Becoming a CNA or caregiver...

[Leighanne]

Hello everyone. My name is Leighanne, I'm 19 years old, and have just joined the forums. I just have a question for anyone that can help. I am highly considering becoming a certified nursing assistant or caregiver, but am confused on how I should go about the process. I have heard that you can go into this entry level field by either completing courses at an accredited college, or receiving on-the-job training, in which you would be required to work for the hospital that offers that training for a certain period of time. Has anyone heard of the second option? I've called a couple of hospitals in my local area, who do not offer anything like that. But there is a possibility that one does, as I am waiting for them to return my call (I'll go ahead and make a second attempt and call them again tomorrow morning).

I don't plan on becoming an RN or an LPN. I am a pre-veterinary medicine student, but have found that being able to be an assistant or a caregiver has interested me. Since I'm already in school, I would prefer to have on-the-job training. I'm just looking for something that will let me interact with people, even if it's cleaning bed pans, serving meals, and cleaning rooms. I've been searching for some time now, and every employment opening requires a lot of experience. I'm open to go to hospitals or retirement homes.

If anyone could please respond, I would greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[lovingtheunloved, ASN, RN]

Try nursing homes. They are the facilities that usually have the training programs.

[Leighanne]

Try nursing homes. They are the facilities that usually have the training programs.

Thank you for the quick response. I'll be sure to look into that and make some phone calls tomorrow morning. :)

-Leighanne

[Butch]

Hello Leighanne,

I went to a local nursing home and got hands on training and then took the test. It seems like they always need the help and are willing to train you. Give it a try.

Butch