nrsin4

dmskoka...I'm in midwest. As far as the tuition program, I think that a lot of hospital systems throughout the country offer something. You can call some hospitals in your area and ask about it. I had my clinical a few months ago. It was a great experience! I got my top choice...I was on the oncology/surgery floor. I was able to do so much! The CNAs that I shadowed were great and let me do a lot of stuff myself. By the end of clinical I was helping the RNs bring in patients from post-op and doing their initial vitals by myself (with supervision, of course). I did bladder scans, ostomy care, GI tube care, lots of vitals and ambulating. Also did peri-care, bed baths, changing occupied beds, etc. The "biggest" thing I did was to "assist" (mildly assist) the CNA I was shadowing and a RN in unpacking an open hip-to-hip incision on a bariatric patient and then I showered the patient. I knew at that moment I would be OK because I had an open abdominal incision right at my eye level and it didn't bother me one bit.

It seems like a lot of employers in my area also only accept certification from AHA. I got mine from AHA (they came to my school) and luckily we were offered the class for free.

Thanks everyone for the advice! At the first of the year I am going to really step up my efforts and apply for jobs in person. I know that I can make a better face-to-face impression than how I look on paper (from my lack of work experience). One of the advantages to my situation is that I don't have to work. I want to work to use the education I've gotten so far and to gain experience to help me with my future education. Of course, the extra money will be a huge perk! I've got my eye on some assisted living and ltc facilities to try first. There is also a new sub-acute facility near my home that doesn't require CNAs to have prior experience. They aren't hiring right now, but hopefully they will have openings soon. I'm going to see if they'll take an application from me anyway. I really want to work at a hospital. A lot of the job ads I see for the hospitals ask for 3 - 6 months of experience. So, I'm hoping to get something to give me experience so that one day I'll work at a hospital.

I got my CNA license on 10/17/08 and have been applying for jobs ever since. I've applied for 10 jobs so far, but have not been called for one interview. I've gotten quite a few "thanks for your interest, but we hired someone more qualified" letters. (I'm planning on really stepping up the job hunt after the first of the year.) I already knew that there would be a bit of a struggle getting a job as a new CNA with no experience. However, I think that my lack of work experience in general is what is really hurting me. I have been a stay-at-home mom for the past 17 years. I have barely worked. When I fill out the job experience portion of the job applications it is pretty pathetic. For my most recent "employment" I list the parent association that I'm the president of at my daughter's high school. I am responsible for a lot of things and oversee/delegate duties to a lot people. Even though it is a volunteer position that I am not paid for, I think that it is still valuable "work" experience. My daughter is graduating in May, so that "job" will be over soon. I don't have a supervisor to list because, well, with that job I am the supervisor. The teacher that I work with I list as a professional reference, so I can't list her as a supervisor to contact. The next job I list is when I was a part-time grocery store cashier for three months...August 2006 to November 2006. The third job that I list is when I was a part-time para-professional at an elementary school for one semester...July 1998 to December 1998. With the cashier job I put the first name of my supervisor (because I don't know her last name) and the phone number. However, if a potential employer was to call them, they probably wouldn't remember me. With the para-professional job, the principal that was my boss is no longer employed there. So, if the potential employer called them they wouldn't have any idea of who I am. The other two small part-time jobs that I've had as an adult were before 1994, so I don't bother to list them...they are too old. They wouldn't even know me. I'm ready to enter the workforce now. My kids are getting older, so I can. I really want to work as a CNA to use the education that I got and to gain experience that will help me in the RN program. I'm hoping to work somewhere (a hospital preferably) that will pay for my tuition to get my RN. The hospital where I've been applying will pay 100% of nursing school tuition after working there for 12 months and signing a contract to work for the hospital for at least 3 years after graduation. Anyone have any experience or advice for my situation? What can I do to show employers that I'm a hard worker who is ready to permanently enter the workforce?

truern...this job is a little different than CNA jobs at this particular hospital. Here's the job description for a CNA job that I just now applied for at the same hospital. The list of responsibilities is not as extensive. This description is for the oncology surgery floor (which is where I did my clincial). Provides appropriate care specific to the age of the customer/patient, to ensure understanding and comfort level of treatment. Exhibits excellent interpersonal relations with patient, co-workers, physicians, and guests to ensure effective communications. Complete clinical activities identified in the patient's plan of care to meet patients' comfort/activity/sleep needs and other clinical patient needs as delegated by professional staff. Maintains patient nutritional status by completing all intake/outtake activities in a timely and accurate manner to promote customer satisfaction. Documents all data collected in MIA and/or on worksheets, accurately, completely, and in a timely manner to provide an accurate record of patient activities and response to activities. Provides housekeeping activities to contribute to a safe, efficient, effective and sanitary patient care environment. Consistently recognizes and utilizes measures to provide for safe, efficient, patient care and work environment. Directly response to the staff nurse and assists in the care of the patient by performing delegated activities utilizing the reciprocal process of the 4 Rights Delegation.

VivaLasViejas...thanks for your reply! I'm glad to hear that it was a positive experience for you. I'm hoping that I do get an interview. I am going to school part-time for my RN, so I would love to get all of the on-the-job experience that I can get!

Do they require that in your state? In my state, it depends on the school (I think). The college that I got my CNA from does not require you to be a CNA or LPN before starting nursing school. However, that college also doesn't offer a RN program. They only have a BSN program. The college that I'm getting my RN from requires you to do it in stages. You must be a CNA to apply for the LPN program. And, you must be a LPN to apply for the RN program. I just got my CNA in Oct. I'm going to work as a CNA until I have my LPN done. Then I will try to find a job as a LPN to work until I get my RN.

I was thinking that it sounds really busy. I applied because I figured it would be better to apply than not...especially since I'm still trying to land my first CNA job. This is the same hospital that I did my clinical at (on the oncology/surgery floor). From my experiences with that floor, I can't imagine how this position is set up to accomplish all those tasks. On my first day of clinical I was paired up with a male CNA. He's been a CNA for 20 years and was great. On my third day (when I was paired with a different CNA) I noticed that he was in business casual attire working at the reception desk on the floor. I overheard another CNA ask him if he was switching jobs and he said that he was just subbing for the day to help out one of the secretaries. Maybe the floors staff differently (some have CNA's, others have "combo" techs). Or, maybe the hospital is trying out a new position? Hopefull I'll get an interview so that I can find out! The starting pay is higher than CNA pay. That hospital starts CNAs at $11.07 p/hr and this critical care secretary/tech position starts at $11.75 p/hr, which is nice.

Here's the rest of the job ad...I don't know why the whole thing wasn't included in my first post. Job Duties: Promote positive impression and welcoming environment of the unit through customer service. Provides appropriate service specific to the age of the customer/patient, to ensure understanding and comfort level of treatment, as outlined in the Age Specific Criteria. Exhibits excellent interpersonal relations with patients, co-workers, physicians and guests to ensure effective communications. Completes clinical activities identified in the patient's plan of care to meet patients' comfort/activity/sleep needs and other clinical patient needs as delegated by professional staff. Maintains patient nutritional status by completing all intake/output activities in at timely and accurate manner to promote customer satisfaction. Documents all data collected, in Cerner and/or on worksheets, accurately, completely, and in a timely manner to provide an accurate record of patient activities and response to activities. Provides housekeeping activities to contribute to a safe, efficient, effective and sanitary patient care environment. Consistently recognizes and utilizes measures to provide for safe, efficient, patient care and work environment. Handles all general communication duties for the unit. Performs order entry functions for the unit as required. Assists in maintaining medical records. Directly responsible to the staff nurse and assists in the care of the patient by performing delegated activities utilizing the reciprocal process of the 4 Rights of Delegation.

I just applied for this job tonight. It's at the hospital that is connected to the college where I got my CNA. I just recieved my license on 10/17/08, so I'm still trying to get my first CNA job. This job didn't say specifically that the applicant needs prior hospital experience. The job sounds different...not your typical CNA position. Does this job look too much like a "jack of all trades" type position? Does it look like I could be running my rear-end off? Critial Care Secretary/Technician Job Requirements: High School Diploma or GED. The ability to understand and carry out instructions, follow schedules, communicate information, read simple and clear instructions and complete reports. Must be able to collect, record, and report patient needs to the appropriate care giver. The ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills commensurate with job description. Completion of Certified Nursing Assistant program. Student nurse must have completed first clinical rotation. Current CPR certified. Ability to type 30-40 wpm, with accuracy.

I think you made a good decision! :) And, you're right. You will have a lot of opportunities closer to home after you are certified.

I agree with sonomala. I personally wouldn't even consider it. With the gas prices, I would never work 45 minutes from home. Most of the pay would get eaten up in gas. I also wouldn't feel comfortable working at a job where I am supposed to be educated and licensed, but I wasn't. And, if I was working at night I would be concerned about the part of town. It would make me nervous to walk to my car. What bothers me may not bother you, though. Good luck with your decision!! :)

In my CNA class we learned 130 abbreviations and we had 40 on our class final. Then we got to clinicals at the hospital and there were signs posted at every single nurses' "mini-station" that said, "SAVE A LIFE...DON'T ABBREVIATE". I asked about it and they said, "Yeah, you should take one of these signs to your instructor so that they don't waste time teaching you those anymore." The only abbreviation that is still allowed at the hospital is NPO (nothing by mouth). The funny thing is the nursing/health college that I took my class at is connected to the hospital that I did clinicals at, so you'd think they'd follow what the hospital does.

I am an acute care CNA, so my clinicals were at a hospital...the oncology/surg/bariatrics floor to be exact (the floor I chose). Two to four of us were assigned to a floor at the hospital. Each of us were paired up with a CNA and shadowed her/him for the entire time. If our CNA worked the same shifts we had clinicals, then we stayed with them. If not, then we were paired with someone else. I was paired with a male CNA (he was terrific...been a CNA for 20 years) the first day. The second day I was paired with a wonderful woman CNA, about my age, for the remainder. My CNA's had me do a lot of things, but they stayed with me the entire time. We really became a great team! My experience was different than a nursing home, so I can't help you on that. I did some intense stuff...it was great! I assisted in unpacking an open, hip-to-hip incision on a bariatric patient and then showered the patient. I did a bladder scan, emptied cath bags, JP drains, colostomy & urostomy bags...by the end of clinicals my CNA was letting me do vitals and care of incoming surg patients just out of post-op. I also did the typical things that CNA's do everywhere...vitals, bathing, peri-care, feeding, transfers, ambulating, occupied bed changes, etc. Have fun with clinicals!!!! It's really a terrific learning experience!!!!

In my state the license numbers are posted on the Department of Health and Human Services website. My license number just posted this weekend (I passed my state exams on 10/10). I don't know if I'm going to get anything in the mail. I wouldn't be surprised if I don't.