Can CNAs work outside the Nursing home?

CapeCodDreamer · Oct 5, 2012

Just check around this site, and I'm sure you'll find lots of different places: adult day care, hospital settings (and all the units contained therein), pediatric LTC, recovery programs, home health, rehabilitation facilities, etc. I'm still surprised at some of the places that will utilize CNAs!

FutureNeoNursing · Oct 6, 2012

Just like CapeCodDreamer said, you can work in rehab,dialysis centers,pediatrics,veterans facilities, and home care..There are places that will hire you without experience, but some may require exp in a hospital like setting so I suggest getting your feet wet and just start off working in a nursing home for the experience then transfer over into one of those sectors. Put in as many resumes/apps as you can,something is bound to pop up for you! Keep us posted with what you find in your state..

look up patient care tech or patient care services,this position is usually in a hospital setting and has on the job training. Could be titled differently in your state.

Pattycakes85 · Oct 6, 2012

Thank you both soooo much!!! So helpful :) my classes end in a month so I will keep you guys posted. Thanks again!!!!

mmtorrez · Oct 6, 2012

CNAS can work pretty much everywhere. I work at a Childrens Hospital in my state and love it.If nursing home isn't where you want to be, then don't settle. I recommend going into staffing to get your foot in the door, as well as have the opportunity to travel within the healthcare settings to see where you want to work. ,

Pattycakes85 · Oct 6, 2012

CNAS can work pretty much everywhere. I work at a Childrens Hospital in my state and love it.If nursing home isn't where you want to be, then don't settle. I recommend going into staffing to get your foot in the door, as well as have the opportunity to travel within the healthcare settings to see where you want to work. ,

Thanks for the advice!! I'll look around. I've been searching on indeed and there isn't much there is a cashier position in the cafeteria of the hospital where I would like to work....Should I start there? To get my foot in the door?

mmtorrez · Oct 7, 2012

Hospitals usually do hire within, or prefer to. Just check because some of the hospitals third party their dietary department, so it tech wouldn't be part of the hospital.

ctmed · Oct 9, 2012

CNA also qualifies you to work as a MHT - Mental Health Tech on psych wards.

Dialysis, therapy and those type jobs in my area are pretty much a "who you kow" thing. But once you work for one of those places you can always work at another. For therapy they like folks that are at least some of the way through PTA or OTA school and choose those first.

I hear you about nursing homes. The last one I worked at left such a bad taste in my mouth I have been tearing down sheet rock and demolishing houses I needed a break so bad. Some of these nursing homes can be really poisonous places and bad for one's mental health as a CNA. Not talking about the residents. They loved me. It's all the nurses and other CNAs that seemed to be miserable and the ungodly workload.

LeCitha · Oct 9, 2012

I know what you mean, try the Hospitals. I know here in Houston they are called PCA Techs which is Patient Care Assistant. Good luck!

etxn · Oct 10, 2012

I work as a CNA in Home Health. In my city CNAs don't work in hospitals or doctor's offices, but in nearby cities I've seen that they do.

kpossible · Nov 3, 2012

If you don't have experience, you can always work in home health! I just got hired and it's mostly PRN for now but it's driving to client's homes and taking care of them. It does lack the social aspect since it's mostly working by yourself but the hours can be much more flexible (like 2+ hour shifts per patient).

Tekenya21 · Apr 13, 2017

I was wondering if you did end up getting a job outside of a nursing home. I myself would like the same when I graduate, anything but nursing home work.