Working as a NA w/out being certified?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 8, 2008

When I was living in California, I worked as an uncertified direct care staff member at a group home for 6 developmentally disabled adults. This company did not require that any of their employees have a CNA certificate, nor did they require certification in the future. This was back in 2000 and 2001, but the practice still occurs today.

Perhaps a group home would be a good place for you to work as a NA with no certification. United Cerebral Palsy is a big employer of NAs with no certificate.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Oct 9, 2008

Many states don't require CNA's to be certified if they work inpatient. I don't understand the reasoning, but I was an uncertified PCT who worked inpt for 2 years. Talk to a hospital HR department, I'm sure you can find one thrilled to hire you!

Hopeful76 · Oct 9, 2008

I know here in my area in Florida I called more than a dozen nursing homes and a few hospitals and they all just keep saying NO you have to be certified. I wanted to see if I could get hired and see what it is like before I took the course and spent the money on the course but I know in my area they want you to be certified. I am sure it is different in some states. I would call a bunch of places and see what they say or go in a few in your area and see if they would hire before you take the course. Good Luck on whatever you choose!

txnursingqt · Oct 11, 2008

I know here in my area of Texas all of the local hospitals hire without being certified. The nursing homes require it but not the hospitals. I am thinking of going back to work in the hospital myself right now and my certification is expired. I just found out that I won't have to get it renewed, which saves me $325 for the class at my CC.

shelly92555 · May 15, 2011

I am in southern california

I have heard it is possible to work in a nursing type hosptial for pay and get trained at the same time for your cna certificate. If anyone knows anything about this would really like to hear from you

interceptinglight, CNA · May 15, 2011

I work in a LTC facility in Idaho; I was hired without certification with the agreement that I would take the class they offered administered by a local state college and that I would be certified within 6 months of employment. I started working there in August for just above minimum wage (when I found out what I be making I just about tossed my cookies).....and by the end of November I was certified and got a $2.00 raise (whoopie). The one small hospital we have in this town doesn't hire nurse's assistants that are not certified. This LTC facility does have assisted living that requires med aide certification, but you don't have to be a CNA. However, the skilled nursing facility does require certification within 6 months.

caliotter3 · May 16, 2011

I am in southern california
I have heard it is possible to work in a nursing type hosptial for pay and get trained at the same time for your cna certificate. If anyone knows anything about this would really like to hear from you

Many LTC facilities train for the CNA certificate. Usually for free if you work for them afterward. In CA, a person can work as an NA for four months, then they have to have a CNA certificate to keep their job.

shelly92555 · May 16, 2011

Thank you so much I will check in to those places

cmm4ever · May 17, 2011

I am in southern california
I have heard it is possible to work in a nursing type hosptial for pay and get trained at the same time for your cna certificate. If anyone knows anything about this would really like to hear from you

When I was reading this, I was wondering something similar. I will be starting in a hospital soon, but they never told me I would have to become a cna....?!