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Host

How did you get your start doing cna work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?

Do you need a particular educational background?

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marcia James in Lawrenceville, GA

65 months ago

why is it so hard to find a job

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veronica in Dallas, TX

65 months ago

yea why is that

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veronica in Dallas, TX

65 months ago

i went to school for this recently and i'm just about finished. i 'm doing my extern

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cherita hanson in Plano, TX

64 months ago

about how much does cna make an hour.695

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Emma in Stamford, Connecticut

64 months ago

Take a look at the Indeed Salary Search. Here's a search I did for CNA: www.indeed.com/salary?q1=CNA&l1=&tm=1

The average salary for job titles containing the keyword CNA according to this tool is $24K. The Salary Search also offers similar job title salaries as well.

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Robyn in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

64 months ago

I got my start, 27 years ago. when we were called nursing assistants. I took my test about 15 years ago and now I work at a hospital. Ialso found that, you get a lot less money in the south.In the city you get a whole lot more. I"m up to 15.00 an hr.

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lisa nelson in Austin, Texas

63 months ago

well folks i have my cna and the mistake i made was went into homehealth doing basically nothing and you loose the skills you learn, so don't get caught up in that!if you have to try to find a way to educate yourself okay.

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lisa nelson in Austin, Texas

63 months ago

marcia James said: why is it so hard to find a job
well marcia maybe its not you they want certain yrs. of experience or a certain color of skin or height weight, maybe they think your are over qualified or do you have a criminal background? it could be several reasons try not to take it all personal just keep trying there is a need for us

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Robyn in Norristown, Pennsylvania

63 months ago

Dear Marcia, I had a hard time when I first started out. But, it got better in time. Hang in there and post your resume online you will get calls soon.

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pamela in Seattle, Washington

63 months ago

Most Nursing Homes give the training for free, but there is usually a catch, like you must work for them for a year or something like that. Otherwise you can pay for the training yourself, or maybe get a grant from a school that teaches the course. It is a good skill that you can take with you where ever you go. There is always a need for CNA's

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veronica in Grand Prairie, Texas

62 months ago

Host said: How did you get your start doing cna work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?
Do
you need a particular educational background?

I got started when I went to school for patient care tech

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karen in New Haven, Connecticut

62 months ago

How do you deal with taking care of the dead people. I have been in cna for a while and have yet to do it. I had a bad experience in Texas where they had a woman die over night there where three aides on the floor before I got to work all hiding in rooms and the nurse came to me telling me to take care of it she wouldn't show me what to do granted I was scared she just crossed her legs and arms stood by the door and said do it after going back and forth with her I just left called back when Office people where their but by then they all lied on me.

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nehemiah in Newark, New Jersey

62 months ago

cherita hanson said: about how much does cna make an hour.695
9-18 hr depends on experience and what state you live in

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youme_diallo@yahoo.com in Manassas, Virginia

59 months ago

Hi all
Where can a newly licenced student look to start working as a CNA
I need a hint.
I just got my certificat in Woodbridge Virginia
Please help

Thank you

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biola in Baltimore, Maryland

55 months ago

Robyn in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said: I got my start, 27 years ago. when we were called nursing assistants. I took my test about 15 years ago and now I work at a hospital. Ialso found that, you get a lot less money in the south.In the city you get a whole lot more. I"m up to 15.00 an hr.

in the south, the quality of life is better so less cnas are needed. thats why the pay for cnas is so low down there, unless you work in a hospital.

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kate in Laguna Niguel, California

54 months ago

I became a CNA 7 months ago. There is a huge need for skilled nurses at all levels here in CA. I started at a skilled nursing facility then moved onto a CNA job at a major hospital in San Diego with a full benefit package and high start pay. A CNA with extra training- I took CNA acute training- should have no problem finding a great job out here. If you get hired through a private staffing company & are willing to work where needed, a CNA can make as much as $19.50 an hour start pay. This is one of the better states to work in a nursing career. Try seaching Indeed or Monster.

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bolingo in Houston, Texas

52 months ago

youme_diallo@yahoo.com in Manassas, Virginia said: Hi all
Where can a newly licenced student look to start working as a CNA
I need a hint.
I just got my certificat in Woodbridge Virginia
Please help

Thank you

annaburg manor on sudley rd; is a nursing home always hiring,if you no the manassas area on route 28 centerville rd you birmingham green another nursing home they will hire you

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Jim in Canton, Ohio

52 months ago

Host said: How did you get your start doing cna work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?

Do you need a particular educational background?

In Ohio, a CNA is known as an STNA [State tested nurse aid]
and I R one. [just a little levity] When I recieved my license
I went straight to a staffing agency and they put me on the next day, did all my in-service for the year and had my picture taken / badge prepared in a matter of hours. I mostly work LTC's but have worked hospitals, lock down wards, acute care, psychiatric wards, etc. I have since joined a second staffing agency and can pick and chose when and where I work. Agency isn't for most people but it gives one a very intense level of experience in a very short period of time. The worst part is the in-house aids really "putting it to you" since you do make more than they do and they resent it very much but I've run into some fantastic aids and nurses that recognize you are trying to do a job and do it to the best of your ability. I hope this has been of help to those trying to get into the field. J

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D in Denver, Colorado

52 months ago

I started with a home health agengy. I enjoy both home health and hospital work-I work for two agencies. I enjoy the varied experience, people and pace.

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Jim in Canton, Ohio

52 months ago

D in Denver, Colorado said: I started with a home health agengy. I enjoy both home health and hospital work-I work for two agencies. I enjoy the varied experience, people and pace.

Good for you D, home health is something I haven't tried yet.I
just talked to both agencies I work for and was cancelled for tomorrow but they set me up for the next day. It's the nature of working agency. You really like home health do you? Should I try it? J

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laurie1121 in Kalamazoo, Michigan

50 months ago

I am currently a home health aide, but would like to obtain my CNA certificate. How and where do I do that in Kalamazoo, MI? Does it have to be online or is there a place I can actually take classes?

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d in Denver, Colorado

50 months ago

I went to community college here. If you check online or with a nursing website in MI you should be able to find out.

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Baker in Owosso, Michigan

48 months ago

laurie1121 in Kalamazoo, Michigan said: I am currently a home health aide, but would like to obtain my CNA certificate. How and where do I do that in Kalamazoo, MI? Does it have to be online or is there a place I can actually take classes?

Baker College it is a 10 week course I grad. in March---I LOVE IT!!

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Little Bit in Blairsville, Georgia

48 months ago

Host said: How did you get your start doing cna work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?

Do you need a particular educational background?

I stay at home for 6 years as a full time Housewife and a mom. And when CRH offer a CNA training for free I decided to try it. And after 6 weeks of training, I really don;t know what to expect. I got certified 2-14-08. I love my job, it's a rewarding job. And after working for them for 6 months I am planning to apply for there Scholarship program as a LPN.

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dominique in Salem, Oregon

47 months ago

karen in New Haven, Connecticut said: How do you deal with taking care of the dead people. I have been in cna for a while and have yet to do it. I had a bad experience in Texas where they had a woman die over night there where three aides on the floor before I got to work all hiding in rooms and the nurse came to me telling me to take care of it she wouldn't show me what to do granted I was scared she just crossed her legs and arms stood by the door and said do it after going back and forth with her I just left called back when Office people where their but by then they all lied on me.

I use to work at a nursing home, and had never delt with any dead bodies..some how no one ever died on my shift. Then I started working at the hospital, and my first week I had 3 people die. It was really hard at first, but I had very supporting staff, and at the hospital, you have to take out their ivs, give them a quick bath, change them in to a plastic gown, and then roll them in the a plastic bag, close it, roll them on to a metal gurney, and take them down the freezer. So I kinda freaked out a little. The best thing to do, is take a deep breath, have someone with you that is understanding and supportive, and the more you do it, the easier it gets. Im sorry that you had such a bad experience. Good luck.

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fay in Atlanta, Georgia

47 months ago

I became a CNA 8 months ago in FL.Move to Atlanta and have not found a job.Are their any jobs in the Atlanta area?

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Bobby in Sidney, New York

47 months ago

Jim in Canton, Ohio said: Good for you D, home health is something I haven't tried yet.I
just talked to both agencies I work for and was cancelled for tomorrow but they set me up for the next day. It's the nature of working agency. You really like home health do you? Should I try it? J

Hey Jim. Home health is definitely something to try. The catch is though that CNA's have a hard-time, because some states, at least NYS, limit what CNA's can do. I am a CNA, and also a certified Home Health Aide. I can do medications (pills only) in the home, because we had to be med-certified. I love it. I do work in a hospital as well per diem, and I enjoy that as well. I've yet to work in LTC, but am looking to do so. Any advice?

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Jim in Canton, Ohio

47 months ago

Hey Bobby, I have been working with an agency out of Fairlawn, Ohio [third agency] and have a home for MRDD about 5 minutes from my home, love it. I took a 10 hour a week gig and they keep calling me to fill in and a 250 pound client who is very intimidating to every one else is a walk on the beach for me. No one could bath him let alone shave him and he jumps right in the shower for me. They all want to know my "secret" but it is common sense to me [not very common] and I think I've found my calling. The 10 hour a week job is as of today [wednesday] at 32.5 hours. Peace, Jim

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patricia in Brooklyn, New York

46 months ago

I don't have a comment.I really need to find a free cna class in nyc.either a nursing home or a agency .iam in bklyn ny 3 children

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Letty in Maple Shade, New Jersey

45 months ago

Hi, Patricia. Why not apply at one of the 'Home Health Aide' agencies like "Nursefinders"? Some clients don't require "certified' help and you could earn some money to care for your three children and save for a CNA class.

Best of luck. Hope this suggestion helps.

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patricia in Brooklyn, New York

45 months ago

hello thank you but the hha agencies seem to not have anything at the moment in ny.

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d in Denver, Colorado

45 months ago

I don't know if you have any relatives requiring CNA care-in home, but some home health agencies will train you and pay you to care for your loved ones. I believe this can also be covered by a government agency. Any body out there know personally about this? There were some nursing homes in my area that used to train CNAs-I don't know if any do in your area. I hope you keep trying- good CNAs that love their jobs are few and far between.

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REBECCA KEYS in Ellijay, Georgia

44 months ago

Host said: How did you get your start doing cna work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?

Do you need a particular educational background?

I NEED TO FIND CLASSES NEAREST TO ME

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Jessica in Palo Alto, California

44 months ago

CNA's don't get hired in hospitals where I live unless they have like 1 year of working in a nursing home first, which I really haven't. I got my CNA a year ago and have basically been doing home health which is kinda boring but better than working in a skilled nursing facility which I did for a very short time period and hated it.

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Nancy Foster in Dallas, Texas

43 months ago

Does anyone know of a local nursing home offering in-house training?

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Matt in Clarksville, Texas

40 months ago

veronica in Dallas, TX said: i went to school for this recently and i'm just about finished. i 'm doing my extern

If any CNA's are looking in Texas, feel free to email me at mlischmann@pmhealthcare.com.

We run 37 nursing homes in the State of texas, and maybe we have a home near someone?

again feel free to just contact me, and I'll if we have anything.
Thanks!

Matt

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Juan C in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

39 months ago

I just received my license in September and have not found any jobs in Florida. So, I'm going back to NJ. I have done about 7 applications for CNA in South NJ (Egg Harbor Township) within the last 2 weeks. I am probably going to move Thanksgiving week. Does anyone know of any nursing homes or hospitals that is always hiring or recently hiring? If they don't have a website just let me know their name and what city they're located at; and I'll try to contact them. I have already applied to AtlantiCare, Shore Memorial, and a couple other places. I have no experience except working in a hospital as a housekeeping supervisor. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

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Dominique in Salem, Oregon

39 months ago

You should try Odyssey Hospice. They are an awsome company to work for. They pay good, and have really flexible hours. Its so much better than working in a nursing home. you will work your butt off in a nursing home, for pretty much lil pay, and a lot of places very little help.

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justme in Detroit, Michigan

32 months ago

laurie1121 in Kalamazoo, Michigan said: I am currently a home health aide, but would like to obtain my CNA certificate. How and where do I do that in Kalamazoo, MI? Does it have to be online or is there a place I can actually take classes?

if you can afford the drive.. for two weeks you can graduate as a CNA i just did it.. n its awesome .. in detroit on 6 mile n southfield this placecalled health care solutions and career group you can google it or go to healthcaresolutionsandcareergroup.com you can either do mornings n its 8-4 mon-fri or u can do evenings Mon-SAT from 4-1030 but u always get out early.. its fast n easy.. n its 575$ n 150$ down

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sparkygai in Ocala, Florida

31 months ago

karen in New Haven, Connecticut said: How do you deal with taking care of the dead people. I have been in cna for a while and have yet to do it. I had a bad experience in Texas where they had a woman die over night there where three aides on the floor before I got to work all hiding in rooms and the nurse came to me telling me to take care of it she wouldn't show me what to do granted I was scared she just crossed her legs and arms stood by the door and said do it after going back and forth with her I just left called back when Office people where their but by then they all lied on me.

Karen,
What they did to you was very unprofessional. If this happens again, just treat the deceased with the utmost respect. Close the eyes if open, roll a bath towel and place it under her chin. This must be done ASAP or the jaw will remain open. Clean the face, arms, and hands and comb the hair so that family may view her if they wish. The charge Nurse should make any other arrangements. This is an uncomfortable situation, but there is no need to be afraid. Just be professional.

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aretha m in Atlanta, Georgia

29 months ago

hello everyone i feel your pain,i finished a recertification program in august 2008,along with cpr&first aid ,i cannot find a job as of yet i'm upset because the schools get your money upfront and throughout the program but they dont let you know that you want get hired straight out of school you must have 1yr current experience before any hospital hire you.if you know of any hospitals that hire cnas fresh out of school please let me know thanks aretha s

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Banana4life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

17 months ago

I just received my license in June of this year. It been so hard for me find employment as a cna. I have done home health four years before I decided to become a cna. After graduating from my program, I applied to so many companies and hospitals in person and online; only one place told me that I need to have my license for a year. It is so frustrating and very overwhelming, I really believe that it was a waste of time me getting my license as a cna. My result are all gone; is there any other options out there for my.

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bobbyd777 in Bridgeport, Connecticut

17 months ago

I am looking for a qualified CNA to care for my brother who is
a quadriplegic living in Fairfield, CT.

He needs someone that is reliable with good transportation that can work 3 to 4 mornings a week.

The position requires transfering him from bed to wheel chair and
shower and must be familiar with how to do a bowel program.

Please contact me if anyone is interested.
The position pays well beyond minimum wage.

Thank you.

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dee in Fresno, California

17 months ago

i just finished my cna do u guyz kno of any agencyz dat hire if u have no experience

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jdg98 in Vacaville, California

16 months ago

dee in Fresno, California said: i just finished my cna do u guyz kno of any agencyz dat hire if u have no experience

No one will hire you if you can't speak like a mature adult!

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literate person in Saint Paul, Minnesota

15 months ago

d in Fresno, California said: im actually not an adult yet but thanx alot u old fart

And this is why I fear for the future. Anti-intellectualism is glorified and illiteracy and grammar fit for a mentally retarded person is the norm for high school and junior high school kids.

You should be ashamed at how stupid you come across.

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Lucy in Okeechobee, Florida

14 months ago

Ohh God, no jobs in south florida? according some pages that is the better place to find, and pensilvania too.

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jdg98 in Vacaville, California

14 months ago

Wishing you all the best of luck! Its very hard out there. After looking for a job as a CMA for a year, I finally got lucky, soooo very lucky, and found a job as a caregiver, and I LOVE it! If this is what you really want to do, never give up!!

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mhuntah

14 months ago

I DONT KNOW WHAT TO THINK I WANT TO BEE A RN BUT IM N SKOOLN FOR CNA ALL THESE NEGATIVE STUFF YALL SAYN

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