Finding an entry level cna opening

CinthiaD92 · Dec 13, 2012

Hi everyone.
I am entering into the medical field as a CNA. I am starting out with no experience as I am leaving another career field. I am finding that it is difficult to get a job with no experience. I am planning to attend school in Aprl but I would like to get my feet wet first. Any ideas?
Thanks and smiles,
Cindy Noble

Hi Cindy!

Wat state are you in? I am also planning to study cna but am afraid of not finding a job later I am located in Texas!

Graduation2016 · Dec 13, 2012

Go for it! I did my CNA training back in 2009 and had no experience in the medical field whatsoever. I worked PT then as an Sr. administrative Assistant from 9-1 and did the CNA program from 6-10 Monday thru Friday for 6 weeks. 1 month later I got a job on mother/baby. Working full time I did the surgical technology for 1 year and then when I was done I transferred to L/D as an OB scrub tech and have been doing it for a year and a half almost. Now I'm about to start my science classes in the spring for a BSN and start the nursing classes in the fall next year! So definitely being a CNA opens many doors and the experience you will gain will be invaluable! Good luck to both!

kpossible · Dec 13, 2012

I would try a nursing home or home health care agency (if you don't mind driving and a varied schedule). Hospitals usually require previous experience as a CNA or medsurg clinical experience as a nursing student. Otherwise, if you don't mind not getting a different job at a hospital, there are transport tech jobs available!

Kdrenee · Dec 13, 2012

I live in Texas and didn't have a problem at all. I had 2 job offers a couple of weeks after I took my test at hospitals and I have no experience. Just apply everywhere. I applied to hundreds of jobs, and when you get an interview, kick butt at it!

Kdrenee · Dec 13, 2012

Also, ask your CNA class instructor if they know of any openings. My teacher gave my whole class a list of openings she knew of and even some contacts of people who do the interviewing. She also let us use her as a reference on applications!

CinthiaD92 · Dec 14, 2012

Also, ask your CNA class instructor if they know of any openings. My teacher gave my whole class a list of openings she knew of and even some contacts of people who do the interviewing. She also let us use her as a reference on applications!

Where did you take your classes? I'm thinking about going for pct instead

becalee26 · Dec 21, 2012

I just got my first job as a CNA in a Nursing home/Rehabilition center. I plan on working for for 6 months to a year and then try to get into a Hospital. It took me 3 months of job interviews to get the job that I have now. Don't give up hope, keep applying. I know many people don't want the job in a nursing home but if you can do it just to gain some experience will be worth it.

Kdrenee · Dec 21, 2012

Where did you take your classes? I'm thinking about going for pct instead

I took classes at San jac college. PCT is really the same thing. That's what I am and all I have is my CNA. There's not a certification that says PCT or anything that's just what hospitals call it. Or PCA.

Kdrenee · Dec 21, 2012

Oh and San jacinto college is in Pasadena, tx

thelittledoe · Jan 7, 2013

I took classes at San jac college. PCT is really the same thing. That's what I am and all I have is my CNA. There's not a certification that says PCT or anything that's just what hospitals call it. Or PCA.

She pretty much summed that up. I landed a PCA job after completing the CNA course. The difference between PCA and PCT at my hospital is a phlebotomy cert and an EKG cert for PCT's.

@cnoble, where are you located? From my experience, NJ is pretty easy for CNA positions. I applied to the hospital before I even finished my course and they gave me an offer contingent on passing my skills and written boards. It seems that experience in clinicals is enough around here. Good luck!

becalee26 · Jan 8, 2013

One month after I had recieved my liscense I ended up with 3 job offers with no experience..I live in the northeast. I work on a sub acute rehab floor..we do have two LTC floors as well. I do plan on trying to get into a hospital but for those jobs around here, I need experience first. Don't give up and good luck...you will find something.