Any 50+ CNA's out there?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Just wondering how many age 50+ CNA's there are out there? I am a career changer; have been a CNA for about 4 months. Did you have any problems with your job search, due to how employers might look at your age? I'll admit that this is a very physically demanding job, but I'm able to handle it as well as someone 1/2 my age. I'm just lacking a lot of experience...would like to work in a hospital rather than LTC. Any thoughts/comments? I'm starting to think I made a mistake by becoming a CNA.

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Specializes in Acute Rehab, IMCU, ED, med-surg.

I work with 3 other CNAs that are 50+ years old, and I'm no spring chicken at 45...

You may need some subacute (rehab or LTC) experience to make you more marketable for a hospital CNA position...

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I'm 55....got my CNA certification at the end of May and I have found that people like that I'm older. I worked for an agency until I got my job at the hospital, and one of the reasons they liked me was my age. Just starting the hospital job tomorrow! I'm so excited!!! I'll let you know how it goes.

I'm also a career changer. I worked as a secretary for the past 30+ years and wanted something new! So far, I haven't regretted it.

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That's great you found a hospital job!!! And yes, let me know how it goes! Like you, I also have a secretarial/administrative background and after going through several downsizings & layoffs, I decided that I needed to do something else. Took the CNA class & did quite well, graduated in 2nd place in class of 12. So many people have told me to get at least 6-12 months experience in LTC before even applying to a hospital. Right now I'm doing registry at a LTC, but really need full time employment. But at least I'm getting some experience for now.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW JOB!!!:yeah:

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I was 50 when I started. I used to say to the interviewers that my life experience coupled with the fact that won't be bringing any bad habits as a CNA would be valuable. :) I was lucky enough to be hired at a hospital with no experience.

Best of luck. The right position is out there for you.

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My buddy Hill is pushing 58 and he is a CNA ;)

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