Members are discussing the challenges faced by a 16-year-old with a CNA certification who is eager to start working in a hospital or with patients. Some members mention that age restrictions and legal issues prevent minors from working in direct patient care positions in healthcare. Others share their experiences of working as CNAs at a young age, with some stating that state regulations and individual facility policies vary. Suggestions are made for the individual to volunteer or consider non-direct care positions until they reach the age requirement for patient contact roles.
I am desperate to begin working, but it seems that you have to be at least 18 to work at my hospital...and apparently 18 at a Nursing home...
I am also going to be licensed as an EMT-B soon as well(In like 2 weeks)...I can't do anything with that except volunteer at the local ambulance service.
I recently did the ambulance rotation, and the ER Rotation. I found out that I did not like the ambulance rotation that much...and preferred the ER...
What can I do with my CNA Certification right now? I really want to get patient contact hours at the Hospital more...Apparently the reason why I can't work at the Hospital is because of bodily fluids...Yet they allowed us to work with bodily fluids during our training...
I really would like to utilize this certification as soon as possible...One of my goals is becoming an ER Tech...I heard those are pretty competitive.
*To all you nice people in the field of Nursing/Medicine: What can I do right now with my CNA certification and soon EMT certification?*
*Is it possible that I can still work at the Hospital with patients even if I am 16? Or is that illegal?*
One way to put your energies to good use is to start taking courses at your community college so that you have a leg up, timewise, if you decide to apply to nursing programs. Even one course down the hatch is one less course to take when you attend college full time.
Hi! So Im 16 and I have my CNA cert and currently work in a nursing home. Well actually I JUST turned 17 and couple days ago, but I am in New York, and when I got the job, they still hired me despite not being graduated and being 16! So maybe it's different in your state? I will be working in the nursing home during my senior year of HS as well
I'm a bit late, but I just wanted to add my experiences. I'm currently a junior in high school, and took a CNA course over the summer. My birthday is in the summer and I took the CNA course while still 15. I got hired at a nursing as a CNA at 15 (but had to be 16 to actually start work), and when I turned 16, I was able to begin working. It all depends on your state's rules. I'm able to fullfill all the duties of a CNA EXCEPT run the lifts (sit-stand and hoyer). I can only assist with the lifts. It all depends on your state's regulations and hospital's policies.
Just to add something. I had a 16 yo student in my teaching CNA course. She was a legally 'emancipated minor'. My facility checked it out and she was OK to take the course & work. It's some legal thing.
wendy - welcome to AN. I usually suggest to new members that they consider anonymous screen names here. Everybody & anybody visits this site, and you need to be careful here on social media.
HemOncAspire
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