People in Seattle, please help--is it difficult to get a job as a CNA in Seattle?

[cardinalgal2001]

I'm thinking of being a CNA while I'm getting my prereqs done for nursing school. Is it difficult to get a job as a CNA in Seattle?

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

Hello and welcome to the family of allnurses. Enjoy your stay and good luck!

[nurse_knitter]

I'm an RN working in Seattle. It's my experience that CNA's are very much needed, and it seems that the process to become a CNA isn't too complex. Good Luck!

[December716]

I was a CNA in the Seattle area and they are definitely needed. Hospitals jobs, however, are hard to come by if you do not have experience. I really wanted a hospital job and applied to every hospital in the area, but never could get in. So you'll most likely end up working at a long term care facility, for at least a year, and then I don't know how easy it is to get a job in a hopsital after that.

[holisticallyminded]

Hmmmm..........

Are you willing to work in long-term care? I see more nurse techs hired than CNAs in the hospital I work in. I have a friend who has been trying to get a CNA job for over a year. I'm not sure about the hospital openings, but I know that CNAs are always needed in SNFs.

[bboymose]

its definantly true that if your going to apply to a hospital then you should try and get some alittle something under your belt. I worked 1 yr in a lab just to get in. to some employers, (not saying they're all right) but experience in the field matters. Keep your head up cause you are definantly needed somethin fierce.

mose-

[Sunshinegirl07]

I would definately apply to the hospitals. They do tend to hire CNA's with more experience, but I was hired right after finishing my training. I think it depends on the timing. If there is a crunch for help, they will make the gamble to hire you.

The pay seems to be better, and there is a lot less lifting. Any time you need to move a patient it is always ok to ask for help, and it is readily available.

Don't give up on the hospitals!

[divokevan]

Yeah, its hard! However, as a tech in nursing school working at Evergreen in Kirkland, I found out that networking is the only way in! I had to work at evil Aegis assisted living for 4 months before I found a nurse who was a charge in the ER here before she worked at the assist. living. Then, one phone call later, I had an orientation! Do what you have to do if you want to get hospital experience it helps during school!

Take care,

Kevan

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Please note that while you are offering great advice this thread is a couple of years old.

[crazdmomof4]

Just from personal experience, if you work in a nursing home for 6 mo -1 yr as a CNA, then you can apply to an agency. I'm partial to emerald city medical staffing. I worked for them about 5 yrs ago and for weekday earned $15.00hr and $18.00 on the weekend. I was able to set my own schedule and worked in the hospital. Its a good way to get your foot in the door. Just a thought.