1 Post
It is true that the hospitals will not hire you if you do not have your CNA. Wait until you have completed at least one clinical rotation and apply to hospitals that you will want to work as a nurse (potentially). I just graduated from an out of state school and it took me four months of nonstop applications to get a job! It would be much easier to at least have a casual job somewhere as a CNA once you are qualified!
4 Posts
To work in a hospital you must be CNA certified. I am a CNA and the few hospitals I looked at require at least one clinical in your nursing school before they will hire, but not sure if all hospitals are that way.
Before I was a CNA I worked at ACR homes. That was a great company, they hire with no experience and have homes all over the cities to fit your schedule. Also they have a hiring bonus.:) Good luck.
238 Posts
189 Posts
casi, ASN, RN
2,063 Posts
Honestly with no CNA and just starting in program, there isn't a lot you can get into. Most hospitals can afford to be picky when hiring nursing assistants/techs because there are tons out there looking for jobs. They tend to pick aides with experience.
You could try group homes. I've never worked in one and I don't know what kind of experience they want, but I've heard that a lot of group home residents can need very complex cares. It could potentially give you good experience with hoyers, medications, straight caths, maybe injections, and handling behavors.
Honestly I would stick with waiting tables for now. I know a few people who in nursing school quit their CNA jobs to wait tables because they could bring in more money an hour.