Experienced CNA's Please Read!

[Irene joy]

B][/b]Hey everyone, this is my first time posting in this section, I'm usually lingering in the pre-nursing area. I 'm done with all my pre-requs for nursing school, with all A's so I feel confident that I'll get in when I apply as they go only by gpa's. The problem is I've decided to wait another year until my youngest is in first grade so I don't have to worry about half-day school. My plan is to get my CNA this summer and work for a year, hopefully in a hospital because that's where I ultimately want to end up. I looked on their web site and they are hiring a lot of CNA's but each job description says hospital exp required. Did any of you get hired to a hospital, right after school, or did you have to work ltc for a year or so?

[arpeggiated]

I got hired in a hospital right from school BUT:

- my class clinicals involved a higher acuity than a normal nursing home (trachs, peg tubes, ventilators, etc)

- I interview VERY well

- I have family who works at the hospital as well.

[Sippy]

Prepare yourself for the interview. I had no hospital experience prior, but I gave them all the right answers and they hired me. If they are impressed with you and think you are worth investing in, they aren't going to care about that one year experience. They asked me things like, in one word how would people describe you, my answer was 'energetic'. They asked what is a negative attribute. I told them, when I have a task with a deadline to do, I can be obsessive until that task is completed. Tell them you are a freak about punctuality, if your on time, your late. SELL YOURSELF! I was uncomfortable about talking so highly about myself and even said so. They'll want to know how every job you've ever had has prepared you for nursing. Try to find a postive way to connect these things. Let them know you are a 'team player'. Do you have children? I believe mothering should be counted as nursing experience. Be confident and calm. Nursing is about keeping your head in crisis, you don't want them to see you sweat.

Getting my foot in the door at the hospital was the best thing I ever did to prepare for nursing school (which I just started in Jan.). I worked there 6 mos prior to starting school. They have even offered to pay my tuition if I'll promise them 2 years service. That means they want to hire me as a nurse when I graduate! I didn't take that commitment, but it's nice to know I have that option. Good luck and let us know if you get it.

Sippy

[Irene joy]

Thanks for the replys! I will definately apply after completing my certification. I'll probably only have about a year to work before entering nursing school, so I wan't to make the most out of my time and learn as much as I can! Congratulations on your hospital jobs, I'm sure they really help when it comes to nursing school clinicals!

[HTmommy]

Prepare yourself for the interview. I had no hospital experience prior, but I gave them all the right answers and they hired me. If they are impressed with you and think you are worth investing in, they aren't going to care about that one year experience. They asked me things like, in one word how would people describe you, my answer was 'energetic'. They asked what is a negative attribute. I told them, when I have a task with a deadline to do, I can be obsessive until that task is completed. Tell them you are a freak about punctuality, if your on time, your late. SELL YOURSELF! I was uncomfortable about talking so highly about myself and even said so. They'll want to know how every job you've ever had has prepared you for nursing. Try to find a postive way to connect these things. Let them know you are a 'team player'. Do you have children? I believe mothering should be counted as nursing experience. Be confident and calm. Nursing is about keeping your head in crisis, you don't want them to see you sweat.

Getting my foot in the door at the hospital was the best thing I ever did to prepare for nursing school (which I just started in Jan.). I worked there 6 mos prior to starting school. They have even offered to pay my tuition if I'll promise them 2 years service. That means they want to hire me as a nurse when I graduate! I didn't take that commitment, but it's nice to know I have that option. Good luck and let us know if you get it.

Sippy

SIPPY - WELL STATED.....THANK YOU!! I too will be utilizing some of your method. Being relitively green in the industry its good to get anothers detailed perspective. I currently work at a LTC facility and want to change to a hospital setting f/t with in the next 2 months. I will take what you mentioned and use it to the best I can!

Thanks again, appreciate your advice!

[grannyNan]

Are you in Oregon? If so find a CNA-2 Acute care class and take it!! This is specialized training for acute care nursing. This is new so check with the board of nursing for approved classes. The neat part is this is recognized throughout the state.

[leesespieces]

I got hired at a large teaching hospital without any previous patient care experience. I did have 6 months exp. as an ER admitting clerk in a VERY smal rural hospital. But the reason they prob hired me was more likely that they knew I was going for my nursing degree and I also interview very well.

I actually went to a resume/interview seminar yesterday and got some really great tips. Like if they ask where you see yourself 5-10 yrs from now say with that same compay but in a position with greater responsibility. Use strengths related to healthcare to describe yourself like organized, good at prioritizing, responsible/accountable, critical thinker. Always turn your weakness into strengths like saying you consider a weakness of your is getting attached to patients and really empathizing with your situation. Also when asked about problems you faced, state the problem you had, the steps you took to correct it and what you learned from the experience.

I'm sure you'll land a good job, best of luck to you!!