CNA student, please give advice for hospital employment

[SunshineCNA]

I am new to allnurses!! I will be starting a CNA program at Wake Tech next month (would love to do Nursing later, but with young kids at home, it is tough!). My question is this...What can I do to prepare myself to gain employment in a hospital upon certification? I am eyeing Wake Med. I would love the flexibility of the hours in a hospital, as well as the opportunity to pursue more education (maybe Surgical Tech, etc). A nurse friend suggested a Medical Terminology course (although I am having problems finding one online), and I am going to start volunteering at Wake Med next month as well to get my foot in the door. Any suggestions?

[neygray]

I was a CNA before nursing school. Honestly, I don't know of anything to really prepare yourself as this is an entry level position unless your local hospital has 'transporters'. Then, what you mainly do is move patients from the ER to the floors or transport between floors. I did find this website. I do not know the cost.

http://www.medical-billing-certificates.com/?key=go_medical_terminology&v=google&a=allied%40educationdynamics.com&c=medical_terminology_cert&cat=medical_terminology&mt=Content&ad=1707405289&est=medical%20terminology%20course&drop_id=medical%20billing  

Good luck!

[nkara, CNA]

I think you have all the right ideas. I also am a CNA in a hospital and getting my foot in the door consisted on apply at least 30 times and finally having an internal employee call HR to request I get an interview. If she hadn't helped me I would never be here.