Are nursing homes the only option?

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Ok so I have my CNA license and currently working at an assisted living facility and NOT using my certification. I am really unhappy here because first off, I'm' not using my CNA certification, and there are many more reasons why I don't want to be there anymore :grumpy:Now, I am looking for another job where I will actually use my certification but all I can see is nursing homes or LTC. I'd rather not work in nursing homes but is that the only option I have?

Has anyone worked as a CNA in a place other than nursing homes, if so where?

Did you HAVE to work at a nursing home as your first CNA job?

Where else can I work?

I guess when I say nursing homes, I mean with the elderly... like hospice and all that.

Thanks :)

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After I completed my CNA I landed a job in a medical office. I roomed patients, obtained medical histories, tool vital signs, updated medical charts, and more.

Look for jobs in doctor's offices that do not require specific certification. The job I applied for was actually for a medical assistant. I tailored my resume and cover letter to the specific job I was applying for. At the interview I focused on my CNA skills, previous experience working in an office, in addition to how my prior customer service skills translated into great people skills!

Hope you find the right job soon!

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The local hospital in my area does not require certification for tech positions, but it does give STNAs preference over uncertified persons in hiring. In fact, it's very hard to get hired as a tech without being a STNA unless you have previous tech experience. From what I've heard from hospital ER techs, they actually have a wider scope of practice than nursing assistants in nursing homes. For instance, they insert foley catheters and IVs, and perform CPR. Those procedures are usually only done

Such work is considered working as a nursing assistant for the purpose of keeping your license in Ohio.

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Specializes in None.

I started off at a LTC facility for one year. A job then came open at my local hospital and I have now been working there for a year. LTC isn't your only option. You have doctor's office(although they are very hard to get in my area), home health, private sitting, hospitals, and I'm sure there are more options out there.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

It's all about supply and demand. Everyone (and their mama) wants the exalted CNA job at the hospital, group home, psychiatric facility, home health company, or private duty case, so these types of jobs fill quickly.

You'll be a more attractive candidate for other CNA jobs if you obtain that year of nursing home experience. If you can manage a typical workload at a nursing home, you can work anywhere. Good luck to you.

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Specializes in Forensic Psych.

I've only ever worked at a hospital. When I came home in tears every night after clinicals at at nursing home, I knew it wasn't for me at the time (I was 20, maybe? Almost ten years later and I think I'd actually enjoy it now.)

Tech jobs in the hospital are hard to come by, because they're desirable for a lot of people. I can't tell you how many applications I put in at a dozen hospitals before someone gave me a chance. Probably close to 100. But you only need one "yes" and you're in. :)

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

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After I completed my CNA I landed a job in a medical office. I roomed patients, obtained medical histories, tool vital signs, updated medical charts, and more.

Look for jobs in doctor's offices that do not require specific certification. The job I applied for was actually for a medical assistant. I tailored my resume and cover letter to the specific job I was applying for. At the interview I focused on my CNA skills, previous experience working in an office, in addition to how my prior customer service skills translated into great people skills!

Hope you find the right job soon!

I think it would be nice to work at a doctors office but you said you applied as a medical assistant? So are you using your CNA certification working there?

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

While nursing homes may be the most common and easiest place to find CNA employment, they certainly aren't the only ones. One of the great things about being a CNA is that you have a variety of places to work in and CNAs are always in high demand. You can work in hospitals, home care, hospice, psychiatric facilities, group homes, etc. Right now I work at a geriatric group home where I work by myself caring for 5 clients, and love it. Much less stressful than a nursing home and more one-on-one time with the clients.

However, you may find it necessary to gain experience in a nursing home before other places'll consider you. Even if they may not be your preferred option, nursing homes can be a great way to build up essential healthcare experience.

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