Looking for Information about becoming a CNA

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First off if this thread is in the wrong spot, someone please tell me and I will delete it and move it somewhere else. But here goes..

I'm an 18 year old male. I just graduated from high school early, I finished my last few courses online and got my diploma about three months early. I'm looking to start training to become a CNA. I've called the Human Resource departments at the various hospitals around where I live and they've all told me that the American Red Cross and another place nearby offer training. But I had a couple questions for all you CNA's out there.

How can I get hired in a hospital? If I need to I will work in a nursing home but I'd rather start off in a hospital. Besides getting certified and making good grades in the training, what else can I do to be elligable to be hired in a hospital?

How long does it take to become an ICU or ER CNA? I realize that most ICU/ER's require probably at least a years experience. How does it usually take to move up to become an ER/ICU nurse?

Where can CNAs work? I know that nursing home, home health, and hospitals are all options, but what different areas in a hospital can CNAs work?

Thanks for all the help and I apologize for the long post. :nuke:

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CNAs can work in almost any area of the hospital. The best way to get hired in an acute care facility without having to go the LTC route first is to get a non-patient-care job in the facility first, in any department. Once you're an employee it's much easier to transition to a different job when you're trained.

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Thanks for the info. I'm just afraid I'm going to get trained and then get stuck working in a nursing home for longer than I want.

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B]How can I get hired in a hospital?[/b] If I need to I will work in a nursing home but I'd rather start off in a hospital. Besides getting certified and making good grades in the training, what else can I do to be elligable to be hired in a hospital?

Depends on where you live and competition. If you're up against a PCA (patient care assistant which in most cases can insert foley's, do phelebotomy, etc) then odds are the PCA will get the job.

Do you volunteer? If not, do that right away. Every employer loves to see their employees taking part in a worthy cause. Most hospitals sign up employees in spring for the Cancer walk (the specific name escapes me). Have solid references. Become CPR certified before you start classes. Get a head start. Research what you will be doing - there were several in my class that had no clue what being a CNA entailed. They didn't make it too far.

Show compassion, responsibility, truthfulness, etc. Just be an all around good citizen. Since you are 18, I would stay away from friends as references. Stick with teachers, members of your church (if you belong), you get the idea. You want to portray yourself in the most positive light.

How long does it take to become an ICU or ER CNA? I realize that most ICU/ER's require probably at least a years experience. How does it usually take to move up to become an ER/ICU nurse?

I rarely work ER only because we are a small community hospital (80 some beds). I worked ICU after about a year of med surg and showing the supervisors, nurses, etc that I am capable and that I won't freak during a code. I go back and forth btw med surg and ICU, but my heart lies in critical care. When interviewing, specifically say that you are interested in these areas and that if they get slammed that you would be willing to come in - but that's your decision but most managers will love to hear those words.

Where can CNAs work? I know that nursing home, home health, and hospitals are all options, but what different areas in a hospital can CNAs work?

Any. I've been to OB, ER, ICU, med surg, outpatient clinic, outpatient surgery, etc. You go where you are needed. Once you get a bit of experience look into a float position.

Also, anticipate what nurses and pt's want before they want it. It's a skill you learn.

Good luck!

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Thanks for all the help. I'm going to try really hard and get hired in a hospital after training. What can I do to prepare for training? I've been reading up on CNAs and watching tutorial videos but what else can I do?

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Can you shadow an aide for a day or two? I'd ask staff development or the nurse manager of the floor you are interested in.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I currently work in an ED of a large area hospital as a CNA, I did first work 11 months in a LTC, but before I was certified as an aide I was applying to hospitals. The enitre time I was working at the LTC I was applying. Most hospitals (at least in my area) want their CNA's to have a year experiance.

Working as volunteer is good adivce, because that would give you the oportunity to meet the hirring managers and see what it really is like working in a hospital, while you gain some work experiance.

I dont know what state you are in, but where I am at the hospitals are now requirring their CNA's to become a level II CNA, so I would check with your states nursng board if in your state you have CNA II and get training for that.

Good Luck

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