Hospital training for CNA

juliaann · Feb 23, 2010

I had paid training through the hospital where I work now. I had no healthcare experience at all. I applied, interviewed, and was granted one of 5 spots in the nurse aide training program...this was spring of 2008.

The hospital provided our books and all equipment, and a $50 uniform allowance. We were paid a few dollars over minimum wage per hour for the month-long class.

The first week was lecture, 8-5 for 5 days. We watched videos, had presentations, and practiced skills on each other. We took a written test at the end of the week in order to "graduate" to clinicals. No one had a problem passing.

For the next 3 weeks, we spent 3 days a week doing a 7a-7p clinical shift. We were assigned a nurse aide to work with, and as the clinicals progressed we went from shadowing to taking our own team. Then we had a clinical exam, and after passing that we were hired on to whatever shifts and floors had openings. We got an hourly raise and a small bonus for completing the program.

We signed contracts saying we "owed" the hospital 1 year of work in exhange for our paid training, which wasn't a problem, since we needed jobs anyway. :)

The only drawback to our program is that it is not a state-certified CNA program, so we were just Nurse Aides, not CNAs. We used CNA curriculum and it's the same skills, our hospital just hasn't gone through the paperwork and stuff to get it recognized, which is a bummer. I ended up needing a CNA for a nursing school application and ended up paying to take a class that was recognized so I could sit for the state CNA exam. Kind of a bummer.

I loved my program and love my hospital! I've had such a great learning experience and so many opportunities! I worked as a Nurse Aide for a year, then transfered to the cardiovascular department, which I love! I can't believe I have a job I look forward to going to! :) Best of luck!