Advice on getting a PCA or CNA type position...

[mandalyn]

I live in the Austin area and would love to get a night shift job as a CNA/PCT/clinical assistant. I don't have my CNA certificate, was looking to get one but believe it or not there is only one place to get it around here and the hours are unreal! I wish there was more options for schooling.

I noticed that Seton doesn't have under requirments CNA or anything else, just high school grad or equivalent. I have applied to a few diffrent positions and just have this gut feeling that I wont get them. I mean why would I? I have no experience and no schooling on the subject ect.

What are your thoughts? Should I keep applying or bite the bullet and go to CNA school? Any tricks to get me in? I really want some experience to get me ready for nursing school.

Thanks!

[popopopo]

Some hospitals require certifications while others require you to just be enrolled in nursing school. I would think the majority of nursing students do not have experience as techs when applying so don't worry. I didn't have any experience. I wore a nice shirt, handed the manager my resume and got a tour of the unit and got the job. I wouldn't delay your entrance to nursing school if you can apply.

[mandalyn]

Thanks so much for the advice. I think I will try trying for a while before going to school for CNA. Its only a 2 week thing (36 hours) so it wont push back my schooling to get into nursing school but I don't want to have to do it if I can get a job without it.

Thanks! :)

[popopopo]

Wait, 2 weeks? Sorry, I was thinking of a 6 months program or something. Isn't it summer? I would totally do the CNA, get a job in the summer an continue part-time with it through nursing school. Depending on where you work, you may be also illegible to sign contracts and have nursing school paid in exchange for a commitment to work for said hospital.