How do you get a job as a CNA when you have no experience?

[rgirl808]

Aloha all, I just recently became certified and am having trouble finding a job because I have no experience. Does anyone have any advice or stories to tell about how they got their first CNA job?

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

I've never heard of LTC work being an impediment to gaining hospital employment. If a CNA in LTC finds he or she can't get hired at a hospital, then they ought to go to their community college and take classes in EKG and Phlebotomy. Upgrade your skills and you'll be more marketable.

Yea that's what sometimes it takes. I know one community college around here has a "bridge" course in that you do clinicals @ a local hospital & it helps you increase your chances of getting hospital employment.

[lillybeans]

I'm in the same position as you.

I just volunteered at my local hospital as a nurse assistant. You just make unoccupied beds, feed some residents, hand mail out, sort papers etc. I'll be working in the oncology unit which excites me. They know I'm enrolled in an CNA program so I'm hoping to get my foot in the door there.

Maybe you could work at a nursing home and then volunteer at the hospital you want to work at. This way you could get a feel for the hospital environment as well. You may witness some things there that you may not like (poor management, bad patient/nurse ratio, lazy workers ect) and this way you didn't waste all that time fighting to get in only to want to run back out.

Does anyone know if I volunteer at the hospital as a nursing assistant, would that keep my cna license from expiring??

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

Does anyone know if I volunteer at the hospital as a nursing assistant, would that keep my cna license from expiring??

You would definitely have to check with your state board of nursing. I know in the states where I am certified , it says in order to renew you have to have anywhere between 8-24 hours where you were paid to work as a CNA or GNA.

[lillybeans]

You would definitely have to check with your state board of nursing. I know in the states where I am certified , it says in order to renew you have to have anywhere between 8-24 hours where you were paid to work as a CNA or GNA.

Man.. bummer... I figured that's how it is... but just thought I ask.

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

Man.. bummer... I figured that's how it is... but just thought I ask.

If things are tough & you need to renew soon , you should see if your CNA instructor will sign your renewal application.