Published Mar 22, 2010
Double Helix-7
1 Post
Hello all,
I'm new to this forum and I'd like some opinions from you guys who are CNAs or have been working as a CNA.
I completed my CNA course and got certified about almost 2 years ago and because of college and other things in life I was not employed as a CNA for all this time. However, recently I decided that I want to do something in heath professions and since I've already been certified as a CNA it would probably be my best bet right now to start looking for CNA jobs in the area.
However, eventhough I'm still listed as "active" in my state my certification is about to expire in about 2 months time (which will be 2 years from the time I obtained it), so that doesn't leave me very much time to be hired...
So I'm wondering whether I should start enrolling for the course again or if I should just wait it out a month or so? I've also forgotten a lot of the things that were taught in my CNA course due to the time, but my friends suggested that I can get a book and re-read over it.
What do you think would be the best thing for me to do?
Thanks in advance!
It is also very crucial that I either get hired now or take the class this summer and start looking for a job right after since I need this as my patient care experience for the profession I'm pursuing.
ItsTheDude
621 Posts
it's gonna depend on your state, in nc if you can get a job quick and just work (paid) 8 hrs doing cna task under the supervision of a rn that may reup your cert for another 2 yrs.
otherwise, just get a book and study up.
dancer_meggs
38 Posts
try and get a job at a home health agency, they're always willing to hire ppl
CoffeemateCNA
903 Posts
Don't enroll in the class just yet. If you are unable to get a job by then, and your certification expires, you may be able to challenge the CNA exam. Also, if you still feel uncomfortable about performing procedures, some community colleges offer low-cost "CNA Refresher" courses. You spend 1-2 days reviewing procedures and practicing them to get comfortable before you take the state exam.
muffinCNA15
37 Posts
this has already been mentioned, but try home health. or try in home care. you can work for almost all the non-medical in home care companies as a caregiver without being a CNA. or try assisted living.
Ev1987
347 Posts
Try to take advantages of all your current options. Then or if you run out of options, take another class. Hope everything works out for the best.
You can also review your skills with these CNA videos:
https://allnurses.com/cna-nursing-assistant/free-full-cna-191189.html
caliotter3
38,333 Posts
Make certain to check with your state to insure that it is a requirement to have paid work experience in order to renew, if not, then just renew your certificate and continue to look for a job. You can review on your own. If you have to have work experience, try home health agencies for a quick hire or look for caregiver jobs on the internet employment websites. I would not retake the course unless absolutely necessary. You can review on your own.