First CNA Job: Hospital or Nursing Home?

[j_tay1981]

I'm in school right now for my second degree (a BSN). I have no prior experience working in the health care industry. I'm trying to leave my part time bank teller job to get a job as a CNA (I'm licensed in my state). I've applied at multiple hospitals and so far, there's been no love

I was wondering if maybe I shouldn't switch tactics and apply at a nursing home instead. I didn't really want to work at one, but if a nursing home gig is easier to get for a NOOB than a hospital one, I'll do what i have to do.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

[jane_doe]

It is a respectable way to start your career. I had a clinical instructor that started working at a nursing home straight out of college and she loved it. She said she felt a greater sense of autonomy and said she did not think she would have learned so much so fast at a hospital. Once your have some experience under your belt you can apply somewhere else. Nursing is much larger than working in hospitals. You have many options.

[hyunjoo82]

I'm also a new CNA grad and will be starting nursing school in six months. I've been trying to find a job as a CNA for the past two months with no luck at hospitals. I really wanted to work in a hospital to familiarize myself with the environment but a job is now better than no job. I started inquiring about being a CNA and doing home care last night. I submitted a few applications and this morning, I just got a call from one of the places I applied. I'll be going to their information session tomorrow for more information. I don't have any clinical experience which is why I think I haven't been hired at hospitals and with this particular home caregiver organization, they sound willing to work with people who are just available. I was told that I could be paid $90 per day as a live-in CNA or get paid $9/hr and they will work with my schedule. I figure they would be willing to give me work for as many hours as I want or if there is overtime, perhaps I can find another similar home care agency to work two full-time jobs (I plan on working nights and/or weekends so I can still study when the patient/resident is sleeping).

It's hard and frustrating not being able to find a hospital job (or any job for that reason) without any experience. More frustrating because how are we supposed to GET experience if no one will hire us? But there are places out there that are willing to take you even without experience. Just keep looking!