Finding a job as a CNA

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hello All.I recently graduated from the Red Cross NAT program.I passed my certification shortly after.Im OFFICIALLY certified in the state of Pennsylvania as a CNA.At first, I was very excited.Now not so much.I'm currently looking for a job in the field and its not easy by any means.Everywhere I go to apply wants you to have anywhere from a year to three years expirence.How could you possibly find a job if no one gives you a chance because of your lack of expirence? If I apply as a volunteer would that count as expirence? Is there anyone having similar issues?

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1. You might want to look in more rural areas as well as urban ones. There are fewer aides in those areas so demand is greater.

2. You generally need some experiance in a long-term care facility before you can get hired as a home health aide or hospital tech.

3. CNAs are in demand right now. Rest assured you will be hired.

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1. You might want to look in more rural areas as well as urban ones. There are fewer aides in those areas so demand is greater.

2. You generally need some experiance in a long-term care facility before you can get hired as a home health aide or hospital tech.

3. CNAs are in demand right now. Rest assured you will be hired.

Thanks for responding. And as far as applying I have been trying to apply everywhere.Its just a lot of places including nursing homes & rehab want you to have expirence. Should I still apply for the ones that want expirence?

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Assisted living or hospice

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Assisted living or hospice

Thanks I have tried assisted living but not hospice.

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Look into mental health rehabs. I got my first CNA job there.

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Thanks for responding. And as far as applying I have been trying to apply everywhere.Its just a lot of places including nursing homes & rehab want you to have expirence. Should I still apply for the ones that want expirence?

Yes! Apply everywhere. It can't hurt.

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Hello All.I recently graduated from the Red Cross NAT program.I passed my certification shortly after.Im OFFICIALLY certified in the state of Pennsylvania as a CNA.At first I was very excited.Now not so much.I'm currently looking for a job in the field and its not easy by any means.Everywhere I go to apply wants you to have anywhere from a year to three years expirence.How could you possibly find a job if no one gives you a chance because of your lack of expirence? If I apply as a volunteer would that count as expirence? Is there anyone having similar issues?[/quote']

Hi Aps1108,

This spring I will begin my CNA training, also in the State of PA. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind explaining the way the license exam is set up, for our state or any advice on important info to retain from the class? Also, are there any supplemental readings, websites or maybe apps for quizzes you suggest?

Thanks for your help! Good luck to you with the job search.

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Hi Aps1108,

This spring I will begin my CNA training, also in the State of PA. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind explaining the way the license exam is set up, for our state or any advice on important info to retain from the class? Also, are there any supplemental readings, websites or maybe apps for quizzes you suggest?

Thanks for your help! Good luck to you with the job search.

I dont mind at all.I went to the Red Cross NAT program. It was a 4 week (134 hrs) program. We learned for 3 weeks and had hands on for 1 week.It may vary from school to school.You had to pass exam quiz with 80% or higher.We learned alot they were very thorough.They teach you everything you need to know to pass the state exam.But as for the state exam it was 70 questions 10 of which didnt count towards the grade.And a skills test.On the skills test you have to perform 5 of the 21 (I think) skills we learned.In 30minutes. Then you either get a pass or fail.If you pass you get your certification but if you fail you have to take just the test again not the whole class.Its easy. I Think if your determined you will Ace this.If you dont mind me asking where in Pa?

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Oh and as for readings they give you all materials you will need.If you study and read over them you will do great.

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Oh and as for readings they give you all materials you will need.If you study and read over them you will do great.

Thank you so much for that. I feel a little less anxious after reading that breakdown.

I'm in central pa, at penn state. But I'll be commuting for the program, but it's a pen state affiliate program. I liked that Red Cross is nationally recognized but I had an education award I was able to use if I went through the university (even though it was awarded for work with Red Cross haha).

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Hi Aps1108,

This spring I will begin my CNA training, also in the State of PA. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind explaining the way the license exam is set up, for our state or any advice on important info to retain from the class? Also, are there any supplemental readings, websites or maybe apps for quizzes you suggest?

Try quizlet.com :)

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