Is it hard getting into a hospital being fresh out of CNA school?

Shannon82 · Aug 15, 2009

I passed my CNA exam at the end of May and applied directly for hospital positions. I was hired in July for a CNA position at our local hospital. I just kept applying for different CNA positions until someone finally called me.

jaytori220 · Aug 15, 2009

I passed my CNA exam at the end of May and applied directly for hospital positions. I was hired in July for a CNA position at our local hospital. I just kept applying for different CNA positions until someone finally called me.

Thanks! That definatly gives a better idea that it is possible. Thanks...

SuBinCRNAtoBe · Aug 15, 2009

I passed my CNA exam at the end of May and applied directly for hospital positions. I was hired in July for a CNA position at our local hospital. I just kept applying for different CNA positions until someone finally called me.

Lucky... I want to work at a hospital in my area, but they dont want me I've been applying since last year too (*sob* :cry:

Ploppers · Aug 15, 2009

Here in Oklahoma they have started using AUAs (advanced unlicenced assistants) they are like CNAs on steroids in the skills department. But as far as the hospital I work at, you dont even have to be certified. You can just walk in without having ever done anything like this job and get it!! Its crazy!!

NhNikki · Aug 15, 2009

I keep hearing that most hospitals are not taking CNA's unless they've had at least 6 months experience in long term care (nursing home) just because of the economy. I've found this to be true because I asked Human Resources at my local hospital if because I'm already a hospital employee (I've been working in the Gift Shop for the past 6 months, but I'm in the middle of getting my CNA right now) that they would overlook the fact that I haven't had experience in long term care. She told me the same thing I had heard; the way the economy is there are just not very many LNA positions open now, so when they do have a position open there are usually 40-50 applicants for it, and they're really looking for people that have the most experience.

But if your hospital has plenty of positions open, I would give it a shot. Again, that is lucky for someone to get a position in a hospital right after your certification, but I guess it depends on what part of the country you're in.

PedsHopeful · Aug 15, 2009

I passed my CNA exam at the end of May and applied directly for hospital positions. I was hired in July for a CNA position at our local hospital. I just kept applying for different CNA positions until someone finally called me.

I am hoping to be able to do the same thing as I am starting my CNA classes Sept 11th. How much did the hospital start you out at pay wise? I'd like to have some idea of what to expect for pay in hospitals. Thanks!

Shannon82 · Aug 15, 2009

I had no previous experience in any medical field so I didn't start out at very much. Our hospital does a stepping plan, I started out at 10.00, after 90 days the amount increases by .50, after 6 months another .50 cents, and after a year, another .50 cents. So after a year I will be making 11.50. I also get shift differential which is an extra 1.00/hr since I'm working the 7pm-7am shift. When I work weekends I get an extra .75/hr.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Aug 15, 2009

It all depends on the area that you live in. Here in my area when I had to work in a nursing home first and I was there 3 months before I got hired in the hospital. Let me tell you I applied to more than a dozen positions in the hospital before I finally got a call back and hired. I went on 3 interviews, two in one hospital, and then one in the place that I'm currently at. It was hard, and there's going to be a lot of competition. Also another recommendation to you is to take the RNA class as soon as you're out of CNA school. That will help you in the med surg unit working under the rehab department. You might also want to get your Phlebotomy, and your BLS at the sametime. Add to that list ECG class. That will make your resume attractive, and not to mention you'll be more marketable. Good Luck

huggiebear1979 · Aug 21, 2009

To Ploppers, I just recently received my CNA Certification and I'm living in Lawton, Ok. I'm currently taking General Chemistry in the morning which means I could work a 3-11 shift as a CNA Monday through Friday, and could do some weekends, I would prefer to work in a hospital. I don't have any experience working as a CNA, I was curious if you could tell me about what pay I could expect, and if you know of any hospitals hiring for CNA in the lawton area?

tokidoki7, ASN, RN · Aug 21, 2009

I agree with Nursecubanita: it depends where you live. I was hired last year at my hospital for a nursing assistant position and I had no hospital experience. My hospital trained me and then I was on orientation for a month. I can also become a PCT on my unit (after 3-4 months), but if I want to be a PCT at another hospital I'm required to have a year's experience as a nursing assistant. I've been a nursing assistant for nearly a year now, so I would like to work as a PCT on a labor and delivery unit or pediatrics.

CNAmonica65 · Aug 21, 2009

I'm by daytona area in fl and same thing here. But, i see they aren't hiring as many CNA's anymore but. PCT ( patient care tech ) Flagler hospital in St Augustine, ONLY hire PCT's now no more CNA's. I applied but, i dont' have phlebotomy which you learn as a PCT. It's ahed finding a job