[Midwest03]

Thanks so much for this CNA Forum!!! I was a CNA for about seven years and loved it. I have worked in many nursing homes, hospital, and doctor's office as a medical assistant. I love the medical field. I look forward to reading more on this site. Happy New Year too everyone!!!

[spiderbaby99]

Thank you for starting this forum. I am a nursing student and will recieve my BSN from John Hopkins in May 2009. I have a CNA in Maryland and plan to transfer it to NY (where I used to live). I am having a very difficult time finding jobs in New York City. When I lioved in NYC I was not involved in Healthcare.
Can anyone show me where to look for a CNA instern/externship?

thank you!!!!

[CrazyMommy]

I've been a CNA since December of last year and so far I am liking it. I am working at Christus Spohn Hospital as a Unit Secretary and CNA. Currently I am still taking pre-req. for the nursing program and will apply for "Fall 08". Being a CNA has showed me that for one I like the medical field and, two, that I want to help others. Not only does it introduce me to all kinds of diseases, how to read doctors orders, communicate with all the members of the hospital, it also prepares me for nursing school later .

[nymia78]

I PASSED NY NEW YORK STATE BOARD TODAY I'M A C.N.A

[blueocean_grl CNA]

Congratulations! I remember how stressed I was about the practical part of the boards, I thought I'd forget everything! but I didn't :-)

good luck in the future! Have you already been working as an assistant or are you now going to be looking for a position (if so where do you hope to get?)

[Lexismom]

I've been a CNA for a year and a half and not worked as one as of yet. I've applied at two hospitals for a job. I've always liked working with people.

[workerbeezee]

Originally Posted by Lexismom

I've been a CNA for a year and a half and not worked as one as of yet. I've applied at two hospitals for a job. I've always liked working with people.

Lexismom,
Have you only applied to 2 hospitals in all that time? Usually they won't hire you unless you have at least a years experience, so hit the pavement. Apply to nursing homes and other facilities. Be carefull thought do your research. For instance: assisted living facilities are good but can be a slower pace and have alot of grey areas, Skills could be lost. I would stick with a "nursing Home". I started as a PCSP (personal Care Service Provider) then took the LNA course through the red cross and got promoted within to LNA (Licensed Nurse Assistant). I worked in Home care for almost a year and I switched to assisted living. (for me BORING) I'm switching back to the Veterans Home that has more acute care. Bed Baths, whirlpools, Hoyer lifts, sit stand, Colostomy changes, and a more diverse age group. You can't expect anything with 2 applications. Well...I hope I help a little but it is all up to you where you are happiest. Good luck
Also.. be aware that you need to fullfill your requirements of working as a CNA and your CEU's if your going to keep your certification (here it is a license). So check with your Board of Nursing on the requirements.

[Lexismom]

Yes, only 2 hospitals and they were very recent. I retired from the Army Aug 05 and went to school since then. Thank you for the advice. I guess tomorrow I'll start "pounding the pavement"!

[jojoluvzya]

Hello fellow CNA's!

It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it! I strongly encourage anyone in this position to further your education. Your back will appreciate you for it!!

I am currently in the 2nd semester of a nursing program in Jersey, and so far so good. We start clinicals this semester so it's supposed to get tougher. Wish me luck!

I wish everyone the best of luck in the profession. This website is amazing in that we can all use it for support. God knows as nurses we will need it!

take it easy~

[moomoo111]

Hello to all, I am a CNA in SC. I worked in a nursing home for about 4 months and finally got hired to work in a hospital in the Med Surg dept. I am also a LPN student and will graduate in August. I will transfer to another school to be closer to my kids and finish my RN. Working as a CNA is a tremendous help while attending nursing school and the nurses I work with are very helpful. I work with some good CNAs and some bad CNAs but we have a new department manager who is going to weed the bad ones out. I truly believe that being a CNA is a rewarding experience for anyone and we are the vital "link" from the patients to the Nurses. Your job is a very important part of the system and you should take pride in your work. Beth