Getting a hospital job

Glenna, LPN · Nov 22, 2011

So you are working on classes to get into nursing school, correct? If I were you I'd get my CNA and then turn around and get your CNA 2 and apply for a position at the hospital. That's what I did. Well I worked at the nursing home for a year before applying for the hospital job. I gained so much experince working in the surgical department. It has been a lot of fun.

jaiirish · Nov 22, 2011

that's exactly what I'd like to do as well. I'm checking into local CNA classes now and although it would be a serious pay cut for me, I believe it's a good first step while attending school. :) Good luck to you!

IreneK · Nov 22, 2011

So you are working on classes to get into nursing school, correct? If I were you I'd get my CNA and then turn around and get your CNA 2 and apply for a position at the hospital. That's what I did. Well I worked at the nursing home for a year before applying for the hospital job. I gained so much experince working in the surgical department. It has been a lot of fun.

I did consider getting my CNA first, but I'm 26 with 2 kids and I have to work. My RN is going to take 4 maybe 5 years to finish. I can't afford to take extra time to get my CNA, lol. Otherwise it would be an AWESOME idea!

LookingTowardsZion · Nov 22, 2011

I second Glenna. I am applying for a Care Partner/Care Aid position. A lot of hospitals in my area are not hiring CNA's anymore, so they change the name to a 'Care Partner'. One of the preferred qualifications is that you are a CNA.

I looked up trade schools and technical/vocational programs in my area and found a class that meets in the evening. I'm sure you could find one like that and it'll give a lot of good insight into the field. Good luck :)

MissM.RN, BSN, RN · Nov 22, 2011

Hi Irene! I think you are smart about getting a hospital job now, as a student, so bravo! I think it really depends on where you live. You can probably tell from my username (hehe) that I'm in Boston where the job market is pretty tough. It took me five months of applying for per diem CNA and unit secretary jobs to finally get one. My best advice is perseverance. I didn't have any contacts, didn't send any thank you notes, only online applications. If you do have a contact from your volunteering, use it! In some states, nursing students who have completed med/surg can be CNA's without paying a ridiculous fee to get the official "CNA" stamp. I'd check that out before enrolling somewhere. If you happen to be in the Boston area, I know Tufts is hiring for unit secretaries (I just got a call from a recruiter about one). Best of luck to you!