How to get a hospital position in middle age.

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I am a CNA and MA with about six years exsperiance in Homecare and Hospice. I would like to work in patient care at a hospital near my home. I am middle aged and am presently working in Special Education. I miss working with patients and being called nurse. I have tried to get a job in a hospital but they take my application and I never make it to the interview. Is my dream impossible?

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I am a CNA and MA with about six years exsperiance in Homecare and Hospice. I would like to work in patient care at a hospital near my home. I am middle aged and am presently working in Special Education. I miss working with patients and being called nurse. I have tried to get a job in a hospital but they take my application and I never make it to the interview. Is my dream impossible?

It depends on:

1. How long it's been since you actually worked as a CNA and MA

2. If the hospitals hire either if these titles

3. If there is a need/current opening for these positions.

While you may miss being called nurse, unless I missed something and you are either an LPN or an RN, patients should not be calling you nurse. Technically, I guess they can call you nurse, (or doctor, or whatever they wish) but you cannot call yourself or represent yourself as a nurse if you do not have a nursing license.

I wish you well.

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Specializes in Cardiac Step down/ LTC.

You must hold a LICENSE to be called a nurs (LPN/LVN, RN, NP etc) It is illegal to call yourself or let patients think you are a nurse (not correcting them). If you are a CNA you can refer to yourself as a certified nursing assistant, but not a nurse.

Depending on your state laws misrepresenting one's self as a licensed nurse is a misdemeanor or felony.

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Specializes in CCM, PHN.

If you are referring to yourself as a "nurse" ANYWHERE on your résumé or cover letter, that is probably the reason you aren't getting interviews. It is a crime in most states to do so.

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Specializes in Long term care.

The fact that all your experience is in home care and hospice may be why you have not yet had an interview at a hospital.

Most hospitals want at least 6 months of long term care (nursing home) experience. You will have to "do your time" working in a nursing home to have a better shot at a hospital.

It is possible that because you are a MA and are appling for a CNA/PCT position (even tho you are also a CNA). That hospital may see it as "over qualified" to work as a CNA.

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In a Nursing home most CNAS are just called nurse when they are needed. I know I am not a Registered Nurse or an LVN. I have worked in Home care and Hospice. They call all CNAs Nurse when they need something. Thankyou for the advice. but I know this.

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I would love to work at kaiser as a pct/cna.

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