Dear Cindy – CNA Student

I have worked in a daycare for eight years. I really love working with babies, but daycare doesn't pay enough money. I am currently taking classes to get my CNA. I have been wanting to find out what I need to do to work in a hospital nursery. I really think this is what I want for my career. Any information you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

CNA Student

First of all, complete your CNA certificate. While some CNA jobs require previous experience (usually six months to one year), others will take new graduates. And for any CNA position, the usual basic requirements are a high school diploma, a CNA certificate, and CPR certification.

Your eight years of experience in providing infant and childcare as a daycare worker will help you to get a nursery or pediatric job. In your résumé and cover letter, provide details about the experience you gained in providing personal and/or daily living care for infants and young children. Especially, if any of the children you worked with had special needs (e.g., physical/mental challenges, severe allergies, on medications), discuss them.

And if while you're working as a CNA you decide that nursing is your calling, look into what financial aid opportunities are available for scholarships or loans to help you complete an Associate's degree, which would take two to three years, or a Bachelor's degree, which would take four. After all, you'll make a lot more money. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly salary for a nursing aide/attendant for 2004 was $10.09. Based on a 40-hour workweek, this is $20,987.20 per year. However, the median annual salary for a registered nurse for 2004 was $52,330!

Good luck!