Where should a new CNA start working?

AzDeb · Jul 27, 2011

I'm sure you would get much more experience working in LTC or in a hospital but yes....it is crazy busy. I started out in LTC and switched to home health care which I absolutely love. Considering you would want a more flexible schedule and time for studying, I think working in home health care would be perfect for you. When I started with an agency, I told them my availability and they found clients that fit my schedule to place me with. I've been doing it for 6 months and just love it. Part of my day with them is a bit more hectic but I do have down time when they nap. (I care for a husband and wife) I do laundry for them during that time since I like to stay busy but if you're a student that would be a good time to study. As for the pay.....it was the same for home health care as it was at a LTC without the stress and craziness. Home health care also allows you to give more personal care and support to someone.....opposed to having to run from room to room. That's just my experience. Anyway, good luck to you!! And congrats on becoming a new CNA! Hope my thoughts help. :)

Woods · Jul 27, 2011

I am thinking about becoming an CNA. I love helping people. And I thought what a better way of doing so. I have no experience. Can some one get me on the right track? Would like online school if possible. What site should I start looking on?

Have a great day!

Woods · Jul 27, 2011

Would love to hear any one suggestions please:)

RJ_SOON2B_RN · Jul 27, 2011

I took my my CNA classes in Morris County, NJ at Ace Healthcare Training Inst. I work now at a nursing home and just getting experience to get into a hospital. Honestly, hospital HR will ignore you and they have this online screening system that asks you:

How many years have you had working as a CNA in a nursing home/long term care facility?

I'm also a nursing student but not in the clinicals phase of it yet - they ask you that too, if you are a nursing or emt student as on the screening questions. Eventually, I can answer at least 1 instead of 0 soon

Staragate, ADN, ASN, RN · Jul 27, 2011

I'm a new CNA. I just started working at a LTC. It's got a good reputation, good rated facility. When my unit is fully staffed, we have 28 residents, 1 RN and 3 of us assistants. About half the time, one of us assistants will get floated to another unit. My unit is an alzheimers/dementia unit so we really need to be fully staffed. Sigh. I also work Baylor shift (6a-10p) on weekends. I spend the rest of the week tired.

Anyway. With all that, I have gotten faster with every weekend I work. A lot of home care agencies won't hire you unless you have at least 1 year supervised CNA experience, because of medicare reimbursement rules. I'm looking at this job as a way to get good at the basic skills as I go through nursing school. When the time comes, I think I'll move to PRN work so I can get some sleep before Monday clinicals.

blackbird singing · Jul 28, 2011

I am thinking about becoming an CNA. I love helping people. And I thought what a better way of doing so. I have no experience. Can some one get me on the right track? Would like online school if possible. What site should I start looking on?
Have a great day!

I'm not sure about online classes. You should just google "CNA/STNA classes in ______" with your city. That's what I did! Many LTC facilities offer them as well.

Good luck!!

RJ_SOON2B_RN · Jul 28, 2011

I'm not sure about online classes. You should just google "CNA/STNA classes in ______" with your city. That's what I did! Many LTC facilities offer them as well.
Good luck!!

Also do you homework and to make sure that the facility is fully accredited by the state you are in!

Reese2012 · Jul 28, 2011

If I were you I would try to get a job as a per diem CNA on the weekends, that way you can still focus on school during the week. I suggest the hospital setting, because you will see a lot more than you will see in a LTC. Plus, once you pass the NCLEX, you can continue to work at the same hospital.

kelsey.kristine, CNA · Jul 31, 2011

I highly suggest a hospital setting. I got my CNA and it took me a little bit to get hired at a hospital, but that was my goal so I held out for a job there haha

I'm SO glad I got it....I've learned so much just from working, it's really helped with classes....and almost all the nurses are more than willing to show you or teach you things. It's a lot more diverse, I think.

I work part time now, 3 nights one week 2 the next, and that amount is perfect for me. I wouldn't work full time in school unless you really really need to.

KaliforniaKim · Aug 1, 2011

I am thinking about becoming an CNA. I love helping people. And I thought what a better way of doing so. I have no experience. Can some one get me on the right track? Would like online school if possible. What site should I start looking on?
Have a great day!

:flwrhrts:

Woods, I just graduated from CNA school yesterday. If you are considering becoming a CNA also, you cannot take an online class because being a CNA is a "hands-on" job that obviousely cannot be done online. CNA classes are a two part program, part of the program is called, "lecture" and the other part is called "lab". The lecture part is in an actual classroom with an instructor where you learn about how the body works, illnesses, ethnics, care procedures and so forth. Once that lecture portion of the class is complete, it prepares the students for the lab education. Lab is when the students go to an actual medical facility and apply the learned skills from lecture to actual patients. My lab was at a skilled nursing facility (elderly retirement center). At first I was a little freaked out with the whole environment, but gradually found to really enjoy giving compassion to those who could no longer take care of themselves. I loved the gratification in gave me to have been able to brighten their days, by just a smile or listening to them. The bonding is immesurable for both the CNA and patients alike. For me, being a CNA is a very gratifying job, where you are appriciated and actually enjoy doing! The money isn't great, but if you truly care about people, you would really like being a CNA. I hope that helps in your decision a little bit! :nurse: