Job Search Question!

[BabyDaul]

Morning all!

I'm taking my CNA course in about a week now, and I'm trying to plot my course of action so far as jobs go. I'll be happy to get a job and start getting some experience (I'm not gonna be picky) but I have a question.

My main goal is to get my associates as an RN, and work in peds or OB/Labor in a hospital (eventually to become a CNM *crosses fingers*). My question is this...would it be better/easier for me to start as a CNA in LTC (lots of nursing homes/assisted living, etc), or to try to get in at a local hospital? Many of the jobs I've seen at hospitals say they require a year to 2 years of experience, which obviously I won't have, but so do most of the LTC jobs I've seen listed, and it sounds like many people here have gotten in entry level to both.

I'm sure my teacher at my CNA will be helpful, but in the meantime..I'd like some advise/perspectives from you all too, please. Thanks for your consideration!

Daul

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I would say to get the job in the area that accepts you first. I have seen where many hospitals want their CNAs to have experience, and I think that long term care is a good place to obtain it. Eventually, you should be able to branch over to where you really wish to be employed. Best of luck with nursing school, as well!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

LTCFs (nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities) generally have plenty of job openings for CNAs, and are more likely to hire a new person with no prior healthcare experience. However, the work is grueling and backbreaking.

I would look to LTCFs as a start to gain some valuable experience. Once you've accrued some experience, I would begin applying at all of the local hospitals in your area. Good luck to you!

[BabyDaul]

Thank you both :) That was my plan, but I started to question. Your insight and experience is appreciated!

Daul

[casi, ASN, RN]

Apply everywhere and hope to get a couple of interviews. You may have to start someplace you aren't interested in, but it only gives you experience to move up.

[TiggerBelly]

Apply to both facilities. Even if you don't have alot of experience, a hospital may still hire you, you never know. I started working in a hospital in July after working in Assisted Living and I am really glad I was able to make the switch. I too am going for my Associate's in Nursing and working at the hospital has given me an opportunity to see how everything operates, how the workday flows, different procedures, different illnesses etc. Also because the nurses on my unit know I am going to school, they will take that extra step to explain something to me or let me see things I wouldn't have otherwise (bless their hearts). Good luck in whatever you do.

[caliotter3]

Apply to all the places that have the CNA or PCA job. You may get lucky and be hired at a hospital although most people find that they have to start in LTC first. When I applied at hospitals, I got turned away (one person was so rude as to not look at me and not respond to something I said or anything else I said; I left the office and promised myself I wouldn't go back when I got a nursing license). I worked at LTC and got experience. Once you finish school, you should see the employment picture change. Good luck.