Arras

I've also been shocked at how many others want to be CRNA's. I first went to college for Chemical Engineering and after realizing how awful the paper industry was doing, started working as an EKG tech to explore the health field. Doing that, I got to see what else I would like to do. ED tech, ICU/CCU nurse, and nurse anesthetist (after job shadowing) were the jobs I thought looked great to me. The nurse anesthetist looked ideal to me because it reminded me of my chemical process control class, as well as the very interesting job of a beater engineer at a paper mill - which involves controlling every additive and the mechanical tuning of the machine based on the specs of the paper that you want and what the sensors are picking up at the reel. It was a combination of that with nursing, working with people, which I had learned to prefer over machines (you never have the same day twice!). So it seems like the perfect combination for me. I didn't really think about the money, except that it would help pay the massive loan I'd incur getting there, and the fact that I wouldn't be putting a dime into retirement until my 30's, haha. I guess overall, I feel like it's for me, but soooo not for some of the others who want to do it. Although I don't mind the job I do now, which includes a huge amount of excrement and bodily fluids... I am extremely mathematically and scientifically inclined, while I find that the majority of those in nursing school are not (at least not math - biology, yes). I am also a guy, and work with exactly zero male coworkers where I am now - I get along alright, but I picture life being better having other guys around again, in the OR.

I was pretty picky coming out of my CNA course, I wanted to work in a hospital for many reasons. Like you, I wanted hospital CNA experience because I knew that was where I'd like to work in the future. Yes, the type of work you do in a hospital is different from LTC, how much so depends on the unit. I know because I was an EKG tech before this, working all over a hospital; luckily I now know what goes on inside most units. And after all, if you want to be a nurse in a hospital, being an assistant in a hospital makes sense to me. I'm also a guy, so as far as the difficulties of being a male nurse/CNA, as a tech in a hospital I never found it a problem, but found it greatly magnified in long term care where I did my CNA clinicals. It may have had to do with the different nature of the work, but I believe the patient/resident demographics played a big part as well. Toss in the fact that a hospital usually pays more and has great benefits, and it wasn't much of a decision for me. But I did have trouble finding a job. The current economy is making hospitals try harder than ever to minimize training costs, by hiring experienced workers or hiring from within the hospital. Almost all of the hospital openings I saw were for a CNA II (meaning you must have experience). But for the openings I could apply to, and wanted to apply to, I managed to get 3 out of 4 interviews. And then, the two that were day shifts expressed that they really, really wanted someone experienced and I probably wouldn't get the job because they were interviewing 4 other people. Ultimately, after two months of job searching, I was offered a job on a night shift. Even though its going to be an awesome unit for me experiencewise, almost no one wants to work 7 pm to 7 am, including me--but that's why it was the only job I was offered. I was alright with that compromise and took the job. So yes, I'd recommend shooting for a hospital. But it is likely a lot more competitive to get a job there. Of course, your mileage may vary from mine!

Ditto. My situation was even more complicated. Ex job was great, but there wasn't any room to grow (I'm 22). I should have stayed there until I finished my CNA cert, because the recession is every bit as bad as they say. I wanted to move though, so I had to quit, and I no longer have a foot in the door at a hospital. I guess hindsight is 20/20. At least I had lots of savings, so it could still work out great for me. There was a better way though.

I don't think there could be two interviews involved. My interview had two parts, HR and the nurse manager. The nurse manager didn't say anything about getting or not getting the job, but I think the interview ended in "email me if you think of any more questions!"

I interviewed for a CNA position last friday, which seemed to go well. I can think of a few things I would change, but nothing major. The weekend passed and at about 9 am on monday, I got an automated email that said they have "identified candidates that more closely match the requirements of the position and will not be extending an interview opportunity at this time." Now, this email worries me for obvious reasons--it sounds an awful lot like a rejection. However, I already got an interview opportunity, so right there, there is something not quite right about this. On top of that, this exact same thing happened to me after my LAST interview over a year ago at a totally different hospital, and for that one, I basically knew I was going to get the job (and ultimately I did). To put it another way, I got an interview rejection email just a day or two after that interview took place, although I knew I had the job. Because of that, this time around, I almost want to think they are processing a job offer for me and this is the dysfunctional first step they take So I don't know what to think about this. I would feel a lot better if this has happened to other people before, who did end up getting the job. Has anyone had this experience? I will try to remember to follow up on this when I know more.

At the place I'm applying to, with no previous CNA experience you start at CNA I. I think generally if you are doing a good job learning the job, you become a CNA II in 6 months. I'm not sure if there is specific criteria you could meet to move up faster. The pay is considerably higher for a CNA II, in my case, its about $2/hr more than CNA I.