How hard is to find a CNA job with minimal work experience?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Due to the advise of members here, I have decided to start my CNA training soon. I'll be taking it through Red Cross, January 1st-February 4th. Now that I've payed the fees and everything, I'm concerned about actually finding a CNA job. I'll be 20 by the time I start looking for a CNA job, but I only have a small amount of work experience. I've been nothing more than a seasonal cashier in retail, and I'll a full time student. Based on this, would any hospital, LTC, etc., even consider hiring me? I payed $1000 for the CNA course, and I can't afford to not find a job next year after the training is over.

Its been very difficult for me. Been a stay at home mom for 10years until I did my CNA, I havent gotten a job yet and Ive gone to every hospital and nursing home within 20miles of me. Its depressing :crying2:

Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

It was hard for me at first because the board of nursing was verrrrry slow with processing my information ! I was issued a temproray license#, but still no1 wanted to talk to me until I had my permanent # from the board, verifying I was a GNA(in MD you have to be a Geriatric Nursing Assistant to work in nursing homes). After 2 months, I finally got my # & I got a job the next day :)

Specializes in LTC/Rehab.

I also toke the red cross program, and found a job in a nursing home less than a week after I passed my state exams. My facility often hires cna's with 0-2+ years experience, so I lucked out.

Specializes in CNA.

$1000?! I only paid $400 for mine. Where I live, there are always companies hiring CNA's so I don't think that you'll have a problem with that. You might start off in a nursing home or assisted living type of environment. I've worked at both and although it seems uncomfortable at first, you get to really know your patients and their history. Most of them are really nice and funny and will help you if you're just starting.

If you find yourself saying "I hate old People," maybe being a CNA is not your thing. You can dislike the nursing home which is normal, but old people, not so much.

You'll be fine. There are a lot of options with being a CNA. Just search and try. :)

It really depends on your area, but around here, it's pretty easy to find a job in a nursing home, assuming you have some work experience and you do well in an interview.

Check out: http://www.caregiverhr.com/ This site allows members to set up a profile for people interested in finding cna and caregiver jobs.

Due to the advise of members here, I have decided to start my CNA training soon. I'll be taking it through Red Cross, January 1st-February 4th. Now that I've payed the fees and everything, I'm concerned about actually finding a CNA job. I'll be 20 by the time I start looking for a CNA job, but I only have a small amount of work experience. I've been nothing more than a seasonal cashier in retail, and I'll a full time student. Based on this, would any hospital, LTC, etc., even consider hiring me? I payed $1000 for the CNA course, and I can't afford to not find a job next year after the training is over.

Thanks for the links, everyone. I will seeking LTC job in the summer. It seems like a proper decision--especially in North Cal.

Specializes in Geriatrics.

I have had no problems with finding a CNA job since I got my certification; in fact, I found myself really grateful that I did because I've felt like it opened up a lot of job opportunities since I got it. I've only had my certification since November, and already I've had two different jobs where I was basically hired on the spot. The first was the nursing home I did my clinicals in, since then I've moved on to a group home for the elderly.

From research I've done, it seems like it's really easy to get hired on at nursing homes and assisted living centers as a CNA. Getting hired on at a hospital, however, may be a little more difficult and require some experience. Also, it may vary a bit depending on where you live.

I have had no problems with finding a CNA job since I got my certification; in fact, I found myself really grateful that I did because I've felt like it opened up a lot of job opportunities since I got it. I've only had my certification since November, and already I've had two different jobs where I was basically hired on the spot. The first was the nursing home I did my clinicals in, since then I've moved on to a group home for the elderly.

From research I've done, it seems like it's really easy to get hired on at nursing homes and assisted living centers as a CNA. Getting hired on at a hospital, however, may be a little more difficult and require some experience. Also, it may vary a bit depending on where you live.

Amen I agree and I send my condelences to you sorry bout ur dad I sent them to u on the other thread

I live in Montana and it is really easy. It seems like they will hire anyone at ltc facilities because they are always in need. Turnover is terrible so there are always positions. I'm sure every place is different though.

I'm in Texas. I worked in a hospital first as a food service worker left to work as a secretary at another hospital then came back as a pct with no experience. Surprisingly they hired me!

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