Should I GO FOR IT!?!

rancelumsden · Oct 22, 2008

A tough question that it's difficult to advise on from 'afar'.

I might be inclined to say wait if economic times were different. At this point, I would say consider this. At the very least, interview and see if they are interested. It also lets you see the place, where they're situated and if they seem to at least have a reasonably secure parking area. No point in out-and-out rejecting the idea until you at least go down there and talk to them.

Yes, 45 minutes with gasoline prices is not great. On the other hand, you're talking about getting experience and your first job in the field which is difficult for many to get in the first place. Once you have a years experience, your options are far greater.

So, go talk to them, check pay scale, see if they have a parking lot you're not concerned about, and report back..........

CandAmommy · Oct 22, 2008

I agree, I would see what they will offer you. If anything you will just gain more experience out of it! I'm disappointed as I was suppose to start classes in November and was just told they were full so now I have to wait till January. In short, I would go for it if it were me!

sonomala · Oct 22, 2008

First gas prices, 45 minutes with gas prices that are bound to rise again is something to be wary of.

Second bad part of town, I've always been told (even by police officers) that if your worried go to the local police department and see exactly how bad it is. They might tell you oh that ltc is secure or we've had many incidents around there.

Third, don't jeopardize your future cna status. In the interview ask many questions like what exactly you'll be doing. If state comes in and finds you doing something the state allows only licensed cnas to do it could mean trouble for your employer and it could impact you in terms of the reference ect. It couldn't hurt to take what they tell you in the interview on to the state nursing board to be safe.

Finally, I've heard in some areas cna positions are hard to come by but its better to hold out for the right one then take one at a place you feel wary of. Oh and double check them as well. If you wind up working for a place thats a known abuser of state guidelines, and a rule bender the job reference will do more harm then good.

nrsin4 · Oct 22, 2008

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!! :)

Jolie, BSN · Oct 22, 2008

I would urge you to thoroughly investigate why they are willing to hire you without certification.

Is this allowed in your state? Are they doing it because they are desperate for staff?

If you accept a job without having completed a CNA course, it will be imperative that you are given a thorough orientation so that you are aware of basic standards of care and safety practices.

Please check into this very well before making a commitment.

Hopeful76 · Oct 22, 2008

I thought it over and talked with my husband earlier and I have decided not to go in for the interview for one my husband thinks it would be more than a 45 minute drive more like a hour. I am sure the pay isn't that great not being certified and when I really thought it over I wouldn't want to go work with patients and not have any experience. I know I will be able to find a job near my home once I finish my CNA prep course and I will feel alot better being hired somewere that is safe and also that I am certified. I think between the drive and the location and not being certified and having no training wouldn't be the right thing to do. I wouldn't want to take a risk or risk one of the patients not having no experience or training, plus I want to get off to the right start once I get certified and start off in the healthcare field. It sounded good at first but reading the responses and talking it over with my husband and thinking about it, it probaly isn't that great of a oppurtunity.

nrsin4 · Oct 22, 2008

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.

MichaelCNA · Oct 23, 2008

Hello,

I am in the exact position you were (until you made up your mind not to attend the interview). I just finished my first week of clinicals, and a company I'd sent my resume to the night before called me. Yes, they are about 40 minutes away, but they have an above average reputation, were willing to consider me knowing I don't yet have my certification (in WI, they can hire you on a provisional basis for 4 months), and offer good benefits and tuition reimbursement. Pay-wise, I was told they start over $10.00 hourly.

The way I see it is, if I find the facility sub-standard, and the pay much less than what I quoted above, I will not consider it. At least during the interview process, all you're losing is an hour or so and some gas.

My interview is tomorrow morning at 10am. Will advise of the results! I actually am very excited.

And as I mentioned, my first week of clinicals are over. Just four more days left. I must say, I have had a wonderful time so far. My Instructor is a great person, very patient, and the facility is very nice. It will be sad to say goodbye to the Residents whom I've grown much fondness for in such a short period.

All in all, my CNA training experience has been very rewarding. What makes it so much more fulfulling is understanding that this work is not something anyone can do.