What is the Current Demand for CNAs in California?

[bhanson]

After lurking allnurses for quite some time now, it is apparent the demand for CNAs varies wildly depending on your area. In my particular state, the economy has pretty much put a complete halt on nearly all new hiring. There are very few jobs available and they're flooded with applications from many experienced candidates.

On the contrary, I've read in other areas all of the facilities have a HUGE demand for CNAs, and are even hiring non-certified applicants to help cope with the demand.

How does California fall on this scale? Are there lots of jobs available? Or are things pretty stale there as well?

I've researched online but it's hard to get a good feel for the economy down there as there is a huge population difference between my state and California.

Thanks!

[suzanne4, RN]

The hospital where I am currently at has let all of their CNAs go. And some were here for 30 years or so. This is what we are seeing in more and more facilities. California has ratio laws in place at all hospitals, so you are seeing mainly only RNs used. Not even LVNs being hired for most hospitals any longer, usually just nursing homes.

Nursing homes are still hiring and always will be.

[bhanson]

So the nurses at your facility do all of their own toileting, baths, transfers, vitals, and answer all call lights? How many patients do you have for each RN?

Do you agree with the decision to let go of the CNAs? Or did you value their work because it allowed you to concentrate on the more advanced issues. How did the transition go?

[suzanne4, RN]

I actually work in critical care but sometimes float to a telemetry unit. Ca ratio laws are no more than four patients on the tele units, and this unit tries for three patients only when possible. And everything is done by the RN, we do not have LVNs either.

This has been what has been in play at many facilities in CA now, not just mine. More work is being placed on the RN, but that is what is part of the job. All is done by the RN.

It has never made any difference to me, even when I worked with CNAs and LPN/LVNs in the past; when a call light goes on it gets answered; when a patient needs to go to the BR, whom ever can get it done first gets it done, there is never any oh just wait for the assistant to take you. Any job that the CNA or the LVN can do, so can the RN.