Male CNA seeking advice from a nurse

[manch]

I have a question I'm hoping somebody can answer. I'm male who has recently been certified as a CNA. Since the certification, I've struggled to find a decent CNA job. I pursued opportunities in home health care, but have been rejected because I have no experience. I was hired on the spot for non-medical home care, but I left because I wasn't receiving any relevant experience. As a last resort, I accepted a CNA position at a nursing home. I resigned there because the work situation was out of control, absurd, and intolerable. I haven't applied at a hospital because they do not accept inexperienced candidates.

I'm willing to do some dirty work to get nursing experience. However, there must be a better way than working in a nursing home. In my opinion, the CNA job market is paradoxical: opportunities abound, yet very few real options are available (unless you get nursing home experience).

I'm reconsidering nursing as a career choice because of this obstacle. I was wondering if I would encounter the same obstacle after completing my LPN/RN education at a technical college. My fear is that without experience, I would have a difficult time finding a nurse position.

Feel free to be honest and candid in your answer.

Much appreciated.

[aeauooo]

*** If your goal is to be an RN then why are you trying to work as a CNA instead of going to nursing school? Personally I don't really see how CNA experience is very helpful for an RN.

Admission to the ADN program I went through was based on 'points' system. Being a CNA scored a significant number of points towards admission. As a CNA and having completed A&P and micro, I got in the first time I applied.

I think that my experience as a CNA was a major benefit to my education towards my RN just by way of getting used to having my hands on patients (residents) and getting used to a lot of the unpleasant things we have to deal with as nurses - I was much less timid going into clinicals than most of my classmates.

Working at a nursing home is nasty business for a nursing assistant - you run your butt off and never get everything done that needs to be done.

Surprise! That's what being an RN is like!

I recommend you get at least a year of experience under your belt at a nursing home, then start looking for a gig in a hosptial or home health. Do the best job you can and get noticed by the nursing staff as one of the "good ones" (they know). Those folks still remember what it was like trying to get into nursing school and might be willing to write good references for you when you are ready to move on.

Good luck!

[ntonir]

I became a CNA after a very rewarding job as a vet tech. I can probably do anything a nurse can do , even more since I can do x-rays, draw & spin blood, & amputate sm. appendages--Only, of course, on animals, suture, gavage, hematocrits--My suggestion--If u hate CNA work, find a primate breeding facility near you-No research involved but you will learn much--You'll attend necropsies, see damaged organs--Start as a husbandry person & work your way up.

By the way, I became a CNA to secure my employment. My son suffered a brain injury in 97 and I get paid thru med waiver to care for him. At 57, glad my job is secure in these hard times. Always looking for a stronger CNA than me-My son is 5'7 and 165 lbs

Good Luck