Nursing assistant ??

wanna-b-R.N. · Aug 19, 2005

I went to my community college, they offered a full time course for six months or part time for a year. As for clinicals, I did them towards the end of my C.N.A. course. Once I was certified, I found hospital's wanted 1 year experience in a nursing home. That might have changed by now.

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 19, 2005

:balloons: Hello and Welcome :balloons:

Fun2, BSN, RN · Aug 19, 2005

I'm not sure about hospitals, but I know LTC/Retirement homes usually will put you through the CNA program if you agree to work for them.

Other than that, like the above poster said, a community college may offer the course, or a vocational school.

Then again, if money permits, you could wait until you get into the nursing school and have a semester of clincals.

Good luck, and welcome! :)

Achoo!, LPN · Aug 20, 2005

Our CC offers 8 week programs. Some of the local nursing homes offer free training for a one year contract.

Micci · Aug 20, 2005

Look around online for CNA programs in your area. Our college gets people through the CNA course in one semester. I found a private program in the area that got me CNA certified in 8 weekends. Even then, the hospitals in my area are hard to get into right off. They all want their new CNA's to have about 6 months experience in a nursing home. I just got my state cert, and I am going to be applying to nursing homes this coming week.

Deb123j · Aug 20, 2005

bmburke78- I had the same problem!!! I really wanted to get a job as a CNA, however nobody would give me a second glance since I didn't have any experience or certification. (I couldn't afford to go to the classes to get certified)

So last November I decided to volunteer at the hospital that my college is attached to. I started out volunteering in the PACU for a few hours every week and I was just hired on as a transporter about 1 1/2 months ago. I actually do all the work an NA would do, but w/out the handeling of bodily fluids.

They saw that I was such a good worker, that when they found out that I was interested in a job, they created a position just for me. After my 1st semester in the nursing program they will let me work as an NA (I'll have to do 2 weeks of training - paid - instead of 8 weeks).

So maybe this would help you also.

** I tried many LTC and none of them were willing to train anybody for the CNA positions. Apparantely they stopped doing that around where I live!!! **

mandikt · Aug 21, 2005

I became a nursing assistant by volunteering on the med/surg floor. I just helped out with the secretary, but i was able to get to know the nurses and nurse manager of that floor. I had voiced my interest in working as a nursing assistant, and they decided they wanted me. after much persistance on my part and many phone calls that went on for about a month, i had the job. they paired me up with a c.n.a for three weeks to receive on the job training. so i'm not certified, but i do work as a nursing assistant. it just took a lot of persistance. there are some community colleges and even hospitals or nursing homes that offer the training and test. just do some research in your area. but that is my story on how I became a nursing assistant. and yes, it has been great experience, but i am so ready to not be a nursing assistant anymore! lol

Hi everyone. This is my first post. I'm been lurking for a few weeks. I have a problem. I am 26 and have been working in the same career for 7 years. I have always wanted to go to nursing school but have never been able to. Well, my husband and I are finally financially at the point that I can go back to college. I am applying to several nursing programs for January 06. I would like to go ahead and try to get a job at one of the local hospitals until I start school just so that I can get some experience. My problem is that I am finding that it is hard to get a job at a hospital when I have no experience in the medical field. I'm usually told that I need a semester of clinicals or a nursing assistant training program before I can be hired. Does anyone know where I might get this training or any helpful hints to get my foot in the door for these jobs? Thank you in advance to anyone who might have some suggestions for me. I have been looking for a job for a little over a month with no real success.

BlevinsRN · Aug 21, 2005

I don't know if you would want to do this or not, but you could try getting a hired in a different department. It depends on the hospital I guess. At mine, for example, you could work in dietary, patient transport, supply, clerical, and others I just can't think of right now. This way you can get used to the hospital and become familiar. It can also be helpful later if you work at the same hospital after school when you have friends in other departments. It also helps you understand other departments and what the day is like for them.

After getting some clinicals, you could look into transferring. Also, after working in another department you would be exposed to a lot of different floors and areas throughout the hospital. You could kind of get a feel for which one you would rather work in and which people you would like to work with.

I don't know if this would work for you or not. It's just an option. Good luck on your job search. :wink2:

christvs, DNP, RN, NP · Aug 21, 2005

Hi! I switched careers 3 years ago at age 25 too! I had no medical experience, so I took a one month long CNA course at the local American Red Cross (once I passed the CNA test, the red cross reimbursed me for the entire cost of the &500 course-pretty good deal) & started working right away in a hospital as a CNA. Then I kept working as a CNA while I went to nursing school & just graduated this past May with my BSN. Good luck to you! :) Welcome to nursing

-Christine

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Aug 22, 2005

I think it is a great idea to take a CNA course for the experience and change.

I am planning to do that soon, or also you can check with your state to see if you can take the exam after nursing 100. It is CNA stuff and some states will let you take the exam and if you pass it you can work as a CNA while finishing your RN, best wishes to you. :)

Duker99 · Aug 22, 2005

Hi, I just joined this great forum about a week ago. It has lots of good tips, support and information. I also changed fields completely at 37. I had worked in an accounting office for 18 years. I really wanted to do something in the healthcare field. I have always wanted to help other people and try to make a differance. My mother was a RN and didn't retire until she was 72! I took a phlebotomy class at my local CC and was hired at a hospital laboratory right of class. I have gotten alot of hands on experience with patients and am exposed to all areas of the hospital. At our hospital a phleb. makes quite a bit more money than a CNA. I have been taking courses off and on for 5 years and I kept thinking maybe I am too old (42) now for the nursing program. This summer I decided I can do this! I am taking A&P starting today. I should have my pre-reqs. done and be able to enter Nur. program in Spring, '07. The great part is that the hospital is paying for everything thru their tuition reimb. program. Just wanted to give you another idea besides CNA. Phlebotomy skills are an excellant skill for a nurse to have. I love our Nurses that can draw blood!