Florida Hospitals (how much do CNA's get paid hourly?)

[Darkstar1485]

I just got my CNA FL license. I was really excited about my achievement, until I started looking for jobs... the pay is deplorable!!! 8.00-9.00 an hour? I could work at a fast food joint at those wages!!! No offense to the CNA's who make that much, but I just feel like.. for the hard work, you should get paid at least 12.00 an hour. I work as a Personal Care Assistant right now (all the CNA work without requiring a CNA license or pay 7.50 an hour) UGH! Obviously I'm not a CNA for the money, just the experience. I'm going to school for my BSN and want to get work experience for when I finally become an RN. How much do Florida hospitals pay for CNA's? Central Florida in particular. How do you get around the 1 year exp hurdle? Do I just have to pay my dues and apply in a year? I'm feeling discouraged. I'm barely making any money and have no health insurance. My job will only let me work PT so I can't get benefits. Crazy how I work in health care but can get health care...

[marcyct, CNA]

I have 5 years experience in Connecticut I make 13$ an hour am planning on moving to western north of Tampa area as a cna.