Advice for a new CNA searching for a hospital position

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Hello!

I am currently in my CNA training and will be done at the beginning of December.

I just got a job at a LTC center as a hospitality aid (making minimum wage unfortunately), since they sort of "sponsor" the class I am taking. They offer CNA positions to all graduating students from the class.

However, I am interested in working in the hospital, specifically the local Children's Hospital. I've been interested in pediatrics since I decided to become a nurse, more specifically Pediatric Oncology. I feel like that is the place that I need to be, and I am drawn into pediatrics every time I do research on becoming an RN. I want to work in a hospital as a CNA while I am in nursing school.

My goals are to get into the RN program next fall 2016, and after I get my ASN and take the NCLEX, I want to look towards getting my BSN.

I've been looking around and researching local hospitals. There are plenty of CNA positions available. Most say Hospital experience preferred (not required)

So my questions are: Is it difficult for new CNAs to get a position in a hospital? Do you have any advice for a new CNA trying to get into a hospital? Would I be able to go ahead and start applying now to hospitals? Do hospitals hire aides and students that are currently in CNA programs?

Thank you!

Edit: Maybe I should also add, I am willing to do night shift or any shift really.

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Many hospitals will not hire CNAs with only clinical experience. Most want someone with at least one year of experience before applying. I can tell you that every single brand new CNA my hospital has hired has struggled, no matter the shift. Things are very fast paced and patients who are stable at the beginning of shift can deteriorate quickly by the end of shift. There are so many skills and routines we do in the hospital which are different from the LTC routine that it is better for most brand new CNAs to get experience in a LTC setting before applying for a hospital position.

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Specializes in Long term care.

It has been my experience that it is very difficult for a new CNA to get a position in a hospital. Most, if not all, want at least 6 months of long term care experience. I have never heard of a hospital hiring a cna in training.

No harm in applying now but, keep in mind, you are likely wasting your time...there are some areas that have a high demand for CNAs and if you are in one of these areas this would be your only hope of getting in a hospital without LTC experience, that and if you know someone..

Best way to get in is to get your experience in. Keep applying to the hospitals anyway, and Volunteer at the hospital even one day a week...that would be your foot in the door.

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Curious, you said that there are some areas in high demand, Which are those?

Thank you for your response! I am actually looking at volunteering at the hospital I want to work at a couple days a week while I work in LTC.

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I was hired as a hospital aide with no experience and I've never took a formal CNA class..

I'd say apply, it won't hurt. Good luck!

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I tried applying to hospitals straight out of my CNA program and got no bites - not even 1 interview. I thought my resume was pretty good in general but I didn't have any experience so I'm assuming that was the problem. So I finally applied at one nursing home and had an interview and was hired the next day! It's been very difficult and the pay is much lower than a hospital but I'm kind of glad that I did it because I know I'm learning so much. I may apply at hospitals again once I'm there for 6 months - 1 year. One hospital near me lists the hourly wage in the job description and it's more than double what I'm making now!

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Specializes in Critical Care Transport, Cardiac ICU, Rapid.

-New CNA's will not get hired by a hospital

-Hospitals will go with someone that has more experience (typically over a year or exp in a hospital or skilled nursing setting) over someone that doesn't necessarily meet those credentials

-stick with SNF and start reapplying after about 4-5 months. I was able to land my hospital job after about 5 months of SNF

-also forgot: connections are key to getting in hospitals as well. In my case I didn't have any prior so I just had to sit back and let the months worked pass

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While I agree with the previous posts, I was hired at a hospital with no formal CNA experience and with only current RN program clinical experience. In my state, we are eligible to challenge the CNA exam after first semester. I wish I would have done so sooner, but better late than never and was certified a few months ago.

I applied knowing I wouldnt stand a chance. After about one month passed, I found out who he recruiter was and left that person a voice mail. That person called me back and an interview was scheduled. Still thinking I didnt stand a chance, I went to the interview and was there for quite some time. I focused more on what I do in my RN clinical rotation when it comes to the CNA type tasks and less about not having "paid" experience.

It worked out in my favor. I also have done two clinical rotations at this facility, so I have had training on their documentation system.

Long story longer, just try to find a way to focus on what you HAVE done (paid or not). Patient safety, documentation, being able to demonstrate chain of command, etc will help!

Never give up because the worse thing they will say is "no".

Good luck!

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hospitals are pretty weird about hiring new aides, but ive noticed that the hospital i work at hires their own nursing assistants..i dont think they are certified though. good luck, its a completely different world than ltc, you will have more responsibilities, and you will need to be more knowledgeable about certain things, like medical terminology, taking blood sugars, charting, giving report,etc. i personally was able to catch on pretty quick, but there were certain things that were difficult. giving report is still something i struggle with, because a lot of times, the aide before me took off before i could get it, and i have to go through the ecardex to get it myself. on the upside, working in a hospital has the benefit of being treated as an equal, there is not a lot of heavy lifting, and everyone works as a team.

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Thank you all for responding.

Im still starting Monday in the LTC facility. I don't know yet what I will do once I do get certified, I will see once it gets here.

However, I am working towards volunteering at the hospital I want to work at, so I am hoping that gives me an "in" on making contacts and potentially getting a job there as a CNA.

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Specializes in ICU Stepdown.
Thank you all for responding.

Im still starting Monday in the LTC facility. I don't know yet what I will do once I do get certified, I will see once it gets here.

However, I am working towards volunteering at the hospital I want to work at, so I am hoping that gives me an "in" on making contacts and potentially getting a job there as a CNA.

Volunteering will definitely help :) good luck and keep us updated

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Specializes in Mental Health, Maternity & Well-Woman Care.

I will mirror much of what has been said: most hospitals would prefer their CNA's to have experience. The places that I have applied to also require applicants to have a CPR/BLS certificate as well.

I just scheduled an interview with a hospital (I passed the CNA state exam last week!), hopefully things will work out and I can obtain a job there. I plan to take a CPR class within the next few weeks.

Definitely try, but at least you know that it might not happen. Worse case scenerio you try again when you have some experience.

Best wishes! :)

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