40 and starting CNA course

Sour Lemon · Oct 5, 2018

Anyone else start CNA / PCT classes at 40?
How hard was it to get hired in a hospital without prior experience and at an older age?
Right now I don't have a desire to become an LPN or RN. Want to take the CNA route for a year and see what happens.

Hospital CNA jobs are considered more desirable than nursing home CNA jobs. They're also less plentiful.

I can't actually think of a single CNA that I've ever worked with in a hospital who was newly certified. I'm not sure how age plays into it, but lack of experience would probably be a big hurdle.

QB11, CNA · Oct 5, 2018

Hi Lorsul,

I'm a CNA/PCA in a hospital, I can tell you without experience it is hard to land a hospital job, it also depends on your state too. Most of the positions normally want 6months-1 year of experience. I started out years ago in a nursing home through an agency, yes nursing homes are back breaking; but so are hospitals. Times have changed, and nurses and assistants in the hospital setting work just as hard if not harder at times; depending on the setting. I say go for don't worry about your age, worry about if your mentally and physically fit for the job. Also if you start out in a nursing home you'll learn a great deal of skills that will carry you through your career.

Aunt Slappy · Oct 6, 2018

My first CNA job (at age 36) was in tele unit in a hospital. I got that job because I knew someone from my class who had been hired there. She had a friend who worked there and helped her get the job. Sometimes it really is about who you know. Reach out to your network, because you might know someone who knows someone.

Chrispy11, ASN, RN · Oct 14, 2018

I went to CNA school when I was older. You can get a job in an acute care/rehab without experience as places like this pretty much take anyone because turnover is high. Get some experience under your belt and you'll be able to get a hospital job. It's how I got in. I did the CNA thing while I was in nursing school. I won't lie, sometimes it was back breaking work. Assisted living was easier and some states allow you a Certified Medication Aide license to pass meds in assisted living. Pay is $1/hour more than they pay CNAs. You do need the CNA license in order to get the CMA.

Cora_Ann · Oct 18, 2018

I have done both LTC and the hospital and honestly I would recommend you try LTC first. Because if you can make it doing that you can handle anything. I really enjoyed the hospital, but it's not all that. In LTC you can build relationships with residents and your coworkers. As much crap as I can talk about LTC it's really a good place to set a foundation.

VinTX2019, CNA · May 30, 2019

Personally, I think no one is ever too old to help others whom are in need of care. Maybe that's your angle and message to your interviewer when that time comes for you. I'm a 44 year old CNA, passed my state exam last year with zero experience. Since my dad passed away at 84 years old, I began a passion and love for helping senior people in need and that's my core reason to do this. I agree with the above comments that hospitals would be harder to get in, so aiming for LTC facilities / home cares to start of with is much easier and makes a lot of sense, which is what I'm currently doing to garner the experience I need. On a side note, I had a fellow student in the class actually got a job at the hospital as a CNA without prior experience! It just depends on your timing, whom you know, and maybe a little luck. His mother works at the same hospital as a RN, so that might have helped him in some ways, I don't know.