What is the process to start this job?

Question

I would like to be one of those people that take care of the babies in the nurseries. They change their diapers, feed them, check on them, etc. I heard it is called a nurse's assitant in the neonatal department of the hospital. I heard I would have to take a CNA course and then from there I would start the hands on training. The CNA course would teach me how to take care of all kinds of patients. After the course, I start my hands on training and there is when I would be taught specifically in the area I would prefer to work in. I don't know if any of this information is correct so please correct me if I'm wrong. So, how long it takes to get my certification?

I metioned I would like to take care of newborns in the nursery (neonatal department) not older people.

Answer 1

The CNA course is only one semester long (at least here in CA).

After that, the only places that typically hire fresh CNAs are nursing homes. After a few years of experience, you will be able to get a job at a hospital. Even then, you will have to spend your time in the less desirable floors before you can get the most popular positions, like in the nursery.

I hope you know what you are getting into. CNAs do all the dirty work that doctors and nurses would prefer not to do - bathing patients, cleaning up patients who are unable to control their bowels, etc. It is rewarding work, if you want to take care of people and have a strong stomach.

Edit: My point is that you will need several years of experience before you work in the most popular positions, like in the nursery, because there are so many people that want to work there, and not enough jobs for everyone who wants to. On the other hand, there are lots of jobs taking care of old people, which is where you will have to get experience first. When you take your CNA class, you most likely will be learning your skills in a nursing home.

I'm not trying to give you misinformation. I just want you to know what you are getting into. There are far more old people in nursing homes and hospitals, then there are babies in nurseries.