Nursing Home Job

[piscesgirl]

I want to get a job in a nursing home before I go into nursing school. The problem is that I don't have my CNA and most of the homes I've applied to won't hire me because of this. My question is how do I go about getting a job in a nursing home. Should I just go in and fill out yet another application and hope for the best or is there some other way to go about it. I really want to get this experience before I start the program so I know this is what i want to do I just don't know how to go about it. What did you do? Thanks in advance.

[SouthernLPN2RN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP]

In my area, a lot of the nursing homes teach CNA classes every so often. Try calling around to see who does offer it. Also, the new CNA's are usually guaranteed a job there.

ETA: Some private pay facilities don't require that you be certified and the staffing is usually better too.

[KatieBell]

Get certified as a CNA, usually the class is only about 6 weeks. And you are very employable, even if the job is a bit tough.

You could also go to work as a dietary aide.

[NebbyLPN]

Either call around to the nursing homes in your area and ask if and when they offer a CNA training program. The next time you apply to a nursing home before you leave your interview, ask the person who is interviewing you where you can get CNA training. You should also try the board of nursing in the state where you live. Most of the state boards will have a list of the state approved schools and organizations (nursing homes, community colleges, other community services) that have CNA training programs. If another agency in your state handles the certification of nursing assistants then you want to contact them for a list of CNA training programs. All these programs have to be approved by the agency who keeps track of the nursing assistants in your state. Most all state boards of nursing have web sites. You may be able to get this information off your state board's web site tonight. Good luck.

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

When you are inquiring about C.N.A. classes, let them know that you will be pursuing a career in nursing. It might also be helpful to list this on your resume as you are applying at nursing homes (maybe as a career objective). Many places look to hire individuals that are stable, long term employees who will be candidates for promotion in the future.