New CNA questions about on call

[barleynhopsBSN]

I just passed the exam and have a couple of job interviews this week. Im going to work as a CNA while I do my prereqs for nursing school which I'll apply to next year. The LTC I did my clinicals at only has on call shifts available, and I was wondering what thats like. As a CNA what is the pay typically like for on call as a CNA assuming the regular (non on call) pay is 11$p/h? Anyone have any experience working on call while in school? Im just trying to decide if its worth doing on call work or should I just keep looking for a place that has regular hours that fit my schedule. Im anxious to start working but want to find the best situation.

Thanks - I have enjoyed all the great info on allnurses!

[ILClaire]

Hi! I've been a CNA for quite a few years...and while on call jobs can be a bit frustrating b/c of you not always being familiar with where and who you are working with...I know some of the CNA's I work with that are in nursing school that LOVE it. If they are behind on studying...(or sleep), they can say yes or no...so essentially create their own hours! I don't know how LTC facilities work...I've only ever worked in hospitals, so I'm not sure how many different "areas" you can work. I started here 9 years ago doing PRN work for various floors/depts in our hospital, just to gain experience, but as soon as I found that I like CCU the best, I applied for the first position available.

So all I can really offer advice towards is that it really is a HUGE advantage to be able to set your own schedule, AND the experience you'll gain is GREAT! If you're someone who can't juggle things w/o a set schedule, then it's prolly not for you. I used to get called in sometimes just 10 mins before they would want me to work...so if you would prefer to have the stability to know when your sleep, study, and work schedules are...it might not be for you.

One complain that another CNA I had about PRN shifts, is that she didn't work as much as she thought she would b/c she would say no to shifts when she really should have gone in...and so didn't make as much money as she wanted to.

I personally would do it if I were you...what better for a student to be able to make their own shifts? But on the other hand...I'm not a student...yet! LMAO!!

Good luck to you!