CNA hospital job?

[cnafromaz]

I have applied for SEVERAL hospital CNA, PCT, Registrar, etc. positions and no such luck. I don't have any experience in the medical field and this is making it really hard for me. I was just curious if you think it would help if I volunteered at a hospital? Would that give me the needed experience? Is this the kind of experience that would make me more employable? I know that if someone could see my work habits, they would hire me. It's just the lack of experience in health care that is really hurting me. Any suggestions, would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Lisa From Phoenix]

1. Choose a hospital close to where you live so you won't spend lots of money on gas or wear & tear on your vehicle. Get a job - ANY job - at a hospital. Push people in wheelchairs. Work in housekeeping. Work in the kitchen. Something where you will learn the layout of the hospital. Just get your foot in the door.

2. Take classes to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA), or a patient care technician, or whatever it's called these days. I believe the hospital offers the classes for free.

3. Work as a CNA. Who cares if you have to change briefs (diapers) and wipe people's dirty butts? GET THE EXPERIENCE!!!!

4. Start talking to nurses. Ask them about the college they went to, the classes they took, etc. Ask them... what do I need to do to prepare for nursing school?

5. After working for three months in one department, ask if you can transfer to another department, so you can learn about lots of different areas, not just one.

6. LEARN!!! LEARN!!! LEARN!!! everything you can while you're still working as a CNA. Everythinhg you learn will help you in nursing school.

Hope that helps!