Becoming CNA questions

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Hi! I am a pre-nursing student, I'm not very far into it yet though as I only have 20 credits but I was considering getting my CNA just so I could gain experience and also make a little more than I would at a part time minimum wage job. My goal is to become a Pediatric RN or L&D nurse, so I was wondering if I could work in a pediatric hospital as a CNA. I'm pretty sure I'll need some prior experience before I'll be able to work in a hospital setting, so would I have to start out at an elderly facility as a caregiver? I would rather not work with the elderly if possible, and I was wondering if there was anyone who has started out in a hospital after getting there CNA? Also, how is it working in like an elderly care facility, like an assisted living community? How bad is changing diapers and doing all of that type of work? Thanks for your help :)

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I use to work in nursing homes. A lot of our good CNA's would leave. One of those good CNA's told me that they got a job at the hospital. She said that the hospital does not hire CNA's unless they have worked in a nursing home for one year first.

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It is very hard to get hired right away in the hospital unless you know someone within the hiring process (i.e. nurse manager, recruiting manager, someone in HR, etc.). A lot of hospitals will even put "previous experience required" or some just have "preferred," which actually translates to "required." With that being said, it can never hurt to apply. I sent in gobs of applications to the children's hospital in my area... never heard anything back, but at least I can say that I tried, right? :) So yes, I would agree with what PP said that it is best to get experience in the nursing home first. I would give it at least 6 months to count as adequate experience. Good luck to you!

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I became certified in July and was offered my choice between two jobs at the hospital in my town. I did not have any experience but had a main interview with three different units. I chose PCU and love love love it! It is a critical care unit with a max of 14 patients and the nurses are fantastic. I also float to ICU and CVU and I still change bedding due to incontinence but briefs (not diapers) are not permitted without a doctor order. I learn about new things everyday and the nurses answer any questions I have and are eager to explain why they are giving a certain medicine, treatment, etc.

It seems like my experience is not the norm though. During orientation we were informed that for every job given, there were 20 other applicants.

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krysmama where are you located, your town? If you don't mind me asking of course.

Here at California, it's hard for one to get hired at acute setting without experience. But staying positive and taking whatever you can to get experience and practice what you love is always great.

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Btw as for changing diapers, its not bad at all. You just have to learn how to manage the smell. Just go in clinicals with confidence and be eager to challenge your weaknesses (smell for me, and at orientation I faced it and conquered it!)

Good luck! Taking my exam on Thursday!

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krysmama where are you located, your town? If you don't mind me asking of course.

Here at California, it's hard for one to get hired at acute setting without experience. But staying positive and taking whatever you can to get experience and practice what you love is always great.

Great Falls, MT at Benefis Hospital, it is a great hospital that focuses on team work, safety, and communication. They have had a very hard time finding quality CNAs in the state but will only hire those who provide great care. I do know that California has a surplus of CNAs so I imagine it is hard to find a job. When I was a CNA in highschool in California we did clinicals in a nursing home and it seemed like everyone was burnt out. It is a much different environment at the hospital I work at compared to that nursing home.

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I live in San Diego. Thanks for your input :)

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