Working as a CNA - What are my best options?

[Zzyx]

Hey guys!

This is my first post so I'm sorry if this isn't in the right place 😊

I'm finishing my last semester of prerequisites before applying to nursing school and have a lag semester before the program starts. I haven't worked in the last year or so, and am hoping to start working as a CNA once I finish a CNA program this summer. The work experience and certificate will help tremendously with my application, as I'm sure you all know!

So my question is, what are my prospects? I'm concerned that my lack of CNA experience will eliminate my resume from the pool of applicants, tho I do have many years of customer service experience. Additionally, I would prefer to work while I'm in my nursing program, so I want to find something that will probably be part time and long term.

My goal is to with in L+D - do birthing center hire CNAs?

Thank you!

[LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN]

I know the hospital I delivered my 3 children at had techs at times in OB and mother/baby but I don't think there is many of them. In my area, CNAs are badly needed so you would have no problem getting a tech job without experience here but not sure how it is other places.

[AspiringNurseMW]

Actual freestanding birthing centers likely to not hire CNAs. It's usually just midwives, birth assistants (who are often nurses) and office staff (maybe a Medical Assistant or an LPN or RN).

Your chances of getting a job totally depends. Often hospitals only want CNAs with experience and/or currently in nursing school. You can try to find out who the recruiter is and call and speak to them.

"birthing centers" in a hospital sometimes have CNAs, but they usually just work on PP doing vitals, hearing tests, newborn screens, NICU maybe doing feedings and diaper changes etc. Rarely do they work actually on L&D.