Newbie CNA saying hi & a how I did it.

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Specializes in Emergency.

I just picked up a job on a step down stroke unit at a local hospital. I'm halfway through an ADN program and have worked at the same hospital for almost three years as a transporter and as a lift-tech. I'm pretty nervous and excited about the new job. I'm sure I'll end up here with tons of questions!

Though I did notice there are an abundant amount of threads from people struggling to get a job as a CNA. If you're interested, here's how I did it.

Like many of you, I couldn't find a job anywhere in health care because I had no related experience. I worked a little bit of retail, 6 years legal and 1 year at a correctional facility. After 12 applications to this one hospital in particular, I decided to just volunteer there. While my year long stint there as a volunteer, I identified the "important" people throughout each department and built first name basis relationships with as many of them as I could. Through networking, I ended up getting a job there as a transporter because let's face it: I still didn't really have that "real hospital experience" or any certificates/licenses. While in my new position, I made sure I did a "great job" and made sure managers there knew it. Some may call it "sucking-up" or "brown nosing" but as long as I didn't trample any one along the way and it secures my future, I'm okay with it! In my state of CA, you can apply for CNA positions with a semester of Nursing School under your belt. So after my first year of nursing school, I applied for this CNA spot and got it! I'm hoping I'll do well as a CNA on this floor, so when I graduate the ADN program I'll be an easy shoe-in as a RN. Fingers crossed.

Moral of the story, get into the hospital/office/facility of your choice any way you can. Even if it means not getting paid for it. Volunteer there and network like crazy. Use those networks to establish yourself and be not just a good worker, but stick out from the crowd. All the managers talk to each other, so if one likes you, then chances are many others know about you. Don't give up and keep trying. All it takes is patience, determination and self confidence. A good smile goes a long way too :D

Now let's just hope that I don't botch this new job of mine ;)

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Specializes in Psych, LTC/SNF, Rehab, Corrections.

I have no idea why new aides are having such a time finding work.

I mean, you have people talking about not being able to get on at the LTC .

It's almost too ridiculous to be believed.

SMH...

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Specializes in Emergency.

Hard times I guess? Everyone I talk to in every field is pretty much in the same boat we are.

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Good Luck. Thank you for some of your encourgements. I am currently volunteering at a hospice care getting skilld in a office, just got a all for a rehab-nursing home for working a cna in training. I used to volunteer at a local Children's hosptial but they had me all over the hosptial and couldnt handle it because I have to drive over 35 to 45 min. to get there then look around for parking it was to much for me. So I settled for the office, and I am still debating on a CNA training job because it will take up me free weekends working 24 hours.

How is it to be a transporter at a hosptial? I went in to one and filled out an application but havent heard anything yet. I guess I might call but I feel that this will kill my chances because I dont know who to contact other than HR.

Thank you and good luck

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Mike, i'm a little confused and maybe you can shed some light. So did you challenge the CNA board exam and got your license to work as a CNA or did the hospital that you volunteered for just hired you without a license? Thanks.

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Thank you for sharing your experience and advice.

I'm curious, what was your volunteer position in the hospital?

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