Are there any jobs for new CNAs in Central Florida? Or anywhere?

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As I prepare to apply for LPN schools, I ALWAYS thought that I could get a job as a CNA in the meantime - doesn't pay well, it's hard work, but there used to be a ton of work available and there were always vacancies.

So my friend and I were getting ready to go to one of those places that train you to pass the Florida CNA licensing exam - and my friend started calling around at hospices, nursing homes, assisted living facilities etc. - and half a dozen places told her that they are not hiring, they are laying off or cutting people's hours, and also they have a flood of new applicants recently.

Does this sound accurate? Is it now near-impossible to find a CNA job?

Part 2 of my question -

And what about LPN jobs? I am really really hoping to be an ER nurse one day, and I wanted to start out by getting my LPN and then doing a bridge program, but I hate to pay for career training and take a year of school only to find that the nursing job market is like all the other job markets out there.

What does the job market seem like for new LPN graduates in Florida? ANYWHERE in Florida?

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I checked here in Ocala online at http://ocala.monster.com/search.aspx?zip=34474&rad=50&sort=di.dt&q=CNA&fn=3975&x=68&y=14. There were 4 CNA positions listed along with some LPN listings. Have you checked with home health agencies too? I work at MRMC and we have limited positions for LPN's. They mostly hire RN's. Why not just take the extra time and go for your RN? Most LPN's I've talked to wished they had done that in the first place. It's up to you what you want to do but that is what I suggest. I just completed the ADN program and am happy that I did that rather than getting my LPN first. Good luck on your search and career.

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Basically, I can't afford not to work for 2 years - I work from home, I write web copy and do some other online stuff, and it supports me. I have a bachelor's degree already so I could start the LPN program without having to take all the prereqs - do it three nights a week for 18 months - and then work as an LPN while I got my prereqs and then did a bridge program for LPN to RN.

If I could afford to just go straight through, I'd love to!

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Well that answers my question doesn't it? I was just curious. I do hope it works out for ya'. :smiletea2:

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I live in the Orlando area, and the market here has changed drastically in the last year. Granted, I'm graduating this year with my RN, not CNA. However, those who graduated a year ago had their pick of jobs. This year, we are having difficulty even getting interviews. There is no shortage of nursing staff in this area. There are some positions, but not nearly as many as there are people coming out of school.

Florida was hit harder than a lot of other states with this recession. Those who were going to retire are putting it off. Those who were at home went back to work for fear of the spouse losing a job (or spouse actually losing a job... my husband has been layed off 3 times in the last 3 years). Those who were part time went full time for the same reasons. It's tough in central florida right now. Those of us just out of school who have been able to secure jobs are feeling very lucky.

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believe it or not, health care is a seasonal thing in florida too. busier in the winter months when snowbirds come down, slower in the summer months. I feel your pain though, the local hospital here froze all hiring...

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MAN that's depressing!!! I love the area I live in, my kids are in school here...but once I graduate, I could see having to move for a while until things get better, if I want to find employment as a nurse.

I know what you mean about health care being seasonal, though, makes sense.

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Have you checked hospitals as well? Most of my classmates who worked during school worked as CNAs/PCTs at the local hospitals. Does CNA work pay better than your current job? If not, why not just keep doing what you're doing until you get your LPN license? Also look into other hospital jobs - unit coordinator, monitor tech, etc. if you just want to get your foor in the door. I do know that the job market for LPNs isn't great right now. My hospital only hires them in a very limited capacity - a few work in the ED, and a few in specialized areas like employee health and poison contral. Not sure about Orlando, but I bet it's similar. You'll probably be nursing outside of the hospital setting until you become an RN, unless the market changes significantly by then. Still, I encourage you to pursue your dreams (and maybe you have no desire to work in a hospital)! The ecomony will eventually recover, even in FL, and health care is one of the best fields to be in right now. Good luck!

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Right now I'm a freelance writer and it's enough to support myself. I thought that getting a CNA job and working 3 12 hour shifts could be guaranteed income and get me benefits.

I do want to work in a hospital but the impression I get is that there are many less CNA positions everywhere, whether it's hospitals, hospices, etc.

Once I get an LPN degree I'll work anywhere that will take me while I pursue my RN. I have heard that most hospitals prefer RNs.

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