Getting a job after challenging CNA exam

mvm2 · Jul 18, 2013

I am not sure if it will be hard for you or not. Truthfully I think you have a disadvantage to other CNAs that have taken the classes. But I would be honest to your potential employers about taking the test and passing and not having any kind of class on being a CNA. There might be situations you come across that a person that takes the class will know and you will not. Ask ask ask questions to other CNAs and your nurses if you are unsure about things. Don't let the nurses and CNAs just assume you know everything about the job. Good luck

funtimes · Jul 18, 2013

I would imagine its going to be hard. How hard might depend on if you have any other training or experience that would prepare you for the job. For instance have you worked in a group home or helped take care of disabled people, or volunteered for such work. Worked as a sitter in a hospital?

If you have zero experience and zero training, I imagine it would be hard to find a CNA job, and even harder to keep that job if you did get it. Just being realistic here.

Career2_BSN, BSN · Jul 18, 2013

I think it depends on the needs of the community in which you live. I'm in San Diego, CA (pretty big county) and there are quite a few places that hire untrained "helpers" as well as CNAs. Many have in-house training. Most of them are with Home Health and they can't employ people fast enough. Search www.indeed.com and www.mycna.com for listings in your area. Also, try Craigslist. A lot of places advertise there as well. Expect to work for less money since you have no experience, but in 6 months or so when you have experience, employers will be much more interested in that than in how you obtained your certification.

Nurse2b87 · Jul 18, 2013

I would imagine its going to be hard. How hard might depend on if you have any other training or experience that would prepare you for the job. For instance have you worked in a group home or helped take care of disabled people, or volunteered for such work. Worked as a sitter in a hospital?
If you have zero experience and zero training, I imagine it would be hard to find a CNA job, and even harder to keep that job if you did get it. Just being realistic here.

I have no experience outside of volunteering at the hospital near me on the med/surg floor getting extra blankets and water for patients

I am incredibly determined and a quick learner, so I'm hoping if I do get a job, I can learn as much as I can in a reasonable amount of time.

Trust me, if I had the money I would have taken a formal training program but I don't and I tried to make the most out if the situation.

I've read books on my own, I'm lacking hands-on clinical time.

Nurse2b87 · Jul 18, 2013

I think it depends on the needs of the community in which you live. I'm in San Diego CA (pretty big county) and there are quite a few places that hire untrained "helpers" as well as CNAs. Many have in-house training. Most of them are with Home Health and they can't employ people fast enough. Search www.indeed.com and www.mycna.com for listings in your area. Also, try Craigslist. A lot of places advertise there as well. Expect to work for less money since you have no experience, but in 6 months or so when you have experience, employers will be much more interested in that than in how you obtained your certification.

I will definitely check that out, thanks!

Nurse2b87 · Jul 18, 2013

I am not sure if it will be hard for you or not. Truthfully I think you have a disadvantage to other CNAs that have taken the classes. But I would be honest to your potential employers about taking the test and passing and not having any kind of class on being a CNA. There might be situations you come across that a person that takes the class will know and you will not. Ask ask ask questions to other CNAs and your nurses if you are unsure about things. Don't let the nurses and CNAs just assume you know everything about the job. Good luck

I know I'll definitely be at a disadvantage, I'm hoping my ability and willingness to learn quickly will help me. I'm already asking the CNAs at the hospital I volunteer at tons of questions about the job and what's expected of them. I also watch them closely on a monitor while they perform their tasks.

mvm2 · Jul 18, 2013

Know this as well that CNA work in the hospital can be totally different experiance then in a LTC or Home Care. I think that hospitals will want you to have had the training before you take the job. It is a high risk enviroment and the nurses and CNAs really do not have time for hand holding with the job. They want the best of the best when in comes to CNAs, and Nurses, and without any class room time or clinicals I think you would be hard up getting a hospital job. Your best bet I think is looking perhaps at LTC, but I really think the best bet is Home Care for you. I was hired into Home Care as just an Aide. I had no training at all. They gave me easy clients that did not need much skills for. Then a few month later I took the CNA class and I feel much more prepared and aware of the job and I am able to take on more skilled needed clients.

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2013

Well based on my wife experience, its hard to get a CNA job even with formal training. Potential employers have this silly 1 year required and its near impossible to get a CNA at a hospital without the experience. Honestly no employer has ever check to see if she had formal training, they just ask for a copy of the CNA license. They give you their own multiple choice test when hiring. If you want to work in a hospital setting phlebotomy is supposedly an asset but without that first year experience its hard to get in.

If you got a vehicle, home health with a staffing agency is a starter, they always looking for people.

LTC is ok if u can't get in the hospital you are at. Just know that CNA's are severely overworked and understaffed...I got great respect to those who do it.

Maybe you can find a connection in the hospital that can help you. There's a bunch of free CNA skills videos on allnurses.com if you check around to help brush up on skills.

Here's 1 of them Lippincott Williams and Wilkins: Video Series for Nursing Assistants - 1st Edition

Nurse2b87 · Jul 19, 2013

Well based on my wife experience, its hard to get a CNA job even with formal training. Potential employers have this silly 1 year required and its near impossible to get a CNA at a hospital without the experience. Honestly no employer has ever check to see if she had formal training, they just ask for a copy of the CNA license. They give you their own multiple choice test when hiring. If you want to work in a hospital setting phlebotomy is supposedly an asset but without that first year experience its hard to get in.
If you got a vehicle, home health with a staffing agency is a starter, they always looking for people.
LTC is ok if u can't get in the hospital you are at. Just know that CNA's are severely overworked and understaffed...I got great respect to those who do it.
Maybe you can find a connection in the hospital that can help you. There's a bunch of free CNA skills videos on allnurses.com if you check around to help brush up on skills.
Here's 1 of them Lippincott Williams and Wilkins: Video Series for Nursing Assistants - 1st Edition

Thanks for the tips, I'll look into a staffing agency. I've also been looking into LTCF as well.

Poochiewoochie · Jul 19, 2013

Thanks for the tips, I'll look into a staffing agency. I've also been looking into LTCF as well.

Most places want a years experience-staffing agencies included. If you know someone at a facility or staffing agency like a family member you have a better chance of getting a job there. The market is already over saturated with people who had formal training-why would a facility or staffing agency bypass someone with the training for you?

Not trying to be snarky but that's just the way it is. It's great that you did it without the training and clinicals but I think you're going to have a hard time if you live some where where they can be picky about who they hire.

Nurse2b87 · Jul 19, 2013

Most places want a years experience-staffing agencies included. If you know someone at a facility or staffing agency like a family member you have a better chance of getting a job there. The market is already over saturated with people who had formal training-why would a facility or staffing agency bypass someone with the training for you?
Not trying to be snarky but that's just the way it is. It's great that you did it without the training and clinicals but I think you're going to have a hard time if you live some where where they can be picky about who they hire.

Honestly I'm just hoping that my good rapport with the staff at the hospital will give me a leg up. I'm already familiar with a lot of the policies and procedures there and they know me and my work ethic. All I can do is be honest about my situation and do the best I can under these circumstances.

I do appreciate your honesty, thank you.