CNA/STNA question!

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I am a junior year nursing student and STRUGGLING to find a job! I feel this is a vicious circle...absolutely every place I apply needs some sort or CNA/STNA certification, but getting the certification is a pain! I want so badly to just take the state test since I already know how to do everything. I was told in the past that 1 semester clinical experience is equivilent to STNA, but all facilities NEED the certification for accredidation/insurance purposes...

So my question is, what jobs are available for the amount of education i currently have? Is it my best bet to take the weeks of STNA certification classes?

Thanks!

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Specializes in CVICU, CCU, MICU.

I would check about the state you live in and their guidelines. For instance where I live if a nursing student has completed 1 semester of clinicals they are eligible to sit for the state CNA exam verses having to take the class. I would see if your state offers something like that.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

some hospitals will hire you without actually having a CNA/STNA certification. at my hospital, we have nursing assistants and nurse techs. Nursing assistants generally are not in nursing school, but I know a couple of them who are. Most of them do not have CNA/STNA certifications while some do.

as for the nurse techs, we have to be in nursing school or a recent graduate of a nursing program and to be hired you have to have at least 1 year of clinical experience.

I would call the hospitals in your area and ask about their requirements.

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Specializes in SPN.

I agree with melosuar. Most hospitals dont reqiure CNA because you will be under the supervision of a RN. Also, being a junior, you prob. already did Geriatrics and the clinicials at a LTC, you may already be able to sit for the CNA cert.

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