CNAs in Mass Hospitals

[sarahlpnwannabe]

hi :)

I'm wondering if there are any CNAs out there who are currently working, or have previously worked, in any Mass hospitals? I ask only becuase I'm starting my CNA class soon and I'd really like to work in a hospital since I plan on furthering my career eventually and become and RN; I'd like to have hospital experience. The hospitals I've researched dont really have any CNA job postings. (lawrence general hospital, holy family hospital, mass general, lowell general, etc.) I'm scared that I'll only be able to work in a nursing home after I become certified. Any advice?

thanks in advance :)

[NurseKatie08, MSN]

I worked at Tufts Medical Center while in nursing school. Are you a nursing student, or are you taking a CNA course?

Some hospitals don't call the position a CNA. You may see posting like Patient Care Tech, PCA, Clinical Associate, Nursing Technician, etc.

PM me if you want to know more about Tufts Medical Center.

[plyRN33]

Hello! I am an RN now, but started out working in a nursing home in Westwood as a CNA and then at a hospital. I personally think all RN/LPN should start out as aides, b/c it is GREAT experience in terms of patient care. But anyway, I would pick the hospital you would want to work at as an RN and do your best to get in there. That way, when you do get your license, you will have an in. I am not sure where you live, but South Shore Hospital was hiring CNA (as someone else stated they aren't always called that). A friend of mine recently accepted a job at Newton-Wellsley as an aide. Hope this helps!

[kcksk]

I can tell you that Holy Family calls their CNAs PCAII. They require you to have your CNA license or be in nursing school. They did have some jobs posted and I would think they will have some within the next few months because the new grad positions will be filled and that will open up some PCA positions. Not sure about the other hospitals you mentioned. It is important to have some type of a hospital job during nursing school because you will have better options for jobs once your graduate. Word is that this year will be tough and many hospitals are saying that if you aren't already working for them, there are no new RN positions available. Hope that helps.

[sarahlpnwannabe]

that actually does help a whole lot because I figured if I can't get a hospital job then I'll just work for a nursing home and try again at a hospital at a later time. But everyone does tell me that working at a hospital and getting the feel of it will be the most helpful in the long-run. So thanks a million for everyone's advice and opinions; now I know that a hospital job would def be the best option for me. And I'll know what to look for when job hunting, which always helps.

thanks!!!

[plyRN33]

Also, I have been seeing many hospitals hiring nursing student interns for the summer. I think you have to have completed a year of school at least. But this may be another option if that hospital doesn't have any aide positions posted.