Hi! New and with a couple of questions...

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Jan 17, 2009

Hospital jobs are difficult to get as a CNA... usually you have to work in LTC for at least a year before they'll consider you, although being a nursing student could give you an edge.

rancelumsden · Jan 17, 2009

No general answer for you.

We discuss getting hospital jobs a great deal on this forum. I got a hospital job with no experience (other than part-time in an ambulatory clinic for 8 months) and the hospital DID hire others with no experience. But, they had an intensive, and extensive, training program. So, they were more concerned with what they saw in you as a potential employee rather than simply taking your past experience. I know, for a fact, this place was looking for literate, articulate people who presented themselves well. The hospital figured they could train you if you appeared 'trainable'. Yes, some candidates didn't make it once they hit the floor, but that happens everywhere.

Based on the many rants you'll see in this forum, having a background in LTC does not a good CNA make. You (as a generalization) could well be one of those people, with years of experience, sitting around the last couple of hours on your shift.

So yes, your background might help you but again, just cannot generalize because the market for CNAs is so different from area to area.

The advice, as always, is try. Go there in person --- don't just do the online unless they insist you must do the online application to be considered. You have nothing to lose by applying other than some of your time. And of course, always make the good impression. Well written resume, neat application, good appearance, prepare for a 'tough' interview, etc.

A lot of experienced people do not get jobs because they failed in their interview --- someplace. Not articulate, poorly written resume/app, poor appearance, body language showed them to be poor candidate (oh yeah, a good interviewer is watching your body language --- tapping your foot or looking around the room while being interviewed is going to get you disqualified).

Go for it.

mochabean · Jan 17, 2009

It depends where you live at. I'm a nursing assistant at a hospital and I (along with many others) were hired with no experience. We trained for 3-4 weeks. I think you should do the best you can in whatever you do, keep an open mind, and not be afraid of what will happen in the future.

Serendipity, PCT · Jan 17, 2009

Congrats! My classes start on the 26Th! :yeah:

Maybe we can keep each other posted. How long is your course?:typing

srkerk · Jan 18, 2009

Hey!!! My class is 8 weeks long. So March 17th is when my class ends. I am taking it a university here in Texas. Where are you taking yours?

h0merchic · Jan 18, 2009

Hi, I'm new here too. I begin my CNA class on the 27th, lets keep tabs on each other, I'm all about networking. Cheers!

srkerk · Jan 18, 2009

Oh for sure :) Sounds good to me! :up:

DA314 · Jan 18, 2009

I got a hospital job as a CNA with no experience. The hospitals around here are always looking for CNAs. Certain areas, like maternity and surgery, require at least a year of hospital experience, but the other areas are open. I am currently working in the per diem pool, because I'm in nursing school and that is the only way to work arond my classes.

I also had two letter of recommendation from former employers. I know that you don't currently work, but you could get you CNA instructor to write a letter of recommendation for you. That will help.

Serendipity, PCT · Jan 18, 2009

Awesomee! :dancgrp:

My course is 8 weeks too! Let the couuunntt dowwwwwn beginnnnnn, haha.

&+ were both 22 years old! So its a legit countdown. Lets do it!

srkerk · Jan 19, 2009

Sounds good to me :) I am super excited! This week I need to get my BLS Cert and TB test done.

Do you have your text already? If so what one are you using?

Serendipity, PCT · Jan 20, 2009

no, i didn't get a text yet. i am so anxious about this new beginning :heartbeat i'll be receiving my cna text, cna bag, stethoscope, scrub patch, school badge etc. on the 26th of the month :yeah:

well, what i've been doing before the class was looking at the online cna course to prepare for whats ahead! this is an important step for me in the process of becoming an rn- peds. hopefully i can work for a facility that is a learning facility in order to move on to cna ii and eventually qualify for tuition re-imbursement. i went to stony brook university but i'm running out of financial aid so i figure this would be a great way for me to get my feet wet :clown: .

where are you girlies from?

where are you taking your course?

what are your plans for the future.. :typing

p.s. omg i have a headache.. i think the people in nursing world call it eustress (good stress) , lol.