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

[jaytori220]

I am starting CNA classes in September and my goal is to get into a local hospital here in Melbourne Florida. I am *hoping* to get into the hospital as soon as I get certified but Ive been reading that its hard and sometimes you have to have 1 year experience. Is this true? The same hospital is hiring 6-8 CNA's in oncology, womens surgical and quite a few others. I was hoping to not work in a nursing home but our clinicals will take place in one....which is fine. Once Im in the hospital for a while anywhere I would like to move to mother/baby CNA but pediatrics is ok also. I dont know if Im wishing too much to my goal right out of school but at least I could get some info that may help me out and hope I can.

BTW: I also applied for a patient sitter job that isnt hiring at the moment but should be in the fall. So if I do get in at least I would have my foot in the door.

[ElizaB]

The hospitals in my area are always hiring CNA's.

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

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

Monica see if there's a place in your area where you can get your Phlebotomy, and maybe try for your EKG too. I know Bostonreed.com has stuff here in California. I'm unsure if they have anything in Florida. Good Luck

[Miwila]

Only the lucky few are going to be able to find jobs in hospital fresh out of CNA training, at least in metro areas. Newbie CNA's only wanting to work in hospitals are like these girls who come to Los Angeles and think they'll only be working as waitresses for a few months before they become movie stars. The above advice about getting trained to do Phleb and EKG's is good, but even then hospitals still want experience. I live in S FL; there are plenty of schools here offering that kind of training.

[CNAmonica65]

There isn't much training where i am. 2 places have phlebotomy training and it's too expensive. I will not take a PCT course and learn all about CNA when i am a CNA.

[Miwila]

I can agree with the above; EKG and Phleb courses can be expensive and in IMO PCT courses tend to be way overpriced although I would enroll in one if I could find one locally that cost less than $1000. I haven't yet.

[foreverLaur]

I finished my CNA course in March and was hired at a hospital in June. I had no previous experience and didn't even take the certification exam. Everything has gone great.

[NursinginProgress]

It really depends on where you live like previous posters have stated, that and a majority of hospitals look for experienced CNAs. You can always apply at Assisted Living or Long Term Care (Rehabilitation Hospitals) while still applying. Don't give up hope!!