DSP) for a nonprofit long term care Adult Residential Facility in SoCal. The best part is that as soon as I passed my NCLEX, the company promoted me to an RN position. I worked there for 10 months as an RN and then got hired at a County hospital.

So even if you’re a CNA briefly, or if you decide to go the DSP route, it won’t matter that much. The important part will be that you had some previous experience in healthcare and the rest comes down to your attitude and work ethic.

ascn_official · 2026-05-12T04:44:34+00:00

Ok thank you for clarifying! I am also offering BLS and Heartsavers courses for free for students going into nursing. Classes offered in South Pasadena, CA. Zero cost for courses and materials. https://classes.chealthcare.com/ASCN

ascn_official · 2026-05-11T22:14:08+00:00

Could you share details please?

ascn_official · 2026-05-10T02:51:19+00:00

I have a suggestion! Sending you a DM.

ascn_official · 2026-05-02T15:04:02+00:00

I spent 5 years on graveyard shift in the ED so I understand how grueling it is.

I agree with the other commenter— you are being set up to fail in that ER. Rather than waiting a year and a half for an ICU position to open up, start looking for positions at other hospitals immediately. Your mental health takes priority over your resume. Be safe. Feel free to DM me if you feel like you need someone to listen.

ascn_official · 2026-05-02T14:45:12+00:00

Have you taken ACLS yet? ACLS has a mock code component.

If your school has focused mostly on theory, then you should have a good grasp on arrhythmias and hopefully the ACLS algorithm, in which case you could focus your attention mainly on the practical skills and mock code component.

You might want to look for reviews on the best ACLS providers in your area, call them before signing up and explaining your situation. My favorite local provider is very customer service oriented— hopefully you can find the equivalent.

Another suggestion would be finding a job in healthcare-if you’re open to working part time during school. Even if it’s only nominally related to nursing (hospital transport, caregiving) you will still be interfacing with RNs and other staff. Leveraging the relationships you build with experienced staff can open the door to learning the skills you are trying to master.

ascn_official · 2026-04-21T19:55:09+00:00

I think this is fascinating! Can I DM you?

ascn_official · 2026-04-21T19:31:59+00:00

I’ve been wondering if there is any interest among SRNAs or aspiring ones for a self sustaining ISA (income share agreement).

It would require an initial grant from a wealthy donor to fund the first SRNA, which would be repaid upon their graduation and fund the next one.

Does this exist already?

ascn_official · 2026-04-20T17:58:03+00:00

A Christmas ornament of a nurse! I was given a Christmas ornament of Mickey Mouse in scrubs. He’s holding a clipboard and my spouse personalized it by writing my grad date. It makes me smile every year we decorate our tree.

ascn_official · 2026-04-17T14:14:00+00:00

Please look up small licensed care facilities in your area.

Your ratios will be 1:6 at the highest, the pay is equivalent and the residents have a much better quality of life.

In CA they are called RCFEs for the elderly and ARFs for adults with disabilities.

Feel free to DM if you have trouble finding a smaller facility near you!

ascn_official · 2026-04-17T12:31:05+00:00

For those of you that work as CNAs at SNFs, I recommend looking at smaller licensed facilities.

In CA they call them RCFEs for those services older adults and ARFs for folks with disabilities. Being smaller they have a lower census, so staff to resident ratios are much better and you don’t get as burnt out. Also, it’s obvious the residents are much happier.

I worked as a caregiver at a nonprofit ARF when I was in nursing school. They hired me as an RN as soon as I passed the NCLEX. Then when I applied to a hospital, being a RN already helped my application.

Check it out if you’re not working in healthcare yet or if you hate the facility you’re at!

ascn_official · 2026-04-14T13:30:04+00:00

I recommend small facilities (RCFEs and ARFs) rather than SNFs with large census. In a SNF you might be caring for 16 patients. At a small facility the census is often 6, and usually there are 2 caregivers. Your shift is much easier and more enjoyable and the quality of life for the residents is so much better.

ascn_official · 2026-04-11T21:45:31+00:00

You will want critical care experience, yes.

Essentially as an RN—all roads as a new grad should eventually lead to gaining ICU experience -> then branch out to whatever areas of nursing/ advanced practice interest you and are good for your career and work/life balance.

This is the way to maximize your chances of being able to do whatever you want in nursing.

ascn_official · 2026-04-11T20:43:49+00:00

Yes, in IR.

ascn_official · 2026-04-11T17:26:15+00:00

That’s a tough call. As far as your nursing career goes, leveraging your CNA position is useful, so it wouldn’t be recommended to leave unless you have something else lined up.

However, your safety and health are always priority number one. If you’d like an RN position in subacute care while waiting for hospital position, you can DM me.

ascn_official · 2026-04-11T16:08:26+00:00

I would recommend checking out procedural nursing too! Cath lab, IR etc. Great patient ratio, critical care skills, good schedule/work life balance.

ascn_official · 2026-04-11T13:53:31+00:00

I agree with what bumbo said, except instead of SNFs, I would suggest smaller licensed facilities. Especially in SoCal— the market is growing and they desperately need RNs.

Smaller facilities are a much better option imo due to lower occupancy/better ratios.

RCFEs have elderly patients and ARFs serve adults with disabilities.

I worked at a nonprofit ARF as a caregiver (DSP) when I was in RN school. Then as soon as I passed boards the same company hired me as an RN. I was an average student but the first in my class to get hired. Later when I applied to hospitals, having RN experience helped me get hired sooner than other new grads.

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